We analysed historic records and annual counts to assess the population status of Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis). Since 1972, marmots have been found at 47 sites on 15 mountains. All but 2 colonies were located within 5 adjacent watersheds on south-central Vancouver Island. Counts underestimated actual marmot abundance. For most site–year combinations, observers probably counted 66–78% of adults and 75–89% of juveniles. Reproductive colonies typically contained fewer than 5 adults ([Formula: see text], SE = 0.61, n = 34). Most animals were found at elevations above 1000 m (81%), on south- to west-facing slopes (74%). After 1981, marmots colonized 11 habitats created by logging of forests above 700 m. Numbers of adults were above average (134–147%) during the early 1980s and have been near or below average since 1990 (58–99%). The current (1995) population contains 100–200 animals, including 50–100 animals in logged habitats. Marmota vancouverensis is rare primarily because of the small size and patchy distribution of natural subalpine meadows on Vancouver Island. The species is apparently adapted to a metapopulation life-style, in which a network of small colonies exhibit population fluctuations, local extinctions and recolonizations over time.

A simple difference equation model was used to provide a perspective on demographic changes in a Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) population prior to and during wolf (Canis lupus) control on northern Vancouver Island. The model reconstructed spring (pre-fawning) deer numbers and adult survival rates from an annual abundance index, the proportion of the population consisting of juveniles 10–11 months of age, and hunter harvest. The actual (λ) and potential (λp, in the absence of hunting) rates of deer population change, adult nonhunting survival (Sn), adult hunting mortality (Mh) and recruitment (R) rates were estimated for three growth periods: (1) predecline (1970–1976), wolf numbers low but increasing, λ = 1.02, λp = 1.13, Sn = 0.90, Mh = 0.09, R = 0.22; (2) decline (1976–1983), wolves abundant, λ = 0.81, λp = 0.85, Sn = 0.76, Mh = 0.05, R = 0.09; and (3) recovery (1983–1990), wolves reduced, λ = 1.17, λp = 1.24, Sn = 0.94, Mh = 0.03, R = 0.23. The recruitment (Rs) required to balance adult mortality (λ = 1.00) was ~16%. Sensitivity analyses using plausible extremes in demographic rates suggested that changes in juvenile survival had the greatest impact on recruitment. Rate of population change appeared to be most sensitive to juvenile survival and adult nonhunting survival.