The V.I. Marmot is arguably the rarest mammal (it is a full species) in
North America, and perhaps the world, with about 20 left in the wild,
but several promising captive breeding programs. Recent findings
indicate survivorship in the wild is declining, and the main culprit is
thought to be wolves and cougars, though eagles are predators too. The
media have not picked that one up yet. So the marmot situation is very
critical.

The concern I think about the eagle situation is more that the process
was done essentially secretly, and there are other options. A friend
has also pointed out that there are probably few species recovery
programs that do NOT have a predator control component (Brown-headed
Cowbird and Kirtland's Warbler is one).

What is not being highlighted by the media reports (though some refer
to it) is that clearcutting is what has caused this situation to
develop. Ironically, in some marmot areas, the clearcuts will now be
left to regenerate, which will in time buffer the marmots from some of
these predators - at least until they are cut again. Meanwhile, we
continue to think we can solve the problem through management.

Pogo was right when he said, "We have met the enemy, and he is us."

Bruce Whittington
Ladysmith, BC
mailto: fieldnat at pacificcoast.net