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ESCAPE FROM EXTINCTION CONTINUES FOR CANADA’S MOST ENDANGERED ANIMAL

- NEWS RELEASE - June 14, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ESCAPE FROM EXTINCTION CONTINUES FOR CANADA’S MOST ENDANGERED ANIMAL – THE VANCOUVER ISLAND MARMOT – AS RECORD NUMBER OF LITTERS OF NEW PUPS BORN; AT LEAST 16 LITTERS IN 4 BREEDING CENTRES ACROSS CANADA VANCOUVER – Canada’s most endangered animal continues its successful escape from extinction again in 2007, with a record 16 litters of new Vancouver Island marmot pups being counted in four breeding centres across the country. The Marmot Recovery Foundation says today that the litters may also produce a record number of new marmot pups – as many as 65 are possible – but that it’s too early to count them. And Foundation scientific advisor Andrew Bryant says he’s hopeful for a healthy survival rate and new births among the roughly 55 to 65 marmots remaining in the wild. “We’re thrilled to have a record number of marmot pup litters because it’s literally a question of life and death for Canada’s most endangered animal,” Bryant said. “Without new pups born in our captive breeding program centres, this species would be headed for extinction.” Bryant said the Vancouver Island marmot, unique to its natural wild mountain habitat west of Nanaimo, B.C. and nowhere else, has been making a steady recovery since almost disappearing just a few years ago. “Thanks to huge support for the Vancouver Island marmot from the public, government and corporate donors, we have a remarkably successful captive breeding program,” Bryant said. “Only four years ago there were less than 100 marmots left in the world but today we believe the total in the wild and in captivity will probably be between 245 and 265 with the new births. That’s fantastic.” Malcolm McAdie, the Marmot Recovery Foundation’s captive breeding specialist, said seven releases of marmots back into the wild will take place at six locations starting in July. “All of our success in breeding marmot pups is focused on returning them to the wild until the day that the species can once again live on its own without our help,” McAdie said. “We are making great progress at restoring a species that almost disappeared.” McAdie gave details of the count of at least 16 and possibly 18 marmot pup litters at the following captive breeding centres: o Toronto – 2 to possibly 4 litters o Devonian Wildlife Centre, Calgary – 5 litters (the first litters they have had since 2004). o Mountain View Conservation Centre, Langley – 3 litters o Mount Washington – 6 litters McAdie said the success of the marmot recovery program would not be possible without a unique partnership between the British Columbia and federal governments, the forest industry, universities, zoos, a private conservation centre and over 11,000 individual members of the public who have contributed to the Marmot Recovery Foundation. For more information contact: Malcolm McAdie at 250-714-5955 or Andrew Bryant at 250-754-1356 or Robert Huber, Marmot Recovery Foundation Executive Director at 604-408-5266 or Bill Tieleman, West Star Communications, at 604-844-7827 or cell 778-896-0964. Visit www.marmots.org for more information.

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