The Effect of Seasonal Vegetation Changes on Habitat Suitability and Predation Risk of the Vancouver Island Marmot
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Issue Date
2024
Editor
Authors
Kobetitch, Julia
License
Subject
School of environment and sustainability
Abstract
Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis) are a critically endangered species with a small and fragmented population. They live in subalpine meadows, exclusively on Vancouver Island, Canada, but will also colonize logged habitats at lower elevations, which become population sinks for the species. Tree encroachment and vegetation shifts in these habitats are likely affecting seasonal vegetation cover and reducing the ability of marmots to visually detect predators, thereby increasing their risk of predation. Most marmot mortalities occur during the late summer, which may be related to peak vegetation growth during that period. This study assessed how these seasonal changes to vegetation in Vancouver Island marmot habitat is affecting habitat suitability and predation risk and involved the quantitative analysis of field data collected at the Mt. Washington marmot colony. Seasonal growth of herbaceous plant species significantly decreased line of sight visibility throughout active periods, likely decreasing marmots’ ability to detect predators. Climate change and shifts in alpine ecosystems are expected to reduce suitable habitat and increase predation risk for this threatened species.
Description
2024