Retrospective analysis of hibernation parameters and breeding success in captive Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis): 1997–2018

Abstract

Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis) have been managed in a captive-breeding program since 1997, as in situ conservation efforts were insufficient in raising the numbers of this critically endangered species. The success of captive-breeding programs centers on sustainable reproduction and survival of individuals once released into the wild. Captive-born Vancouver Island marmots re-Hibernation is an ecological trait allowing many species of mammals to reside year-round in highly variable seasonal climates (Arnold, 2019;Ruf & Geiser, 2015). The ability to hibernate or decrease metabolic rate may play a role in increasing population and species survival (Turbill et al., 2011) by providing temporary shelter from periods of low resource availability or unfavorable environmental conditions (Liow et al., 2008). Animals exhibiting behaviors such as hibernation, torpor, and dormancy, as well as the use of burrows or tunnels, are underrepresented in the high-risk International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categories,

Factors Associated with Reproductive Success in Captive Vancouver Island Marmots (Marmota vancouverensis)

“…Vancouver Island marmots were housed at four captive breeding facilities between 2000 and 2021: Toronto Zoo, Calgary Zoo, Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Centre, and the Tony Barrett Mt Washington Marmot Recovery Centre. All animals were managed collaboratively among the captive breeding facilities via a common protocol developed by the Captive Management Group and described by Aymen et al [14]. Data on breeding pair success were obtained from the Vancouver Island marmot studbook [12] from the first year of successful breeding in captivity (2000) to 2021.…”

Comparison of blood leptin and vitamin E and blood and adipose fatty acid compositions in wild and captive populations of critically endangered Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis)

“…Since 1997, VIMs have been managed in a captivebreeding program in parallel with in-situ conservation efforts (Bryant, 2005). In captive VIMs, weight (Aymen et al, 2021) and body condition indices are significantly higher than in wild-born marmots in most age groups. These indices indicate that captive marmots have increased adiposity compared to wild marmots.…”