Montague Island marmot: a conservation assessment [La marmotte de l’île de Montague : une évaluation de la conservation].

Résumé

Hoary marmots, Marmota caligata sheldoni, island endemics, Montague Island, Montague Island marmot, taxonomy. The hoary marmot from Montague Island, southcentral Alaska, was classified as a distinct subspecies based on smaller size and skull characteristics relative to other island and mainland populations. The taxonomic validity of the Montague Island marmot Marmota caligata sheldoni) is questionable as conclusions were based on the analysis of no more than eight specimens. With the exception of one relatively recent sight record, Montague Island marmots have not been reported or collected since the early 1900s. A conservation concern exists, particularly owing to the unknown population status and questionable taxonomy of this island endemic subspecies that may be negatively affected by land management practices.