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Hunters inspired modern interest in marmots. The BC government became involved quickly, as did Doug Heard from UBC, who studied marmots in 1973-74.

The "VI Marmot Preservation Committee" was formed and began population surveys in 1979. Bob Milko from UVic began his study of vegetation in marmot habitat in 1981.

There was considerable debate over population trends and sizes. Lack of knowledge was a primary factor in listing the species as endangered. In reality, nobody knew how many marmots existed.