Groundhogs are in same family as most critically endangered animal in Canada
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Monday, February 2, 2015, Toronto, Ontario: On
a very snowy Groundhog Day, there is a silver lining around those
snow-filled clouds. Toronto Zoo's groundhog "Fiddles" has predicted that
we will welcome an early spring this year.
Media were on hand at the
Zoo this morning as "Fiddles", allowing her appetite to direct her
weather prediction, predicted when winter will end. "Fiddles" chose
between two signs which stated the weather forecasts, each with
"Fiddles'" favourite treat of corn, banana, dandelions, lettuce,
yams and apple.
Just after 10:30 am this morning, "Fiddles" officially
predicted that we can get ready to pack up our winter wardrobes! CLICK HERE to see a video of "Fiddles" making her prediction.
On another important note
(other than spring is coming early!), the groundhog is in the same
family as the Vancouver Island marmot (VIM), one of the most critically
endangered animals in the world, and is Canada's MOST endangered mammal.
The Toronto Zoo has been involved in the conservation of these rare
animals since 1996, when it was first approached by the Marmot Recovery
Foundation to begin a captive breeding and release program.
Within the
last 18 years, the entire VIM population had plummeted by 80%. Because
of significant captive breeding efforts, including the Toronto Zoo's,
the wild population has steadily grown. The Toronto Zoo has also
been involved in many research projects to help increase our
understanding of this unique mammal and has spearheaded studies on
mating behaviour, pup development and hormone analysis for monitoring
reproductive cycles of breeding females. This information is vital to
ensure that the VIM experiences a triumphant return to the wild.
"The
VIM is one of the rarest mammals in North America with the wild
population being as low as 25-30 individuals. Captive breeding and
reintroduction has been crucial in preventing this species from becoming
extinct," says Maria Franke, Curator of Mammals, Toronto Zoo. "There
have been a total of 551 weaned pups since the first pups were born in
captivity in 2000. This captive success has allowed 453 marmots to be
released back into the wild and now the wild population is estimated
at 212 to 277 animals. This is a huge step in the right direction in
saving this truly Canadian species," says Franke.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists the VIM (Marmota vancouverensis)
as critically endangered. This is a result of habitat alternation due
to human activity. Clear-cutting practices are affecting wild dispersal,
predator/prey relations, and climate change is impacting their
subalpine habitat on Vancouver Island, B.C.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Toronto Zoo's Vancouver Island Marmot Captive Breeding Program.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Vancouver Island Marmot.
The
Toronto Zoo is Canada's premier zoo and a leader in animal preservation
and environmental protection. More than a tourist attraction, the
Toronto Zoo boasts a number of leading programs for helping wildlife and
their natural habitats – from species reintroduction to reproductive
research. A world-class educational centre for people of all ages, the
Toronto Zoo is open every day except December 25 and attracts
approximately 1.3 million visitors each year.
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Toronto
Zoo is accredited by CAZA (Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums).
Look for this logo whenever you visit a Canadian zoo as your assurance
that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care
for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all
living things. For more information, visit caza.ca.
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