| Vancouver Island marmot on the rocks
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| Investigators |
| Dr. Andrew A. Bryant, Marmot Recovery Foundation
Dr. Luise Kruckenhauser, Institute for Medical Biology, Vienna, Austria
Monique Raap, Nanaimo Fisheries Lab
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What is the Issue? |
| CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES |
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The total population of Vancouver Island Marmots has declined dangerously to number fewer than 100 individuals who are confined to less than a dozen mountain areas. An ambitious recovery programme is now underway which emphasizes captive breeding combined with reintroduction to the wild to address this situation. A DNA-based study of genetic variation in the species will enable researchers to interpret natural dispersal patterns which may have been affected by forestry machinations, and to minimize the potential for inbreeding depression in the species. Results from the study will serve to underpin current strategies for conservation of the species.
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What is our goal? |
| CONSERVATION OF THE SPECIES, RETENTION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND GENETIC FINGERPRINTING OF REMAINING INDIVIDUALS.
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| Assay of within-colony and between-colony genetic variation in Vancouver Island Marmots. |
Where we currently stand. |
| The study commenced in November, 2000 with DNA extraction and sequencing being carried out in the lab under the direction of a specialist. Genetic fingerprinting of up to 90 individuals is being undertaken and results will aid in helping to design appropriate housing and breeding strategies for the conservation of the species. Data collection complete - manuscript(s) pending. |
You can help this project - find out how. |
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