A foundation trying to save a critically endangered species is celebrating a marmot milestone. The Marmot Recovery Foundation announced on its social media page that the population of the Vancouver Island species has reached a new high of 427 marmots. When its team first began releasing marmots to the wild in 2003, there were just 22 remaining, and its statement says there was a lot of doubt that the species could be saved. …The Vancouver Island marmot is considered one of Canada’s most endangered species, and the rodent has five distinct whistles or trills they use, more than any other species. …The Marmot Recovery Foundation was founded in 1998 with the goal of saving the animals from extinction through captive breeding, reintroduction and habitat restoration.