VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Island marmot is continuing its escape from extinction with a record number of litters of new pups being born in four breeding centres across Canada.
The Marmot Recovery Foundation says 15 litters have been counted in 2007, with the possibility of as many 60 pups. Foundation scientific adviser 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.
He says the Vancouver Island marmot, unique to its natural wild mountain habitat west of Nanaimo, B.C., has been making a steady recovery since almost disappearing just a few years ago.
Only four years ago, scientists believed there were fewer than 100 marmots left in the world - but today the total in the wild and in captivity will be between 245 and 265 with the new births.
"It's literally a question of life and death for Canada's most endangered animal," he said Monday. "Without new pups born in our captive breeding program centres, this species would be headed for extinction."
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," he said.
"We are making great progress at restoring a species that almost disappeared."
