Mammals of BC 2019

Recent genetic work on mammals has resulted in changes to species recognition.  In BC, this has affected species recognized in the province.  An updated list of mammals of BC is being prepared by mammal expert Dave Nagorsen.  According to Nagorsen (pers. comm. 2019) some of the coming changes include splitting of water shrews, dusky shrews and flying squirrels into two species.  We also now recognize two species of martens in BC, American Marten (Martes americana) in eastern BC and Pacific Marten (Martes caurina) in western BC.  Animals found in between may be either species, or hybrids.   Watch for the new checklist to learn more.  Thanks to Dave Nagorsen for providing this information.