The Vancouver Island Marmot is one of the most endangered species of mammal in North America. The entire population was estimated to number approximately 70 animals in the fall of 1999, with 43 remaining in the wild and 27 in captivity.
Marmots reside in alpine and subalpine areas of central Vancouver Island.
Most, if not all, of the Marmot's habitat is BC Crown or provincially regulated land including forestry lands, and thus its conservation falls under the lead jurisdiction of the provincial Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. Environment Canada has been a participant on the Recovery Team since it was established, and has assisted with the development of the Recovery Plan as well as with the recently updated version. Reasons for the decline remain unclear. Habitat modification as a result of logging in the area, increased predation, and disease have all been implicated. In June 1999 Environment Canada hosted an International Workshop for the Conservation of the Vancouver Island Marmot to encourage furthering and sharing research regarding the Marmot.