The Prioritized Candidate Species List

Candidate Wildlife Species

September 2, 2010

Part 1: Overview

Part 2: The Species Specialist Subcommittees’ (SSC) Candidate Lists

Amphibians
Arthropods

Birds
Fishes (freshwater)

Fishes (marine)
Lichens

Mammals (marine)
Mammals (terrestrial)

Molluscs
Mosses

Reptiles
Vascular Plants

Part 3: The COSEWIC Candidate List

Part 1: Overview

Many species in Canada have not yet been assessed by COSEWIC, but are suspected of being at some risk of extinction or extirpation. These species, referred to as ‘candidate wildlife species’ are identified by the Species Specialist Subcommittees (SSCs) or by the Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK) Subcommittee as candidates for detailed status assessment. Candidates may also include wildlife species already assessed by COSEWIC as Not at Risk or Data Deficient, but where new information suggests they may be at risk.

SSC and ATK Subcommittee members use their expert knowledge and judgment to identify candidate wildlife species. They draw on numerous sources of information including (where available) the General Status of Wild Species in Canada Program, information drawn from other multi-jurisdictional monitoring, jurisdictional and international assessment processes (e.g. IUCN and ABI) and published ranking systems in the scientific literature. As time and resources allow, COSEWIC will commission status reports for high priority candidate wildlife species so that an assessment can be undertaken.

Status reports are commissioned by COSEWIC through an open competition. A Call for Bids is periodically posted on this website both for selected candidate species, and also for species already assessed by COSEWIC that require a reassessment. You can register to be notified when new Calls for Bids are posted on the website.

For more information on candidate wildlife species, visit the COSEWIC's Assessment Process and Criteria.

The Species Specialist Subcommittees’ Candidate Lists

Each SSC annually prepares and maintains a SSC candidate list of wildlife species that it considers at risk of extinction or extirpation nationally. Species on the SSC candidate lists are ranked into three priority groups by the SSCs to reflect the relative urgency with which each wildlife species should receive a COSEWIC assessment. Group 1 contains wildlife species of highest priority for assessment by COSEWIC, and includes wildlife species suspected to be extirpated from Canada. Groups 2 and 3 contain wildlife species that are of intermediate and lower priority for COSEWIC assessment, respectively. Rationales for inclusion of wildlife species on the SSC candidate lists differ among the taxonomic groups considered by COSEWIC, reflecting the vast differences in their life history, and differences in our knowledge about the species.

Candidate wildlife species included in the SSC candidate lists are listed in Part 2. The provinces or territories marked with † represent areas where the wildlife species is especially at risk. The candidate wildlife species marked with an asterisk (*) will appear on the next Call for Bids.

The COSEWIC Candidate List

The highest priority wildlife species from the SSC candidate lists are reviewed and ranked by COSEWIC, and result in the COSEWIC Candidate List. COSEWIC bases its ranking on prioritization data submitted by each SSC (Prioritization Criteria developed by COSEWIC for ranking wildlife species). The COSEWIC Candidate List identifies the highest priority candidate wildlife species for status report production. Wildlife species included in this List include those not yet assessed by COSEWIC and those in the Not at Risk or Data Deficient categories, where new information suggests they may be at risk of extinction or extirpation from Canada.

Wildlife species marked with one asterisk (*) will appear on the Fall 2010 Call for Bids whereas those marked with two asterisks (**) will appear on the Fall 2011 Call for Bids.

Part 2: The Species Specialist Subcommittees’ (SSC) Candidate Lists

Scientific name	Common name	Range in Canada
Amphibians (27)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Ambystoma gracile	Northwestern Salamander	BC
Aneides vagrans *	Wandering Salamander	BC
Hyla chrysoscelis	Cope's Grey Treefrog	MB
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Ambystoma maculatum	Spotted Salamander	MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Bufo hemiophrys	Canadian Toad	NT, AB, SK, MB
Ensatina eschscholtzii	Ensatina	BC
Hyla versicolor	Gray Treefrog	MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Lithobates catesbeianus	American Bullfrog	ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Lithobates septentrionalis	Mink Frog	ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Necturus maculosus	Mudpuppy	MB, ON, QC
Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens	Red-spotted Newt	ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Plethodon cinereus	Eastern Red-backed Salamander	ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Rana luteiventris	Columbia Spotted Frog	YT, BC, AB
Rana palustris	Pickerel Frog	ON, QC, NB, NS
Spea bombifrons	Plains Spadefoot	AB, SK, MB
Taricha granulosa	Rough-skinned Newt	BC
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
Ambystoma laterale	Blue-spotted Salamander	MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Ambystoma macrodactylum	Long-toed Salamander	BC, AB
Anaxyrus americanus	American Toad	NU, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Eurycea bislineata	Northern Two-lined Salamander	ON, QC, NL
Hemidactylium scutatum	Four-toed Salamander	ON, QC, NB, NS
Lithobates clamitans	Green Frog	ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Lithobates sylvaticus	Wood Frog	YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Plethodon vehiculum	Western Red-backed Salamander	BC
Pseudacris crucifer	Spring Peeper	MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Pseudacris maculata	Boreal Chorus Frog	YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC
Pseudacris regilla	Pacific Treefrog	BC
Arthropods (79)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Argia vivida	Vivid Dancer	BC, AB
Bembidion lachnophoroides	[A Carabid Beetle]	AB
Bombus ashtoni *	Ashton Cuckoo Bumble Bee	YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Campsomeris pilipes	Scoliid Wasp	BC
Coccinella novemnotata	Nine-spotted Lady Beetle	BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Ephemera guttulata	Eastern Green Drake Mayfly	ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Hemileuca nuttalli	Nuttall's Sheep Moth	BC
Hesperia colorado oregonia *	Western Branded Skipper	BC
Hexura picea	[A Midget Funnel-web Tarantula]	BC
Hydroporus carri	Carr’s Diving Beetle	AB
Ips woodi	[A bark beetle]	BC, AB
Megathymus streckeri	Strecker's Giant Skipper	AB
Metrius contractus contractus	Contracted Bombing Beetle	BC
Octogomphus specularis	Grappletail	BC
Omus audouini **	Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle	BC
Psilochorus hesperus **	[A pholcid cellar spider]	BC
Sphodros niger	[Atypid Purseweb Spider]	ON
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Agabus margaretae	Margaret's Diving Beetle	AB, SK
Anisota manitobensis	Manitoba Oakworm Moth	MB
Arctia brachyptera	Kluane Tiger Moth	YT
Bombus fervidus	Yellow Bumble Bee	ON
Coleotechnites lewisi	[A moth]	AB
Dicromantispa sayi	[A mantidfly]	ON
Erythrodiplax berenice	Seaside Dragonlet	NS
Euphydryas anicia bernadetta	Anicia Checkerspot	AB, SK
Euphydryas editha hutchinsi	Edith’s Checkerspot	AB, SK
Gomphus abbreviatus	Spine-crowned Clubtail	NB, NS
Hemileuca nevadensis	Nevada Buckmoth	SK, MB, AB
Lasiopogon pacificus	[A robber fly]	BC
Microhexura idahoana	[A diplurid funnel webspider]	BC
Nicocles rufus	[A robber fly]	BC
Rhionaeschna mutata	Spatterdock Darner	ON, NS
Speyeria mormonia	Mormon Fritillary	BC
Stichopogon fragilis	[A robber fly]	BC
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
Agabus immaturus	[A diving beetle]	NB
Anacampsis lupinella	Lupine Leafroller	ON
Antrodiaetus cerberus	[An antrodiaetid folding door spider]	BC
Areniscythris saskatchewan	Saskatchewan Dune Scythrid	SK
Callophrys johnsoni	Johnson’s Hairstreak	BC
Callophrys mossii	Moss’s Elfin	BC
Carabus vinctus	[A carabid beetle]
Celithemis martha	Martha's Pennant	NB, NS
Chlosyne hoffmanni	Hoffmann’s Checkerspot	BC
Cicindela cuprascens	Coppery Tiger Beetle	MB
Cicindela hirticollis athabascensis Graves	Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle	AB, SK
Cicindela hirticollis couleensis	Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle	BC, AB
Cicindela hirticollis rhodensis	Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle	ON, QC, NB, NS, NL
Cicindela hirticollis shelfordi	Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle	AB, SK, MB
Cicindela lepida	Ghost Tiger Beetle	AB, SK, MB
Coleophora manitoba	[A Casebearer Moth]	MB
Coleophora ramitella	[A Casebearer moth]	ON
Coreorgonal petulcus	[An erigonine dwarf spider]	BC
Cupido comyntas	Eastern Tailed Blue (British Columbia population)	BC
Dicaelus purpuratus	[A carabid beetle]	ON
Erora laeta	Early Hairstreak	ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Erynnis propertius	Propertius Duskywing	BC
Euphilotes ancilla	Rocky Mountain Dotted Blue	AB, SK
Geolycosa spp.	[Burrowing wolf spiders]	AB, SK, MB, ON, QC
Heterosternuta allegheniansus	[A diving beetle]	QC, NB
Heterosternuta chocheconis	[A diving beetle]	QC, NB
Hydrocollis filiolus	[A diving beetle]	QC, NB
Lycaena editha	Edith's Copper	BC, AB
Neoporus blanchardi	[A diving beetle]	NS
Neoporus dilatatus	[A diving beetle]	ON, QC, NB, NS
Neoporus tennetum	[A diving beetle]	ON
Neurocordulia michaeli	Broadtailed Shadowdragon	ON, NB
Oeneis bore gaspeensis	Gaspé Arctic	QC
Okanagana synodica	Walking Cicada	AB
Papilio machaon pikei	Pike’s Old World Swallowtail	AB, BC
Pardosa pedia	[A wolf spider]	SK
Polites sabuleti	Sandhill Skipper	BC
Schizocosa cespitum	[A wolf spider]	SK
Siphlonica aerodromia	[A mayfly]	QC, NB, NS, NL
Speyeria egleis	Great Basin Fritillary	AB
Speyeria zerene bremnerii	Bremner's Zerene Fritillary	BC
Strictotarsus minipi	[A diving beetle]	NL
Stylurus plagiatus	Russet-tipped Clubtail	ON
Tachysphex pechumani	Antenna-waving Wasp	ON
Usofila pacifica	[A telemid spider]	BC
Birds (23)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Aechmophorus occidentalis **	Western Grebe	BC, AB, SK, MB
Coccothraustes vespertinus	Evening Grosbeak	YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Contopus virens *	Eastern Wood-Pewee	SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Hylocichla mustelina *	Wood Thrush	ON, QC, NB, NS
Phalaropus lobatus **	Red-necked Phalarope	YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, NL
Ptychoramphus aleuticus **	Cassin's Auklet	BC
Riparia riparia *	Bank Swallow	YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Ammodramus savannarum	Grasshopper Sparrow	BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC
Arenaria interpres morinella	Ruddy Turnstone, morinella subspecies	YT, NT, NU
Catharus minimus minimus	Gray-cheeked Thrush minimus subspecies	NL
Falco sparverius	American Kestrel	YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Megaceryle alcyon	Belted Kingfisher	YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Spizella pusilla	Field Sparrow	SK, ON, QC
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
Aythya affinis	Lesser Scaup	YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, NL
Aythya marila	Greater Scaup	YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Charadrius vociferus	Killdeer	YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Phalaropus fulicarius	Red Phalarope	YT, NT, NU, BC, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, NL
Pluvialis dominica	American Golden-Plover	YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Pluvialis squatarola cynosura	Black-bellied Plover, cynosura subspecies	NT, NU
Poecile hudsonica	Boreal Chickadee	YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Somateria spectabilis	King Eider	YT, NT, NU, MB, ON, QC, NB, NL
Tyrannus tyrannus	Eastern Kingbird	NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Zonotrichia querula	Harris's Sparrow	NT, NU, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON
Fishes (freshwater) (33)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Acrocheilus alutaceus	Chiselmouth	BC†
Coregonus pidschian	Humpback Whitefish	YT†
Hybognathus hankinsoni	Brassy Minnow	BC†, AB, SK†, MB, ON, QC†
Lepomis megalotis	Longear Sunfish	ON†, QC†
Moxostoma erythrurum	Golden Redhorse	MB†, ON
Oncorhynchus mykiss **	Rainbow Trout (Alberta populations)	AB† (AB Native Population as DU Only)
Percina shumardi	River Darter	MB†, ON†
Pimephales notatus	Bluntnose Minnow	MB†, ON, QC
Prosopium coulterii	Pygmy Whitefish	YT†, NT, BC, AB†
Stenodus leucichthys	Inconnu	YT, NT†, BC†
Thymallus arcticus	Arctic Grayling	YT†, NT†, NU†, BC†, AB†, SK, MB
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Ameiurus natilis	Yellow Bullhead	ON, QC†
Carpiodes cyprinus	Quillback	AB†, SK†, MB†, ON, QC†
Coregonus artedi	Cisco (Lake Herring)	NT, NU, BC†, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC (BC Population as Distinct DU Only)
Coregonus autumnalis	Arctic Cisco	YT, NT†, NU†, BC†
Coregonus nasus	Broad Whitefish	YT, NT, NU, BC†
Coregonus sardinella	Least Cisco	YT, NT†, NU†, BC†
Coregonus sp.	Opeongo Lake Whitefish	ON†
Cottus cognatus	Slimy Sculpin	YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE†, NL (PE Population as DU Only)
Esox niger	Chain Pickerel	QC†
Etheostoma caeruleum	Rainbow Darter	ON, QC†
Hybognathus regius	Eastern Silvery Minnow	ON†, QC
Lepomis macrochirus	Bluegill	MB†, ON, QC
Moxostoma anisurum	Silver Redhorse	AB, SK†, MB, ON, QC†
Moxostoma valenciennesi	Greater Redhorse	ON†, QC†
Nocomis biguttatus	Hornyhead Chub	MB†, ON
Notropis blennius	River Shiner	AB†, SK†, MB†
Notropis buchanani	Ghost Shiner	ON†
Notropis heterodon	Blackchin Shiner	MB†, ON, QC
Notropis rubellus	Rosyface Shiner	ON, QC†
Noturus flavus	Stonecat	AB, SK†, MB, ON, QC†
Noturus miurus	Brindled Madtom	ON†
Ptychocheilus oregonensis	Northern Pikeminnow	BC†, AB†
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
No candidates currently listed
Fishes (marine) (18)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Oncorhynchus mykiss	Steelhead	BC
Oncorhynchus nerka	Sockeye salmon	YT, BC
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha	Chinook salmon	YT, BC, Pacific Ocean
Zoarces americanus	Ocean Pout	NS, NL
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Alosa pseudoharengus	Alewife	Atlantic Ocean
Alosa sapidissima	American shad	BC, QC, NB, NS, NL, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean
Bathyraja spinicauda	Spinytail skate	NU, NS, NL, Atlantic Ocean
Hypomesus pretiosus	Surf Smelt	BC, Pacific Ocean
Mallotus villosus	Capelin	Atlantic Ocean
Melanogrammus aeglefinus	Haddock	Atlantic Ocean
Notacanthus chemnitzi	Spiny Eel	Atlantic Ocean
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha	Pink Salmon	BC, Pacific Ocean
Oncorhynchus keta	Chum Salmon	BC, Pacific Ocean
Oncorhynchus kisutch	Coho Salmon	BC, Pacific Ocean
Pollachius virens	Pollock	NB, NS, NL, Atlantic Ocean
Sebastes entomelas	Widow Rockfish	BC, Pacific Ocean
Sebastes flavidus	Yellowtail Rockfish	BC, Pacific Ocean
Sebastolobus alascanus	Shortspine Thornyhead	BC, Pacific Ocean
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
No candidates currently listed
Lichens (5)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Anzia colpodes	Black-foam lichen	ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Pannaria lurida	Wrinkled Shingle	NB, NS, NL
Peltigera hydrothyria *	Waterfan Lichen	BC, QC, NB, NS
Ramalina sinensis	Burning Bush (Fan ramalina)	BC, MB
Sticta limbata	Powdered Moon Lichen	BC, NB, NS
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
No candidates currently listed
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
No candidates currently listed
Mammals (marine) (8)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus **	Atlantic Walrus	NU, MB, QC, NS, NL
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Pusa hispida	Ringed Seal	NT, NU, Arctic Ocean
Ziphius cavirostris	Cuvier’s Beaked Whale	Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
Cystophora cristata	Hooded Seal	Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean
Lagenorhynchus obliquidens	Pacific White-sided Dolphin	Pacific Ocean
Mirounga angustirostris	Northern Elephant Seal	BC, Pacific Ocean
Phoca groenlandica	Harp Seal	Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean
Physeter macrocephalus	Sperm Whale	Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean
Mammals (terrestrial) (2)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
No candidates currently listed
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Puma concolor couguar	Eastern Cougar	ON, QC, NB, NS
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
Perognathus parvus	Great Basin Pocket Mouse	BC
Molluscs (40)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Allogona profunda **	Broad-banded Forestsnail	ON
Fisherola nuttalli *	Shortface Lanx	BC
Micromenetus dilatatus	Bugle Sprite	NS
Obliquaria reflexa *	Threehorn Wartyback	ON
Staala gwaii *	Haida Gwaii Slug	BC
Toxolasma parvum *	Lilliput	ON
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Anguispira kochi kochi	Banded Globe (Eastern population)	ON
Birgella subglobosa	Globe Slitsnail	MB, ON, QC
Fluminicola fuscus	Ashy Pebblesnail	BC
Inflectarius inflectus	Shagreen	ON
Kootenaia burkei	Pygmy Slug	BC
Mesodon clausus	Yellow Goblet	ON
Physella gyrina athearni	Blunt Albino Physa	AB
Physella nuttalli	Nuttall Physa	BC
Pisidium cruciatum	Ornamented Peaclam	ON
Planorbella corpulenta corpulenta	Capacious Ramshorn corpulenta subspecies	MB
Planorbella corpulenta whiteavesi	Capacious Ramshorn whiteavesi subspecies	MB, ON
Solemya borealis	Boreal Awning-clam	Atlantic Ocean
Stagnicola kennicotti	Western Arctic Stagnicola	NT, NU
Valvata sincera ontariensis	Loosely-coiled Valve Snail	ON
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
Gastrocopta corticaria	Bark Snaggletooth	ON, QC, NB
Glyphyalinia luticola	Furrowed Glyph	ON
Helisoma anceps royalense	Lake Superior Ramshorn	MB, ON
Lasmigona costata	Fluted Shell	MB, ON, QC
Leptodea ochracea	Tidewater Mucket	NB, NS
Margaritifera margaritifera	Eastern Pearl Mussel	QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Megapallifera mutabilis	Changeable Mantleslug	ON
Physella columbiana	Rotund Physa	BC
Physella concolor	Haldeman Physa	BC
Physella hordacea	Grain Physa	BC
Physella latchfordi	Latchford's Physa	ON, QC
Physella lordi	Twisted Physa	BC, AB
Pisidium insigne	Tiny peaclam	BC, AB, ON, PE
Pomatiopsis lapidaria	Slender Walker	ON
Quadrula pustulosa	Pimpleback	ON
Stagnicola montanensis	Mountain Marshsnail	AB
Stagnicola walkeriana	Calabash Pondsnail	ON
Stagnicola woodruffi	Coldwater Pondsnail	ON
Truncilla truncata	Deertoe	ON
Valvata perdepressa	Purplecap Valvata	ON
Mosses (6)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Brachydontium olympicum **		BC
Buxbaumia minakatae		ON, NS, NL
Crossidium seriatum **		BC
Gollania turgens **		YT, BC
Seligeria careyana *		BC
Tortula scotterii		NT, BC
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
No candidates currently listed
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
No candidates currently listed
Reptiles (16)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Chrysemys picta marginata	Midland Painted Turtle	ON, QC
Chrysemys picta picta	Eastern Painted Turtle	NB, NS, PE
Nerodia sipedon sipedon	Northern Watersnake	ON, QC
Storeria dekayi	DeKay's Brownsnake	ON, QC
Terrapene carolina **	Eastern Box Turtle	ON
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Diadophis punctatus	Ring-necked Snake	MB, ON, QC, NB, NS
Opheodrys vernalis	Smooth Greensnake	SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Pituophis catenifer sayi	Bullsnake	AB, SK
Thamnophis radix	Plains Gartersnake	AB, SK, MB
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
Chelonia mydas	Green Sea Turtle	Pacific Ocean
Elgaria coerulea	Northern Alligator Lizard	BC
Lepidochelys kempii	Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle	NS, Atlantic Ocean
Storeria occipitomaculata	Red-bellied Snake	MB, ON, QC, NB, NS
Thamnophis elegans	Terrestrial Gartersnake	BC, AB
Thamnophis ordinoides	Northwestern Gartersnake	BC
Thamnophis sirtalis	Common Gartersnake	NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS

Vascular Plants	An expanded Vascular Plants candidate list of over 800 vascular plants, grouped into two priority classes, is now available to the public in html or as an Excel worksheet file on the following link (Working List of Prioritized Vascular Plant Candidates). This list is provided with the understanding that it is a working copy undergoing modification. In preparing the list, information from the General Status of Species in Canada Review process, undertaken by all federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions, is taken into account when species are ranked for inclusion on the list. (last update, May 2005)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Arnica griscomii **	Griscom’s Arnica	QC, NL
Braya pilosa *	Pilose Braya	NT
Cistanthe tweedyi **	Tweedy’s Lewisia	BC
Micranthes spicata *	Spiked Saxifrage	YT
Podistera yukonensis **	Yukon Podistera	YT
Symphyotrichum nahanniense *	Nahanni Aster	NT
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
No candidates currently listed
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
No candidates currently listed

Part 3: The COSEWIC Candidate List

Candidate Wildlife Species	Rationale
Amphibians
Aneides vagrans * Wandering Salamander BC	Aneides vagrans is a terrestrial/arboreal salamander of the family Plethodontidae. The species has a very small Canadian distribution limited to low elevation forests on Vancouver Island and adjacent small, offshore islands, where its habitats are threatened by residential developments and forestry (Davis and Gregory 1993). Like other plethodontid salamanders, these salamanders are lungless and depend on cutaneous respiration through their moist skin. As a result, they are restricted to moist microhabitats. Where conditions are moist and suitable coarse debris is available, the salamanders can persist in logged areas (Stemock and Harestad 1979). However, their dependence on specialized microhabitats under sloughed-off bark or in cracks within partially decayed logs increases their vulnerability. The salamanders use these microhabitats for refuges from predators and adverse weather conditions and for nesting, which often occurs within large (> 50 cm in diameter) logs (Davis 2002, 2003). Once decayed, large old-growth logs are unlikely to be replenished under short forest harvesting rotations that are increasingly prevalent. Prolonged summer droughts associated with climate change are likely to further degrade habitats of these salamanders. i. Taxonomic level: Species. Aneides vagrans was split from Aneides ferreus in 1998, based on evidence from karyotypes, allozymes, and mitochondrial DNA (Wake and Jackman 1998). Jackman 1998 suggests that the species was inadvertently introduced to Vancouver Island with shipments of oak bark for tanneries from California in the late 1800s, but notes that this hypothesis leaves the wide distribution of the species on Vancouver Island and on numerous offshore islands unexplained through natural dispersal from the presumed points of origin on the southeast coast of the island. Regardless of the validity of this hypothesis, the species has been present in the wild in Canada for more than 100 years (the first mention in the literature is in 1906), making it a valid candidate for COSEWIC assessment. ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: Ca. 60%. The Canadian population is geographically disjunct from the remaining populations in northern California. iii. Existing global conservation status: GRANK: G4 (last reviewed 23 March 2005); NRANK: N4 (Canada, 18 Sept. 2004); SRANK: S4 (B.C.); COSEWIC: Not assessed; IUCN Red List Category: NT - Near threatened iv. Canadian population size and trends: Unknown, but declines suspected based on habitat loss and fragmentation due to residential development and forestry throughout the species’ distribution on Vancouver Island. v. Threats: Residential development; forestry, especially short rotation cycles that prevent the replenishment of old-growth legacy logs; prolonged summer droughts and changes to precipitation patterns as result of climate change vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Small range, which is confined to lowland areas on Vancouver Island and some adjacent small islands. Extent of Occurrence is approximately 32,000 km2 using the minimum polygon method, but this area contains high elevation habitats (including most of interior Vancouver Island), urban areas, and water unsuitable for the species; Area of Occupancy is much smaller, and the species is patchily distributed in suitable habitats vii. Limiting biological factors: Reliance on cutaneous respiration through skin that must remain moist to function as a respiratory surface; hence the salamanders are restricted to moist microhabitats; dependence on down wood in mid-stage of decay (decay stage 3 preferred; Davis 2002) for refuges; large logs with diameter 50 cm or more seem to be preferred for nesting, probably because they retain moisture and provide better protection from environmental fluctuations and from predators than do small logs. References: Davis, T. M. 2002. Microhabitat use and movements of the wandering salamander, Aneides vagrans, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Journal of Herpetology 36:699-703. Davis, T. M. 2003. Aneides vagrans (Wandering Salamander). Reproduction. Herpetological Review. 34:133. Davis, T. M. and P. T. Gregory. 1993. Status of the Clouded Salamander in British Columbia. Wildllife Working Report No. WR-53, B.C. Ministry of Environment, Victoria, B.C. Jackman, T. R. 1998. Molecular and historical evidence for the introduction of clouded salamanders (genus Aneides) to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, from California. Canadian Journal of Zoology 76:1570-1580. Stelmock, J.J. and Harestad, A.S. 1979. Food habits and life history of the Clouded salamander (Aneides ferreus) on northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Syesis. 12:71-75. Wake, D. B., and T. Jackman. 1999 (1998). Appendix 1. Description of a new species of plethodontid salamander from California, pp. 1579-1580. In: Jackman, T. R. 1999 (1998). Molecular and historical evidence for the introduction of clouded salamanders (genus Aneides) to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, from California. Can. J. Zool. 76:1570-1580.
Arthropods
Psilochorus hesperus ** [A pholcid cellar spider] BC	Class Arachnida – arachnids Order Araneae – spiders Suborder Opisthothelae Infraorder Araneomorphae Family Pholcidae – cellar spiders Genus Psilochorus Simon Species hesperus Gertsch & Ivie – no common name Haplogyne araneomorph spiders typically occur in warm temperate and tropical climates. Only 7 species are known to occur in Canada; all but one are range-restricted, several are very rare, and at least one (Psilochorus hesperus) is apparently at-risk. Psilochorus hesperus is restricted to hot dry valley bottom areas of BC where it is known from five localities between Osoyoos and Princeton in the extreme southern Okanagan Valley and its Similkameen Valley tributary. In this area populations are only found in association with extensive rock piles or outcrops where the spiders are found on the undersurface of rocks. Extensive surveys (approximately 200 hours search effort) in recent years in other parts of BC with similar “dry-belt” habitat (Fraser River – Williams Lake to Lytton; Chilcotin River – Farwell Canyon vicinity; Thompson River – Kamloops to Spences Bridge; Nicola River – Nicola Lake to Spences Bridge; Tulameen River – Coalmont to Princeton; Okanagan Valley – Vernon to Oliver; Kettle Valley – Rock Creek to Christina Lake) have turned up no new populations. Considerable suitable habitat is available in the Osoyoos/Princeton corridor but populations of P. hesperus are patchily distributed and uncommon. The Osoyoos/Princeton corridor is a major traffic corridor and under heavy pressure from residential, commercial, and agricultural development. Natural habitat in the area has been severely reduced and contains a large number of species previously designated as at-risk by COSEWIC. i. Taxonomic level: species – high ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: < 5% – low iii. Existing global conservation status: not ranked – low iv. Canadian population size and trends: inferred decline due to limited available habitat and development pressure – high. v. Threats: population fragmented and known at <10 localities; agricultural/residential/commercial development, transportation – high vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: EO = ~100 km2; AO probably less than 5 km2– high vii. Limiting biological factors: population fragmented and known at <10 localities; restriction to under rock habitats in hot, dry locations – high. References: Huber, B.A. 2005. Pholcidae. In: Ubick, D., P. E. Cushing, P. Paquin, and N. Dupérré, eds. Spiders of North America: an Identification Guide. American Arachnological Society: p. 194-196. Lea, T. 2008. Historical (pre-settlement) ecosystems of the Okanagan Valley and Lower Similkamenn Valley of British Columbia - pre-European contact to present. Davidsonia 19(1): 3-36. Slowik, J. 2009. A review of the cellar spider genus Psilochorus Simon 1893 in America north of Mexico (Araneae: Pholcidae). Zootaxa, 2144:1-53
Omus audouini ** Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle BC	Omus audouini is the rarer of two species of unusual, flightless, nocturnal tiger beetles in the genus Omus restricted, in Canada, to the extreme south coast of British Columbia. Omus audouini is known from Garry Oak meadow habitat and adjacent dry Douglas-fir woodland in the Victoria region and lowland old field/meadow habitat in the extreme southern area of the Lower Mainland south of Vancouver (Boundary Bay, White Rock). This Canadian distribution is the northern extremity of the species’ range, which runs south through coastal Washington and Oregon to extreme northern California. The distribution map in Pearson et al. (2006) is inaccurate: southern Vancouver Island should be included in the range but not any of the BC interior. The species is unknown north of Vancouver and east of the Coast Mountains. Compared to other tiger beetles, Omus species are poorly known biologically and taxonomically. Omus audouini, according to Pearson et al. (2006), lives in shaded and moist forest litter but also forages out into grassy areas, coastal bluffs and clay banks above the ocean. Most of the BC specimens evidently have been collected in these open areas but some records are ambiguous as to exact place and habitat. Adults are mostly active from April through June in the northern part of the range, although there is a Victoria record from mid August. Based on the often vague label data, there are a minimum of three collection localities on extreme southern Vancouver Island: Victoria (Dallas Road cliffs), Saanich, and the Highland District. The earliest records are from southern Vancouver Island (CNCI specimens); there are no dates but the collector, G.M Taylor, died in 1912. Others from the Victoria area range from 1924 to 1954 (specimens in RBCM). There are three known collection localities on the BC mainland: White Rock (1962), Elgin (just north of White Rock) (several dates 1985) and Boundary Bay (2 dates 1989) (specimens in CNCI and UBC). There are no records from the Gulf Islands. Although this beetle can probably adapt to some disturbance, the habitats occupied by O. audouini are considered some of the most threatened in Canada – Garry Oak meadows (Vancouver Island) and meadows of the Puget Sound lowlands (BC Mainland). The species’ range in BC is centred on the two largest metropolitan areas in the province and habitat continues to be lost at a great rate.In 2009, BC Ministry of Environment staff undertook some basic inventory on both the southern tip of Vancouver Island and on the Lower Mainland designed to better document the conservation status of O. audouini. In the Victoria region, Andy Teucher conducted pitfall trapping in potential habitat at Prospect Lake and at Island View Beach Park, Christmas Hill Park, Beacon Hill Park (including Dallas Bluffs) and Saxe Point Park. Eight traps were set at each site and traps were checked every two weeks to a month. In a total of 2866 trap-nights from 24 May to 5 August, a single specimen of O. audouini was captured (RBCM). It came from the trapping period 19 June to 28 July on a coastal bluff along Dallas Road in Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, thus confirming its continued presence on southern Vancouver Island. On the Lower mainland around Vancouver, Jennifer Heron organized pitfall trapping at several sites, but not all were chosen specifically for finding O. audouini and the known site at Boundary Bay airport was not revisited. In Boundary Bay traps were set along the beach and one of the main trails nearby. Other trap locations were the at Reifel Refuge, the CWS property on Reifel Island, Iona Island, Belcarra Park, Colony Farm and Surrey Bend. The traps were installed in May, collected at varying intervals throughout the summer and deactivated between mid-September and mid-October. There were a total of 913 trap-nights.More inventory is needed, especially in the Boundary Bay-White Rock region of the mainland. The 2009 surveys concentrated on coastal meadow habitats and inventories of adjacent forest habitat should also be undertaken. i. Taxonomic level: species -- high ii. Portion of global range in Canada: <10% -- low iii. Existing global conservation status: G5 (NatureServe); given a preliminary national rank of N1 by Scudder (1996); ranked S1 (red) in BC by BC Conservation Data Centre – low global rank, high preliminary national rank – moderate (high) iv. Canadian population size and trends: likely small; distributed very patchily? More inventory is necessary to update and clarify distribution information, even after preliminary surveys undertaken in 2009. Number of Canadian occurrences about 6 (probably more but some locality data not precise enough to determine this). At the Dallas Road locality in Victoria, the species has managed to persist since at least the 1920s in the face of much human development and disturbance, however it is not known how large and viable this occurrence is currently; it is likely much reduced from its historical condition. With historical bank stabilization, development (roads/ infrastructure), very high levels of human and dog use, mowing, and introduced plant species along the Dallas Bluffs, these banks and bluffs are unlikely to provide very much high quality, long-term habitat. The fact that in 329 trap-nights at the bluffs (7 traps spread out along the bluffs were active from 2009-06-12 to 2009-07-28) only a single specimen was captured indicates that the population is likely not very large (A. Teucher pers. comm. 2009). Clay banks likely provide foraging and larval habitat, but are subject to heavy human recreational use. Inferred declines because of extensive removal of habitat (eg. aggressive suburban development in both population areas) – high. v. Threats: Much habitat strongly threatened by development (eg, massive commercial and suburban housing and golf course development in Langford and adjacent areas on Vancouver Island. One of the species’ main habitats, Garry Oak meadows, is only a remnant 10% of its original amount (about 1600 ha of the original 16000 ha) (Lea 2006). Similar loss of forest and meadow habitat for housing and other development in the southern Lower Mainland has occurred; field and meadow ecosystems being used for greenhouse construction. Some areas protected (eg, Beacon Hill, Goldstream parks in Victoria). Clearcut logging may have played a role in any earlier population declines – high. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: EO is about 3200 km2, but much of this the water of the Strait of Georgia, lying between the mainland and Vancouver island populations. The extent of occurrence the Dallas Road, Victoria site, the only modern locality (2009) on Vancouver Island, is unknown. However, if suitable habitat exists in enough patches that are close enough together, the EO could potentially occupy patches along about 2.5 km of these bluffs. Over the whole range, the AO is about 300 km2 - high vii. Limiting biological factors: low vagility; species is flightless – moderate (high) References: Lea, T. 2006. Historical Garry Oak ecosystems of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, pre-European contact to the present. Davidsonia 17: 34-50. Pearson, D.L., C.B. Knisley and C.J. Kazilek. 2006. A field guide to the tiger beetles of the United States and Canada. Oxford University Press. Oxford. Scudder, G.G.E. S. 1996. Terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates of Britih Columbia: priorities for inventory and descriptive research. Research Branch, BC Ministry of Forests and Wildlife Branch, BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. Victoria, BC.
Bombus ashtoni * Ashton Cuckoo Bumble Bee YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL	In Canada, this species has been collected from every province/territory, except possibly Nunavut (GBIF 2009) but has undergone substantial decline in some areas. This species is a social parasite meaning the females usurp the nest of other bumblebee species. Once a nest is successfully overtaken, females lay eggs which are tended by the workers of the previous queen. Males and females hatch, mate and mated females overwinter underground. Bombus ashtoni specializes on parasitizing the nests of bumblebee members of the subgenus Bombus sensu strictu (Laverty & Harder 1988) which includes species currently believed to be at risk including one currently being assessed by COSEWIC and another one for which a report will be commissioned this coming winter (09/10). The host species have been collected in numerous habitat types including urban areas (Colla & Packer 2008) which allows for the presence this species in a variety of habitats. Like all bumblebees, this species feeds from the nectar and pollen of various flowering plant species. It has been recorded on the economically important genus Vaccinium. i. Taxonomic level: species ii. Portion of global range in Canada: >75%. This species ranges across Canada (up to the 68th parallel) and is found in Alaska and parts of the northeastern United States. iii. Existing global conservation status: Not assessed iv. Canadian population size and trends: Likely very patchy populations where there are suitably large host populations. More inventory needed especially from northern parts of its range. The most recent specimens collected were in 2000 from Presqu’ile Provincial Park and Bruce Peninsula (University of Guelph Collection). The Xerces Society also reports the species has not been seen in the US since 2000 (Evans et al. 2008). It has not been seen on extensive bumble bee surveys in Ontario conducted annually since 2005 in areas targeting past localities known for one of its hosts. Colla & Packer (2008) found populations of B. ashtoni were absent in the Guelph area during 3 years of sampling (2004-2006). Thirty years prior to these surveys, a survey by R. Macfarlane found it to be present at the same sites (Colla & Packer 2008). v. Threats: The factors influencing the abundance of this species are likely directly associated with population dynamics of its host species Bombus affinis, Bombus occidentalis and Bombus terricola. These species have recently suffered substantial declines thoughout their Canadian and US ranges (Grixti et al. 2009; Colla & Packer 2008, NRC 2007). vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: probably – large range reduction. vii. Limiting biological factors: Formerly common host species have undergone substantial declines in both the US and Canada in recent decades. References: Colla, SR & L Packer (2008) Evidence for decline in eastern North American bumblebees (Hymenoptera:Apidae), with special focus on Bombus affinis Cresson. Biodiv and Conserv 17: 1379-1391. Evans, E, R Thorp, S Jepson. (2008) A Status Review of Three Formerly Common Species of Bumble Bee in the Subgenus Bombus. Prepared for the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation [Online] http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/xerces_2008_bombus_status_review.pdf [Accessed June 2 2009] Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) [Online] http://data.gbif.org/species/16195315/ [Accessed June 2 2009] Grixti, JC, LT Wong, SA Cameron, & C Favret. (2009) The decline of bumble bees (Bombus) in the American Northwest. Biological Conservation 142:75-82. Laverty, TM & LD Harder. 1998. The bumble bees of Eastern Canada. Can. Ent. 120: 965-987. National Research Council (2007) The Status of Pollinators in North America. National Academies Press.
Hesperia colorado * Western Branded Skipper BC	This butterfly is found from southern Vancouver Island and Washington’s San Juan Islands through the Puget Lowlands and the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountains. At its northern limit in BC and western Washington, it is associated with dry meadows with an abundance of native bunchgrasses. It has been collected from at least 17 unique localities on southern Vancouver Island, from Metchosin to Nanaimo (Royal BC Museum records). All recent literature on British Columbian butterflies shows a larger Vancouver Island range, because sight records of Hesperia species from subalpine and alpine areas were assumed to be of this taxon (Layberry et al. 1998; Guppy and Shepard 2001; Pyle, 2002; Acorn and Sheldon, 2006). The placement of Hesperia colorado oregonia on the blue list by the BC Conservation Data Centre is also based on this assumption. In 2008, a series of specimens from subalpine habitats was compared to lowland specimens for the first time. The high-elevation specimens were found to represent Hesperia comma, which is common in subalpine areas throughout southern BC (Miskelly, 2009). Extant populations of H. colorado oregonia are known at only two of the 17 historical localities on Vancouver Island (Miskelly, 2009). The majority have been converted to residential areas. Of those that remain in a semi-natural state, most have been visited by butterfly enthusiasts at the appropriate time of year to detect H. c. oregonia. One extant population is on private land in a rocky meadow complex and the other is a sand spit on a First Nations Reserve. The latter is the only site known in the global range of the taxon in such habitat. Recent sightings are all of one to three individuals; there are historical collections of up to 28 individuals from a single location in one day. The historical extent of occurrence in Canada is estimated at 1650 km2. The historical area of occupancy, using 2 km grid squares, was at least 64 km2. The current area of occupancy of the two known populations is 8 km2. The historical and present populations of H. c. oregonia in BC and western Washington are strongly associated with Garry oak ecosystems. These ecosystems have been reduced to less than 5% of the area occupied 100 years ago (Lea, 2006). Remaining fragments are being rapidly converted to residential and commercial areas. Fragments in protected areas are threatened by woody encroachment (due to fire suppression) and experience very heavy visitor use and resultant degradation (Fuchs, 2001). Off-trail hiking and mountain biking are rampant at most parks, as is ATV use in some areas. Rare species in these fragments are also threatened by invasive plants, particularly non-native grasses and shrubs (Fuchs, 2001). Meadows with a high cover of native grasses are considered particularly rare. No populations of H. c. oregonia are known from sites that are dominated by non-native grasses. The suggested common name for this taxon is Oregon skipper or Oregon branded skipper. Both of these names have been used in recent literature (Guppy and Shepard, 2001; Pyle, 2002). i. Taxonomic level: subspecies - moderate ii. Portion of Global Range in Canada: ~6 % of global distribution in Canada - low iii. Existing conservation status – moderate BC CDC – S2S3, Blue List (but based on assumption that subalpine populations represent this taxon) (BC Conservation Data Centre, 2009) WA – S2 (NatureServe, 2009) OR – no status CA – no status Rounded Global Status – T3 (NatureServe, 2009) iv. Canadian population size and trends: Presently known from only two of at least 17 historic locations. All recent records are of one to three individuals. – high v. Threats: Destruction of habitat through urbanization and abusive recreation, degradation of habitat by non-native plants and woody encroachment – high vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Historical EO =1650 km2, historical AO > 64 km2, current AO = 8 km2 – high vii. Limiting Biological Factors: Dependence on rare, declining, and naturally fragmented habitats – high. References: Acorn, J. and I. Sheldon. 2006. Butterflies of British Columbia. Lone Pine Publishing, Edmonton. 360pp. BC Conservation Data Centre. 2009. Conservation Status Report: Hesperia colorado oregonia. B.C. Minist. of Environment. Available: http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/ (accessed Jun 12, 2009 ). Fuchs, M. 2001. Towards a recovery strategy for Garry oak and associated ecosystems in Canada: Ecological assessment and literature review. Technical Report GBEI/EC-00-030. Environment Canada, Victoria. xi + 107 pp. Guppy, C. S. and J. H. Shepard. 2001. Butterflies of British Columbia. Royal BC Museum, Victoria, and UBC Press, Vancouver. 414 pp. Layberry, R. A., Hall, P. W. and J. D. Lafontaine. 1998. The butterflies of Canada. University of Toronto Press, Toronto. viii + 280 pp. Lea, T. 2006. Historical Garry oak ecosystems of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, pre-European contact to the present. Davidsonia, 17(2): 34-50. Miskelly, J. W. 2009. Notes on the taxonomy and status of the genus Hesperia (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae) on Vancouver Island. Journal of the Entomological Society of British Columbia, 106: 83-84. NatureServe. 2009. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: June 12, 2009 ). Pyle, R. M. 2002. The butterflies of Cascadia. Seattle Audubon Society, Seattle. 420 pp.
Birds
Contopus virens * Eastern Wood-Pewee SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE	i. Taxonomic level: Species - single DU ii. Portion of global range in Canada: Approximately 11% of global breeding range in Canada, representing 9% of breeding population. The remainder is in the eastern US. iii. Existing global conservation status: NatureServe rank is G5 (secure); IUCN rank is Least Concern. General Status ranked as 4 (Secure) for all jurisdictions in Canada. iv. Canadian population size and trends: Crude population estimate of 525,000 birds in Canada. Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) results show a significant 4.8% average annual decline for Canada since 1968 (equivalent to 85% loss over entire time period), with declines occurring in all provincial jurisdictions. Declines have continued from 1998-2008 at 4.5% per year (equivalent to population loss of 36% over 10 years or 3 generations). BBS trends for the global range of the species (Canada & US) show a significant decline of 1.62% from 1997-2007 (14% overall), reflecting stronger declines in Canada than the US. Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas results show a 15% loss in area of occupancy over the last 20 years in the southern Shield region. v. Threats: Cause(s) of population decline unknown, but this species shares declines with many other species of aerial insectivores (swallows, swifts, nighthawks, whip-poor-wills, and flycatchers). The entire guild is thought to be threatened by changes in abundance and/or seasonal availability of flying insects. Amount and quality of the pewee’s forested wintering habitat in South America are declining. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: not applicable vii. Limiting biological factors: specialized diet (predominately flying insects); long-distance (neotropical) migrant
Phalaropus lobatus ** Red-necked Phalarope YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, NL	i. Taxonomic level: Species – single DU ii. Proportion of range in Canada: Approximately 74% of North American breeding range is in Canada and 60% of the world population. iii. Existing global conservation status: Listed as species of High concern by Environment Canada Shorebird Technical Committee, as of ‘Moderate Concern’ in both Canadian Shorebird Conservation Plan and U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan. IUCN Red List rank is ‘Least Concern’ presumably due to high global population (for a shorebird) and wide breeding distribution. iv. Population size and trends: Population estimate of approximately 2.5 million. At some sites in the eastern Canadian Arctic, decrease of 95% in the breeding population from 1981 to the 1990s. Apparent decline in the Rasmussen Basin, Nunavut between 1970s and 1990s, and at Southhampton Island, where abundant in 1930s and not present now. Studies in Alaska have shown inconsistent trends. An analysis of the Quebec checklist between 1976 and 1998 found a significant negative correlation between the numbers of migrating Red-necked Phalaropes over time. In the Bay of Fundy birds staging during fall migration have decreased from approximately a million birds in the 1980’s to the low thousands at present (most decline in 1980s to 1990s). There is evidence of redistribution of a percentage of that population as some now present in outer bay. No information on winter trends, except internationally, where anecdotal evidence strongly suggests disappearance of spring migrants off coastal Japan (flocks of up to 100,000 in spring in 1980s apparently declined to flocks of only 100s or 10s). v. Threats: This small shorebird spends up to nine months of the year at sea, feeding on invertebrates such as copepods at oceanographic fronts, convergences, and other discontinuities. Strong El Niño may cause starvation of wintering Red-necked Phalaropes. Declines in the Bay of Fundy (see above) assumed due to 90% crash in preferred copepod abundance there. Very susceptible to pelagic food availability in migration and winter affected by climate. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: vii. Limiting biological factors:
Aechmophorus occidentalis ** Western Grebe BC, AB, SK, MB	This species is gregarious year-round; it breeds colonially in marshy lakes on the Canadian prairies and winters in large flocks, mainly on the Pacific coast. Western Grebes feed on a wide variety of fish; on the BC coast they are particularly attracted to concentrations of herring. i. Taxonomic level: Species – single DU ii. Portion of global range in Canada: ca. 30% iii. Existing global conservation status: NatureServe: Secure, IUCN: Least Concern iv. Canadian population size and trends: Crude population estimate of ca. 10,000 adults in Canada. Christmas Bird Count (CBC) data from the Canadian wintering range indicate a decline of about 90 percent over the last 20 years (approximately three generations). CBC data over the entire (Canada, US and northern Mexico) wintering range indicate an annual decline of 4.4% over the last 40 years, which is equivalent to a population loss of 83%. Data from the breeding grounds are sparse, but reports from Alberta suggest that lakes that once supported more than 500 pairs each now support between 100 and 500 pairs. v. Threats: Declining herring stocks on wintering grounds, increasing disturbance on breeding grounds; reduction of water levels on breeding grounds. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: vii. Limiting biological factors: colonial breeder, forms large feeding flocks in winter.
Riparia riparia * Bank Swallow YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL	i.Taxonomic level: Species – single DU ii.Portion of global range in Canada: About 45% of the North American breeding range is in Canada, which represents 33% of the continental breeding population. The remainder is in the US. This species is also widespread in Eurasia (Canada supports about 10% of the global breeding population). iii.Existing global conservation status: The NatureServe rank is G5 (secure); IUCN is Least Concern. General Status ranked as 4 (Secure) for all jurisdictions in Canada in 2005, except for NT and NB (3 = Sensitive). iv.Canadian population size and trends: Crude population estimate of 4.6 million birds in Canada. Sudden, steep, widespread declines have occurred, beginning in the mid 1980s. Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) results show a significant 5.1% average annual decline for Canada from 1968-2008 (equivalent to 88% loss overall), with long-term declines occurring in all provincial jurisdictions except BC. Declines have continued from 1998-2008, averaging 4.9% per year (equivalent to overall loss of 42% over 10 years or 3 generations). Declines are stronger in Canada than in the US. Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas results show a statistically significant 45% loss in area of occupancy over 20 years. Similar declines are apparent in the Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas. v.Threats: Causes of decline are incompletely known, but this species shares declines with other species of aerial insectivores (swallows, swifts, nighthawks, whip-poor-wills, and flycatchers). The entire guild may be threatened by changes in abundance and/or seasonal availability of flying insects. Landscape-level changes have reduced amount of open foraging habitat. Collisions with vehicles, high loads of ectoparasites, and sensitivity to temperature and precipitation extremes contribute to mortality. Pesticide use on the wintering grounds may also be contributing to declines in productivity and/or survivorship. vi.Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: not applicable vii.Limiting biological factors: specialized diet (exclusively flying insects); long-distance migrant; highly colonial and social species; specialized nesting habitat (sand/earth banks).
Hylocichla mustelina * Wood Thrush ON, QC, NB, NS	The Wood Thrush is a neotropical migrant that breeds in moist deciduous and mixed forests of eastern Canada. i. Taxonomic level: Species - single DU ii. Portion of global range in Canada: Approximately 16% of the breeding range and 6% of the global breeding population is in Canada. The bulk of its range is in the US, extending from the Gulf States north to Canada and from the edge of the Great Plains eastward to the Atlantic Coast. iii. Existing global conservation status: The global rank from NatureServe, last reviewed in 2000, was G5 (secure) and for the IUCN, last assessed in 2001, was Least Concern. General Status ranks, as of 2005, were 4 (Secure) for Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia and 2 (May be at risk) for New Brunswick. iv. Canadian population size and trends: Crude population estimate of 60,000-100,000 birds in Canada. Long-term data from the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) show a significant decline of 4.3% per year between 1968 and 2008. This is equivalent to a loss of 83% of the population. Short-term data from the BBS show a significant decline of 5.9% per year between 1998 and 2008. This is equivalent to a loss of 46% of the population over the last 10 years or three generations. The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas indicates a 7% loss of area of occupancy over the last 20 years. v. Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation on both breeding and wintering grounds. Cowbird parasitism also a threat in some parts of the range. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: vii. Limiting biological factors:
Ptychoramphus aleuticus ** Cassin's Auklet BC	The Cassin’s Auklet is a small seabird of the North Pacific Ocean. They breed in earthen burrows, rock crevices, or under tree roots and fallen logs on offshore islands from Alaska to Mexico. They spend most of their lives at sea, usually well offshore, where they forage on crustaceans, squid, and small fishes. i. Taxonomic level: Species – single DU ii. Portion of global range in Canada: Approximately 25% of the breeding range in Canada (with the remainder in the western US, Alaska to California, and Baja California, Mexico) and approximately 80% of the global breeding population. The BC and Alaska breeding populations are thought to winter along the shelf break off of the northern California coast. iii. Existing global conservation status: IUCN Red List rank is ‘Least Concern’; listed as ‘Moderate Concern’ in the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan; BC Provincial rank is ‘Special Concern’ (Blue List); ‘High Concern’ in the Alaska Seabird Conservation Plan. iv. Canadian population size and trends: Over 40% of the Canadian population breeds at one colony – Triangle Island, in the Scott Island group – which supported an estimated 547,000 pairs in the late 1980s. Counts at Triangle Island indicate a decline of -2.3% per year between 1984 and 2004, amounting to a loss of 37% over 20 years. Although some levelling off was observed between 1999 and 2004, 2005 was the worst breeding year on record, and the population has declined further since then. At the second largest colony – Sartine Island, also in the Scott Island group – the breeding population declined between 1989 and 2006 by a similar magnitude to that seen at Triangle Island. Declines have also been observed in some of the smaller colonies monitored in Haida Gwaii. v. Threats: Breeding habitat loss and degradation due to the introduction of mammalian predators, mortality in gill nets, and oil pollution. More recently, ocean warming, leading to frequent breeding failures due to temporal mismatch with important prey species; extremely high mortality rates, especially of females, during and after extreme climate events; and possibly loss of preferred breeding habitat (tufted hairgrass) on colonies due to climatic warming. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: vii. Limiting biological factors: The Cassin’s Auklet is highly colonial, and a large proportion of the global population breeds at only a few sites. Also aggregates in large foraging assemblages at times. They exhibit a low reproductive rate, delayed maturity and low adult annual survival compared with other seabirds.
Fishes (freshwater)
Oncorhynchus mykiss ** Rainbow Trout AB†	The Rainbow Trout is a sea-run and freshwater resident fish of the family Salmonidae. The Alberta designatable unit (DU) of the rainbow trout is restricted to a very small portion of the species range east of the continental divide (the bulk of the species range in Canada is in British Columbia). i. Taxonomic Level: DU Native Canadian populations are largely restricted to BC, west of the continental divide, but a small component of the range exists within the Athabasca River system in western Alberta that constitutes a separate DU within the “Western Arctic” Freshwater Biogeographic Zone (NFBZ 13) – the Alberta Populations DU. Recognition of the Alberta DU is an important consequence of the natural disjunction of the species (and many others) by the Continental Divide. ii. Portion of Global Range in Canada The Alberta DU represents less than 10% of the Canadian range (itself about 60% of the range of the species as a whole) and is isolated from the bulk of the range in BC by being located on the eastern slope of the Continental Divide. The Alberta DU is found in a single watershed; the Athabasca River. There is no probability of rescue effect or dispersal for the Alberta DU as they are isolated by the Continental Divide. iii. Existing Conservation Status Populations comprising the proposed Alberta DU has been the subject of a recently-completed Alberta Wildlife Species Status Review (Rasmussen and Taylor 2009). In this report more than 50% of the native Alberta DU populations (of 122 total) were considered to be at “High Risk” and likely to be highly susceptible to further decline. A further 27% were considered to be at “Moderate Risk”. This has resulted in the Alberta Government intending to list the Alberta DU Rainbow Trout as “Threatened” under the Wildlife Act (Alberta Govt Sustainable Resource Development 2010). The Rainbow Trout has a global conservation status of G5 (secure) and a similar national status in Canada and the US (N5, secure) where is also occurs. These Global and National ranks, however, do not accurately reflect the geographic variation in risk of extinction driven by what is likely significant DU structure, the most obvious of which is separate DUs on the western and eastern slopes of the Continental Divide. iv. Canadian Population Size and Trend The overall trend is to reduction of population number and abundance within the Alberta DU as summarized by Rasmussen and Taylor (2009). In some high profile exploited populations; native populations which formerly existed in the headwaters of the Athabasca River are believed to have been extirpated or severely reduced in abundance. v. Threats The greatest threats to the Alberta DU’s rainbow trout are decreases in habitat quality in the Athabasca River watershed from extensive existing and expanding resource extraction activities (e.g., Athabasca tar sands and gas developments and logging) and associated road building and other infrastructure-related developments. Excessive recreational fishing, introgression with non-native hatchery fish, negative interactions with introduced Brook Trout in Alberta, and climate change (and implications for base water flows) are also important concerns (Rasmussen and Taylor 2009). vi. Small EO/AO The IAO of the Alberta DU based on a 2 x 2 km grid is 1,332 km2 which is an overestimate of the actual AO as recognized by the IUCN for animals living in linear (e.g, stream) environments. vii. Limiting Biological Factors Migratory habits make the species vulnerable to threats in multiple habitats (e.g., movements between tributaries, lakes and streams). Natal philopatry and migratory behaviour makes them susceptible to fragmentation of critical habitats owing to water extraction, barriers, and climate induced water level changes. Aesthetic qualities make them susceptible to pressure for recreational fishing and enhancement (stocking of hatchery fish). Information Sources 1. Rasmussen, J.B. and E.B. Taylor. 2009. Status of the Athabasca Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Alberta. Alberta Government Sustainable Resource Development Wildlife Status Report 66. Edmonton, Alberta. 32 pp. Available at http://srd.alberta.ca/BioDiversityStewardship/SpeciesAtRisk/DetailedStatus/AmphibiansFishReptiles.aspx 2. Alberta Government Sustainable Resource Development. 2010. Athabasca rainbow trout to be listed as Threatened under Wildlife Act.
Lichens
Peltigera hydrothyria * Waterfan BC, QC, NB, NS	A foliose cyanolichen usually attached to rock that grows submerged in cool, shallow, freshwater streams. Endemic to North America, it is known from mountainous temperate regions in the east and west. While some 200 lichen species are known from stream margins, less than a dozen macro lichens are known worldwide to grow submerged. i. Taxonomic level: species ii. Portion of global range in Canada: 50% iii. Existing global conservation status: Considered rare in the US. iv. Canadian population size and trends: Eight sites are known in Canada: Two from BC, 1 from Quebec, 3 in Nova Scotia and 2 from Fundy National Park (NB). Of the three recent sites reported from Nova Scotia, one is inside a provincial park, but recently some of the thalli have died. There are seventeen recorded sites from USA, two in the east and fifteen on the west coast. v. Threats: Siltation and radical changes in water and light levels resulting from upstream or local forestry operations and development of roads and construction that change water flow rates, water clarity or temperatures. Increased or reduced stream flow correlated with extreme weather events associated with predicted climate change are medium to long term threats for this lichen. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: IAO: <32 km² vii. Limiting biological factors: This lichen reproduces through dispersal of ascospores and possibly thallus fragmentation. Its mostly submerged growth requirements means that downstream reestablishment is possible, but it is unclear how the lichen is transmitted from stream to stream. Its restricted distribution suggests it has very specific habitat requirements.
Mammals (marine)
Odobenus rosmarus ** Atlantic Walrus NU, MB, QC, NS, NL	The Atlantic Walrus, Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus, is a large, gregarious marine mammal with large, curved tusks. It is sexually dimorphic: adult males grow to ~1100kg, females to ~800 kg. Both sexes bear tusks. Walruses haul out on ice or land, often in herds. Females reach sexual maturity at 5-10 yr and give birth to a single calf about once every 3 yr. Males mature at 7-13 yr. Life span can be > 35 yr. Walruses feed primarily on benthic invertebrates, principally clams, and prefer shallow water (< 80 m) with soft substrate that supports large mollusc populations. Open water must be reliably present over these feeding areas and ice or land for hauling out must be nearby. In 2006 COSEWIC assessed the Atlantic Walrus as Special Concern but recognized that the species was near to qualifying for Threatened and required an effective management plan. Data on catches and hunting loss suggest that removal levels in parts of both Greenland and Canada are unsustainable and some Inuit communities have reported recent declines (Stewart 2008a). The November 2006 Species Assessment Meeting minutes state that the SSC could return the Atlantic Walrus for assessment in 5 rather than 10 years. The SSC has chosen to do so because 1) there is no reason to believe that the status of the Walrus has improved since the last assessment and it may in fact have become worse (Stewart 2008a), 2) hunting continues without an effective management plan to protect the species from over-exploitation 3) stronger evidence is now thought to be available to delineate DUs and make population-specific status designations (NAMMCO 2006, Stewart 2008b), and 4) climate change and the loss of sea ice are affecting walrus habitat. i. Taxonomic level: The Atlantic Walrus, Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus (Linnaeus, 1758), is one of two subspecies, the other being the Pacific Walrus, O. r. divergens. ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: ~50% of subspecies, ~25% of species. iii. Existing global conservation status: IUCN lists the Walrus as Data Deficient (no assessment below the species level has been completed) and NatureServe does not provide a rank. COSEWIC (2006) recommended Special Concern for the Atlantic Walrus but noted that some populations of the subspecies were clearly more at risk than others. iv. Canadian population size and trends: There were hundreds of thousands of Atlantic Walruses prior to commercial exploitation but by the mid-20th century they had been decimated throughout their range (or extirpated, e.g., in Nova Scotia and the Gulf of St. Lawrence). Estimation of absolute abundance is extremely difficult and therefore reliable estimates of both population size and trend are lacking for most areas. Total numbers in the Canadian Arctic may be around 10,000. There is clear evidence of population structure and several geographically separate populations are thought to have only a few hundred animals remaining (Stewart 2008a, b). v. Threats: The prohibition of large-scale commercial hunting and the decline in dependence on dog sledge transportation (and consequent decline in Walrus hunting to obtain dogfood) has relieved the hunting pressure on Walruses in some areas. However, walruses are also hunted for their ivory. Hunting remains as the most immediate and serious threat to Walrus populations in Canada and removal levels are thought to be unsustainable in some areas (Stewart 2008a). Walruses often occur in close association with sea ice. This reflects at least in part their use of ice as a platform to gain access to food. It may also indicate a response to human hunting pressure and encroachment on shoreline habitat (Born 2005). The implications for Walruses of the ongoing rapid changes in ecological conditions due to climate change, and in particular the changing extent and characteristics of sea ice, are unclear. However, the new conditions are expected to allow industry and tourism to expand in the north, and this is a major concern. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Not applicable. vii. Limiting biological factors: Highly K-selected life history, dependence on interactions among sea ice, coastal haulouts, bathymetry, and mollusc distribution. References Born, E.W. (2005). An assessment of the effects of hunting and climate on walruses in Greenland. Dr. philos. Thesis University of Oslo. COSEWIC (2006). COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Atlantic walrus Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. Ix + 65 pp. (http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_atlantic_walrus_e.pdf) NAMMCO (NORTH ATLANTIC MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION). (2006). Scientific Committee Report of the Thirteenth Meeting, Reine, Norway, 25–27 October 2005. NAMMCO /15/5. (http://www.nammco.no/webcronize/images/Nammco/766.pdf.) Stewart, R. (2008a). Can We Calculate Total Allowable Harvests for Walrus Using Potential Biological Removal. Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat, Research Document 2008/025, (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas/) Stewart, R. (2008b). Redefining Walrus Stocks in Canada. ARCTIC 61: 3: 292–308
Molluscs
Staala gwaii * Haida Gwaii Slug BC	Endemic to Haida Gwaii (the Queen Charlotte Islands), this is a distinct, recently described species of semi-slug. It belongs to a new genus that is anatomically and genetically distinct from its closest relatives, the jumping-slugs (genus Hemphillia). It is the first endemic terrestrial mollusc recognized from B.C. and unusual because its entire known range is at relatively high latitudes. On Moresby Island, this species and several endemic plant species co-occur on mountaintops — areas that may have been ice-free during glacial periods in the Pleistocene and consequently, glacial relicts. The slug is known from only 10 localities on the two main islands, Graham and Moresby, where it occurs from low-elevation forests to subalpine tundra. Extensive fieldwork has shown the species to be rare in lowland forests (2 localities only). Most known sites ranged from mid-elevation coniferous forests to subalpine tundra. EO is calculated to be ca 2900 km2, but AO is small, as EO includes water and unsuitable terrestrial areas. The lowland localities are from old growth coniferous forest. Threats to populations in the lowlands and mid-elevations include industrial forestry. Browsing by introduced deer is a serious threat to native ecosystems throughout the islands, including fragile subalpine and alpine areas. Climate change and upward encroachment of forest and associated lowland fauna also have the potential to deteriorate subalpine habitats occupied by the slug. i. Taxonomic level: Species ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: 100%, endemic iii. IUCN Red List or NatureServe Rank: Global rank: Unranked. National ranks: Unranked. Subnational ranks: BC – unranked; estimated to be at least S3, perhaps S2. iv. Canadian population size and trends: Population size and trend unknown. v. Threats: Susceptible to drought due to climate change, and logging of old-growth and mature second-growth forests. Habitat modification by introduced deer, particularly in subalpine habitats. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: The species is known from 10 sites, six on Moresby Island and four on Graham Island. vii. Limiting biological factors: Poor mechanisms for dispersal. An endemic with no chance of rescue from outside populations. Reference: Ovaska, K., T. Wilke, L. Chichester, & L. Sopuck. In press. Terrestrial gastropods from Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), British Columbia, Canada, including description of a new northern endemic slug (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Arionidae). The Nautilus 124 [anticipated date of publication: March 2010].
Fisherola nuttalli * Shortface Lanx BC	This regionally endemic and globally at-risk freshwater limpet was historically present throughout much of the Columbia River drainage in Washington, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, and southern British Columbia. It is the only species of Fisherola, and globally the most northern representative of its clade. In Canada, the species was first recorded from the Wigwam River in 1863 by the British North American Boundary Commission. The Kootenay River population in B.C. is presumed extirpated. After nearly four decades, a population was rediscovered in the Columbia River (2009) just downstream of the lead-zinc smelter at Trail (Duncan pers. comm. 2009). Fisherola nuttalli has narrow habitat tolerances and lives in medium to large rivers (30–100 m wide) and requires cold, unpolluted, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated water and cobble-boulder substrates. It is often at the edges of rapids. It has been extirpated and continues to be threatened by habitat loss and degradation caused by dams and impoundments that reduce flow and level of water and increase sedimentation and siltation; water removal; and nutrient-loading, chemical discharge and other pollution due to agriculture and industry. In the U.S. F. nuttalli is not faring well (Xerces Society 2009) and large populations remain in only four rivers: the lower Deschutes River (Oregon); the Okanogan River and the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River (Washington); and the Snake River (Oregon/Idaho). Other, smaller populations are known in the John Day and Imnaha rivers, and near the Bonneville Dam, lower Columbia River (Oregon); the Methow River (Washington); and Grande Ronde River (Washington/Oregon). The species is extirpated from Montana. i. Taxonomic level: Species ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: Maybe 10% (historically)? Perhaps now more important globally due to the loss of U.S. populations. iii. IUCN Red List or NatureServe Rank: Global rank: G2. National ranks: N1 (Canada); N2 (USA). Subnational ranks: BC (SH). Idaho (S1), Montana (SXT), Oregon (S1S2), Washington (S2). iv. Canadian population size and trends: Columbia River population confirmed (2009), but likely small. Kootenay River: extirpated. v. Threats: Impoundment, warming, nutrient enhancement, and pollution; loss of rocky substrate (siltation and sedimentation, and loss of rocky substrate); water removal. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: AO, IAO and EO all likely small. vii. Limiting biological factors: Narrow habitat tolerances and lives in medium to large rivers (30–100 m wide) and requires cold, unpolluted, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated water and cobble-boulder substrates. References: Bill Duncan. 2009. Email correspondence to R. Forsyth Nov. 2009. Bill.Duncan@teck.com. NatureServe. 2009. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: January 12, 2010 ). Xerxes Society. 2009. Available online at: http://www.xerces.org/giant-columbia-river-limpet/. Accessed Nov 2009.
Obliquaria reflexa * Threehorn Wartyback ON	This freshwater mussel historically occurred in the lower Thames and Grand rivers and western Lake Erie in Ontario. A new population was discovered in the Sydenham River in 1992. Recent (post 1997) surveys indicate that this species is likely extant at only three localities – lower Thames, lower Grand and Sydenham rivers. At these locations the species is always rare comprising a small portion of the total unionid community (<5%), occurring in low numbers and usually over only a small portion of the river. Pollution from agriculture and industry, changes in land use patterns, and Zebra and Quagga Mussels are major threats. i. Taxonomic level: Species ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: 5% iii. IUCN Red List or NatureServe Rank: Global rank: G5. National ranks: N1 (Canada); N5 (USA). Subnational ranks: Ontario (S1); Alabama (S5), Arkansas (S4), Georgia (S4), Illinois (S4), Indiana (S3), Iowa (S1), Kansas (S3), Kentucky (S4S5), Louisiana (S5), Michigan (SNR), Minnesota (SNR), Mississippi (S5), Missouri (S4), Ohio (S2), Oklahoma (S3), Pennsylvania (S1), South Dakota (S1), Tennessee (S5), Texas (SNR), West Virginia (S2), Wisconsin (S3). iv. Canadian population size and trends: Decline in population size inferred by decline in number of occurrences. Historically occurred throughout the western basin of Lake Erie as well as the Thames and Grand rivers. Although recently detected in the Sydenham River it has now been lost from the western basin of Lake Erie. v. Threats: The species has been lost from the western basin of Lake Erie because of the invasion and establishment of Zebra and Quagga mussels. Remaining riverine populations are threatened by declining water quality and loss of aquatic habitat resulting from agricultural and urban development within the watersheds. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Known from only 3 localities. Historic EO estimated at 23,000 km2. Current EO (based on records since 1997) estimated at 4,600 km2 (80% decline). vii. Limiting biological factors: Immature juveniles (glochidia) are obligate parasites on vertebrate hosts which are believed to be Common Shiner (Luxilus chrysocephalus) and Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae).
Toxolasma parvum * Lilliput ON	This freshwater mussel is represented historically in Canada by only 8 records from the Detroit, Grand and Thames rivers. More recently, a single live specimen was found in the lower Sydenham River in 1991 and 2 live specimens were found near the mouth of the Grand River in 1997. This species is a very rare component of the overall mussel community with only three confirmed live collections over the last 80 years. Further surveys are required to confirm the status of this species in ON and Canada. There is an unverified February 2010 report of very fresh shells being found in the Hamilton Harbour area of Lake Ontario. Pollution from agriculture and industry, changes in land use patterns, and Zebra/Quagga Mussels are major threats. i. Taxonomic level: Species ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: < 5% iii. IUCN Red List or NatureServe Rank: Global rank: G5. National ranks: N1 (Canada); N5 (USA). Subnational ranks: Ontario (S1); Alabama (S3), Arkansas (S4), Florida (SNR), Georgia (SH), Illinois (S4), Indiana (S2), Iowa (S1), Kansas (S2S3), Kentucky (S4S5), Louisiana (S4), Michigan (SNR), Minnesota (SNR), Mississippi (S4), Missouri (S4), Nebraska (SNR), New York (SH), Ohio (SNR), Oklahoma (S4), Pennsylvania (S1S3), South Dakota (S3), Tennessee (S5), Texas (S3), West Virginia (S2), Wisconsin (S3). iv. Canadian population size and trends: Decline in population size inferred by decline in extent of occurrence. v. Threats: Pollution from agriculture & industry, changes in land use patterns, and Zebra/Quagga mussels are major threats. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Currently known from 2 localities. Historic EO estimated at 9600 km². Current EO (based on records since 1997) estimated at 60 km² . Decline of > 99%. vii. Limiting biological factors: Immature juveniles (glochidia) are obligate parasites on vertebrate hosts which are believed to be Johnny Darter (Etheostoma nigrum), Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus), Orangespotted Sunfish (Lepomis humilis), Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis).
Allogona profunda ** Broad-banded Forestsnail ON	This is the only species of terrestrial snail belonging to the genus Allogona in eastern North America. In Canada, it inhabits mesic woodlands but is restricted to extreme southern Ontario (Mixedwood Plains ecozone) where it is known only from a few sites on islands in, or near, western Lake Erie: Middle Sister (1915, 1996), Pelee (1918, 1936, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2006, 2008), Hen (1916), East Sister (1915), and North Harbour (1915), and from Point Pelee (1934, 1937, 1954, 1961, 1962, 1996, 2007), Oxley (1905, 1920), Leamington (no date), and Chatham (1930). These island populations are morphologically different (Clapp 1916; Pilsbry 1948) and possibly genetically divergent from the nearest U.S. populations. All sites where the species occurs or occurred are small or very small, either tiny islands (except Pelee, Middle Sister Island is the largest, ca. 800 m x < 300 m) or remnant patches of habitat within a human-dominated and heavily modified landscape. North Harbour, Hen, and Middle Sister islands are privately owned, and the species and habitats are not protected. Some degree of protection is afforded on Pelee Island at the Stone Road Alvar and Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve; however, degradation of habitat continues, as elsewhere. The Stone Alvar site is periodically managed with controlled burns and these may increase mortality at this site. Several of the Erie Islands have experienced a large increase in nesting of Double-crested Cormorants; their guano is killing much of the herbaceous vegetation below, and even some trees, as well as undoubtedly affecting soil chemistry and other aspects of the habitat. Because the islands are so small, the birds are having serious ecological threats (M. Oldham pers. comm. 2010). Invasive organisms that compete with, or predate on, A. profunda are a threat, as are exotic earthworms that are known to degrade forest floor litter microhabitats rapidly and drastically. In the U.S., this species is distributed in the Appalachians to Wisconsin and Nebraska and south to Alabama. Now extirpated in three southern U.S. states, this species may be undergoing a range reduction throughout its range. i. Taxonomic level: Species ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: 5% iii. IUCN Red List or NatureServe Rank: Global rank: G5. National ranks: N3N4 (Canada) probably too low; N5 (USA). Subnational ranks: Ontario (S2S3) – probably too low, S2 probably more appropriate (M. Oldham, pers. comm. 2010). Alabama (SNR), Arkansas (SX), Illinois (SNR), Indiana (SNR), Iowa (SNR), Kansas (SNR), Kentucky (S4), Louisiana (SX), Maryland (SU), Michigan (SNR), Minnesota (SNR), Mississippi (SX), Missouri (SNR), Nebraska (SNR), New York (SNR), North Carolina (SU), Ohio (SNR), Pennsylvania (SNR), Tennessee (S4), Virginia (S4), West Virginia (SNR), Wisconsin (SU) iv. Canadian population size and trends: Population size and trend unknown. Historical habitat loss substantial. Of the 11 known sites, only four have been observed since 1930, and only one (or two) since 2000. v. Threats: Habitat loss and degradation; threats include forest destruction, trampling, and invasive organisms, mainly earthworms, which alter the structure of the forest floor and eliminate microhabitat (forest litter) required by the species. Large-shelled land snails, in general, may be in decline over much of their ranges in the U.S., but the exact reasons are unknown. With climate change, the anticipated northern expansion of the species’ range will be largely negated by anthropogenic pressures (Gibson et al. 2009) such as historical habitat loss and degradation (by invasive species, e.g., earthworms). vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: EO small: species only on Middle Sister and Pelee islands and at a few sites in Essex County and Chatham-Kent, along the Lake Erie shore. AO much smaller. Species’ distribution is patchy and fragmented by anthropogenic transformation of the land for urban development and agriculture. vii. Limiting biological factors: The Canadian populations exist at northern limits of the species’ range; this species has poor capacity for dispersal, patchy distribution. Rescue from U.S. populations are unlikely given the limited capacity for terrestrial snails to disperse rapidly over great distances. Lake Erie is considered a barrier for rescue from the U.S. References: Clapp, G.H. 1916. Notes on the land-shells of the islands at the western end of Lake Erie and descriptions of new varieties. Annals of the Carnegie Museum 21 (3–4): 532–540, pl. 32–36. Gibson, S.Y., R.C. Van der Marel, & B.M. Starzomski. 2009. Climate change and conservation of leading-edge peripheral populations. Conservation Biology 23 (6): 1369-1373. Oldham, M., pers. comm. 2010. Email correspondence to R. Forsyth, Jan. 2010. Pilsbry, H.A. 1948. Land Mollusca of North America (north of Mexico). Volume 2, Part 2. Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Monograph 3: i–xlvii + 521–1113.
Mosses
Seligeria careyana * BC	A very small moss belonging to a genus characteristic of limestone ledges and cliffs. This is a Canadian endemic, first described in 1976 based on specimens found on the northwestern corner of Moresby Island, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. i. Taxonomic level - species. ii. Proportion of global range in Canada - 100% (Canadian endemic). iii. Existing global conservation status - G1 (Natureserve - critically imperiled); National rank - N1; subnational rank - S1 (B.C.). iv. Canadian population size and trends - only 4 sites known, all from the same area of the intensively collected Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii). v. Threats - Unknown although 1 site near an old open-pit mine which closed in 1983; rising resource prices may make re-opening feasible). vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy - IAO 16 km2 based 4 sites. vii. Limiting biological factors - Limited to damp limestone cliffs. These are rare in coastal British Columbia within the possible range of the species where limestone outcrops are islands within a sea of mainly acidic bedrock.
Crossidium seriatum ** BC	Crossidium seriatum has a wide but scattered distribution in western North America. It is known from 3 locations in British Columbia and fewer than 30 locations worldwide: Arizona, California, Kansas, New Mexico, Nevada, Mexico and Euroe (Spain, France, Switzerland). i. Taxonomic level: species ii. Portion of global range in Canada: <10% iii. Existing global conservation status: G2 iv. Canadian population size and trends: Known only from 3 sites in Canada, all in the Okanagan region (Kamloops, Pentiction, and Lillouet) areas in British Columbia. Trends are unknown, but its habitats is very susceptible to human disturbance. This species is very small and does not form large patches; it is often found as individuals. v. Threats: Construction of vineyards, limited substratum, mining of gypsum, off road vehicles activity, housing construction. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: IAO: 12 km2. vii. Limiting biological factors: Very restricted substratum requirements limits the area that this species can occupy. This moss is often found on the edge of deep gullies cut by intermittent streams and requires very dry gypsiferous soils, clay or silt. It is never abundant when found and forms very small spotty patches or may occur as individuals embedded in the substratum.
Gollania turgens ** YT, BC	Gollania turgens is known from 2 sites in Canada and fewer than 10 sites in North America (with the non-Canadian sites all in Alaska). Elsewhere in the world the species occurs in China, Japan, Nepal and Russia. i. Taxonomic level: Species ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: < 5% iii. Existing global conservation status: G2 iv. Canadian population size and trends: Known from only two sites from limestone outcrops. One site is near a copper mine on Moresby Is., Queen Charlotte Islands, BC. The Yukon site is remote with no protection, but no known threats. v. Threats: At present threats appear minimal unless the nearby copper mine on Moresby Island expands into the occupied area. However, with only two known populations, the species occurrence in Canada is also at risk from natural extirpation events such as landslides. vi. Small extent or occurrence or area of occupancy: IAO 8 km2 based on two sites in Canada. vii. Limiting biological features: Apparently lacks ability for sexual reproduction in North America; spore production is unknown in North America, therefore dispersal is very limited and local only. Requires limestone habitats; these are rare in coastal British Columbia within the range of the species where limestone outcrops are islands within a sea of mainly acidic bedrock.
Brachydontium olympicum ** BC	Brachydontium olympicum (syn. Grimmia olympica) has a North Pacific distribution and is known from Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and Japan. In British Columbia it has been found only at 3 sites in Garibaldi Provincial Park and the North Shore Mountains. Elsewhere in North America, it is currently known from 6 sites in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon: Mt. Olympus (type location), Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, Mt. Hood, Harbor Mt. A site on Mt. St. Helens is believed to have been extirpated by the volcanic eruption there. i. Taxonomic level: species ii. Portion of global range in Canada: 3 of the eight known sites in North America occur in British Columbia. iii. Existing global conservation status: G2. iv. Canadian population size and trends: Unknown; there are currently only 3 known locations in British Columbia. The species occurs in small (typically <10 cm2) colonies or clusters of plants v. Threats: Recreation impacts such as hiking, and trail maintenance or construction. Cell or microwave tower construction. Increased volcanic activity (in the US) could lead to the loss of known sites. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: IAO: 12 km2 based on 3 locations. vii. Limiting biological factors: This small species requires thin, unoccupied soil patches over usually volcanic rock at high elevations (upper montane to alpine areas)
Reptiles
Terrapene carolina ** Eastern Box Turtle ON	Terrapene carolina is a small (10-15 cm carapace length), mostly terrestrial turtle found over much of the eastern US and in southern Ontario. It is has an exceptionally long maximum life span (>100 years in wild). The consensus of recent major treatments of the species is that it is native to Ontario (Harding 1997; Dodd 2001; COSEWIC 2002; Ernst and Lovich 2009). The species was assessed in 2002 by COSEWIC, and was declared Data Deficient because there were insufficient data to determine whether box turtles found recently in Ontario are remnants of a native population or are introduced (Extirpated vs Endangered). Eastern Box Turtles have been reported from several localities in the Carolinian/Great Lakes St. Lawrence regions of Ontario. Many of these records are from pre-settlement times when the species appeared fairly widespread in Ontario (Adler, 1970; Froom 1976; Johnson 1989; Harding 1997; Dodd 2001; Ernst and Lovich 2009). Since ~1700, it has disappeared from parts of Ontario, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan, particularly in areas adjacent to the Great Lakes (Dodd 2001). It is continuing to decline across its entire North American range (Harding 1997; Ernst and Lovich 2009). Although box turtles are terrestrial and, if detected, are easily identified and caught, sightings in southern Ontario accrue only at the rate of one or two per year. Historical evidence suggests that box turtles are native to Ontario and may have persisted for centuries despite having always been rare and perhaps limited by ecological factors. A similar situation exists in Vermont (DesMeules 1997), New Hampshire (Taylor 1993) and Maine (Todd 2000). All these states have all been depicted as part of the species’ traditional range and now have only remnant scattered records. Therefore, the status of the species needs to be re-examined based on the pre-cautionary principle and the strong possibility that some remnant populations exist. i. Taxonomic level: The Box Turtle is a valid species and in the previous assessment (COSEWIC 2002), COSEWIC agreed that it was a valid taxon native to Canada. There is no evidence for more than one DU for Box Turtle in Canada. ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: ca. 1 %. A key argument in the previous COSEWIC assessment dealt with whether or not the species was native to Canada or whether all recent specimens were released captives and all specimens found in archaeological digs/native middens were imported by Aboriginal peoples who often used the carapace for decorative purposes or as a form of money. For example, Bleakney (1956) argued that the species was introduced via Aboriginal trade ~1000 years ago because it could not have swum across Lake Erie. This was a feeble argument given that T. carolina is a pond turtle and that many non-aquatic vertebrates (e.g., snakes) are native yet must have crossed whatever barriers the Great Lakes presented in the past.. iii. Existing global conservation status: GRANK: G5 (last reviewed 2004).NRANK: G? COSEWIC: DD MNR Status: DD SRANK: SU Ontario General Status: Exotic. The persistence of a designation of exotic defies the evidence and arguments in the references cited above that the Box Turtle is/was a long-established native Canadian turtle. iv. Canadian population size and trends: The Eastern Box Turtle continues to be found in the wild at sites in southwest Ontario (Norfolk and Brant Counties and at Rondeau PP) (Froom, 1976; Johnson 1989; S. Gillingwater (pers comm., email 2009)). However, the current population is very small, and most are probably released captives so it is possible that the native population is extirpated (Adler 1970; Dodd 2001). If the species is extant (Harding 1997), it is probably not viable without recovery efforts. v. Threats: The threats to this late-maturing, long- lived species in Ontario are high because of its life history, its occurrence on the edge of its range, its small, fragmented populations, extensive loss of its habitat (bottomland forests, old fields, and grassland - woodland ecotones), and its popularity as a pet. Because it is largely terrestrial, it is vulnerable to collection by humans in the same manner as the Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) (COSEWIC 2007). Road mortality is a major threat to the Box Turtle in the USA (Harding, 1997, Dodd 2001, Ernst and Lovich 2009). Native Americans and European settlers both created a patchwork of forest clearings by colonial times (Doroff and Keith 1990; Todd 2000). Impacts from conversions of upland forests to farms, prevalent during the 1800’s, are unknown. Box turtles primarily use grasslands and prairies but avoid agricultural croplands. Models suggest that annual adult mortality rates >5% lead to long-term population declines (Doroff and Keith 1990). vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Very small area of occupancy, possibly extirpated. vii. Limiting biological factors: This species matures late, at approximately 20 years in the northeast USA (Klemens 1993), has low, annual, reproductive effort with females breeding only every second year and laying clutches of ~5 eggs (Dodd 2001, Ernst and Lovich 2009), and is probably further limited by cool summers and cold winters in Canada. It hibernates in burrows on land and is freeze-tolerant to at least -3.6°C (Storey et al 1993; Ernst and Lovich 2009). Gillingwater (pers comm. 2009) successfully overwintered box turtles at 2-5 °C for up to 6 months in winter 2008/2009 with little to no weight loss. References: Adler, K. 1970. The influence of prehistoric man on the distribution of box turtles. Annals of the Carnegie Museum 41: 263-280. Bleakney, S. 1958. The significance of turtle bones from archaeological sites in southern Ontario and Quebec. Can. Field Nat. 72(1): 1-5. COSEWIC. 2002. (draft report). COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Eastern Box TurtleTerrapene carolina carolina in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 34 pp. COSEWIC. 2007. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Wood Turtle Glyptemys insculpta in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa.vii + 42 pp. (http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_wood_turtle_0808_e.pdf). DesMeules, M. P. 1997. Historic and current status of turtles in Vermont. pp 1-2 in T. F. Tyning (ed.). Status and conservation of turtles of the northeastern United States. Serpent’s Tale, Lanesboro, MN. Dodd, C.K. 2001. North American Box Turtles: a Natural History. Oklahoma Univ. Press. 231 pp. Doroff, A. M. and L. B. Keith. 1990. Demography and ecology of an ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata) population in south-central Wisconsin. Copeia 1990:387-399. Endangered Species Act, 2007. S.O. 2007, Chapter 6, Schedule 1 “Transition — Species Declared To Be Threatened With Extinction in Regulation 328 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990” (Clause 7 (7) (a)) Ernst, C.H., and J.E. Lovich. 2009. Turtles of the United States and Canada. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD. 827 pp. Froom, B. 1976. The Turtles of Canada. McClelland and Stewart Ltd., Toronto. i20 pp. Harding, J.H. 1997. The Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great Lakes Region. The University of Michigan Press. 378 pp. Johnson, B. 1989. Familiar amphibians and reptiles of Ontario. Natural History / Natural Heritage, Inc., Toronto, ON. 168pp. Klemens, M. W. 1993. Amphibians and reptiles of Connecticut and adjacent regions. Connecticut Geol. and Natur. Hist. Survey Bull. 112, Hartford, CT. 318pp. Stickel, L.F. 1978. Changes in a box turtle population during three decades. Copeia. 1978: 221-225. Storey, K.B., J.R. Layne, Jr., M.M. Cutwa, T.A. Churchill and J.M. Storey. 1993. Freezing survival and metabolism of box turtles, Terrapene carolina. Copeia. 1993(3): 628-638. Ontario Regulation 230/08. Endangered Species Act, 2007. Species at Risk in Ontario List. Schedule 2. Endangered Species. Taylor, J. 1993. The amphibians and reptiles of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Fish and Game Dept., Concord. 70pp. Todd, C.S. 2000.Eastern Box Turtle Assessment in Maine. Report to Maine Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.41 pp.
Vascular Plants
Braya pilosa * Pilose Braya NT	Braya pilosa is an extremely rare endemic of the Northwest Territories of Canada. It is perhaps the most distinctive North American member of a taxonomically difficult genus. The evolution of the genus is intimately tied to hybridization and polyploidy but that phylogenetic history is obscured by the fact that diploidy has never been reported in Braya. There is some evidence that B. pilosa may be diploid and therefore could have played a critical role in the evolution of the genus. i. Taxonomic level and number of DUs: Species– accepted by the Flora of North America; single DU - Arctic ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: 100% Endemic to the Northwest Territories iii. Existing global conservation status: G rank: G1 (Critically Imperiled), Canada General Status: GS2 (May be at Risk). iv. Canadian population size and trends: Several hundred B. pilosa plants were discovered growing along the coastline on sandy calcareous soils in an area heavily used by caribou. Trends are unknown. It has been collected four times, all believed to be from the same location starting in 1828 and most recently in 2004. It is likely restricted to the type locality v. Threats: Threats include documented increasing coastal erosion due to receding sea ice and permafrost degradation. The site is along the Northwest Passage so Harrowby Bay and the Cape Bathurst Peninsula could see more human activity associated with shipping operations and oil and gas exploration. The site is also a calving area for a small herd of caribou in decline and is privately owned by the Inuvialuit. Assistance from the ATK subcommittee may be required to arrange site fieldwork as well as permits. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Known from a single location EO (based on the area of Bathurst Peninsula) ~1300 km², IAO estimated 4 km2. vii. Limiting biological factors: Its extremely limited distribution could be linked to its ploidy level. It is likely not well adapted to sustain large amounts of disturbance. References: Harris, J. G. 2004. Pilose Braya, Braya pilosa Hooker (Cruciferae: Brassicaceae), an enigmatic endemic of Arctic Canada. Canadian Field-Naturalist 118(4): 550-557. Harris J.G. in press. Braya. Flora of North America.
Symphyotrichum nahanniense * Nahanni Aster NT	The Nahanni Aster (formerly Aster nahanniensis) is a rare endemic globally found only in the Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories. This species could be termed a ‘glacial relict’ as it occupied hotspring environments in the Nahanni area as they became ice-free about 12,000 years ago, while other areas were still ice-covered. This species is cited in the IUCN World Heritage Site status document. i. Taxonomic level and number of DUs: Species – accepted by the Flora of North America (FNA); single DU – Arctic Formerly included with Symphyotrichum falcatum (in var. commutatum) but relative of S. boreale and S. welshii (Brouillet et al 2006, Owen et al 2006). Kartesz (1999) includes Aster nahanniensis in the synonymy of Symphyotrichum falcatum var. commutatum but is recognizing it as a distinct species (Symphyotrichum nahanniense) in his upcoming treatment. ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: 100% Endemic to the Northwest Territories iii. Existing global conservation status: NatureServe GRank: G1G2 NatureServe National Rank (Canada): N1N2 NatureServe SRank (NT): S1S2 General Status Canada Rank: species wasn’t included in Wild Species 2005, but included in the upcoming Wild Species 2010, it will be ranked as May be at Risk NWT General Status Rank: species included in NWT Species 2006-2010 and will be in NWT Species 2011-2015, ranked as May be at Risk iv. Canadian population size and trends: Five sites are known: Old Pots Hotsprings Rabbitkettle Hotsprings, the largest tufa mound in Canada Thirteen Steps Hotsprings Wildmint Hotsprings The fifth site is near an additional hotspring in Nahanni National Park Reserve, but there are no details as of yet. A small specimen of this aster from the site was confirmed by Dr. John Semple. More than 1000 shoots were counted at the Wildmint Hotsprings site. John has detailed notes on the distribution of shoots and numbers of shoots at the four sites visited and has many digital photographs of each site. The fifth site in the park with Symphyotrichum nahanniense was not visited by John. John is willing to contribute what he can to get the report done, especially regarding field site observations, pictures, and taxonomic details. v. Threats: This aster is dependent on the hydrothermal groundwater system at the tufa mounds. The terraced tufa mounds are a precarious environment consisted of fragile calcium carbonate which are reliant and subject to changes in precipitation (climate change). Human activity is a major direct threat to these significant sites. One mound has already been affected and resulted in closing access to the site. A tufa mound monitoring program is underway with Parks Canada to ensure there are no unacceptable levels of change in the structure of the tufa mounds. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Known from only 5 sites within a small area of Nahanni National Park Reserve. vii. Limiting biological factors: The Nahanni Aster is only found in sphagnum moss mounds or loose tufa, sand and gravel along the banks of streams or seeps, near or below hotsprings in Nahanni National Park Reserve. References: Govt of NWT: Environment and Natural Resources – Nahanni Aster. http://www.enr.gov.nt.ca/_live/pages/wpPages/Nahanni_Aster.aspx Brouillet, L., J.C. Semple, G.A. Allen, K. Chambers and S. Sundberg. 2006. Symphyotrichum Nees. pp. 2006. In Flora North America Editorial Committee, eds. Flora of North America. Vol. 20. Asteraceae, Part 2. Astereae and Senecioneae. Oxford University Press, New York Nahanni National Park Reserve. Management Planning Newsletter#2. January 2010. Owen, E., J.C. Semple and B.B. Baum. 2006. A multivariate morphometric analysis of the Symphyotrichium boreale – S. nahanniense – S. welshii complex (Asteraceae: Astereae). Can. J. Bot. 84:1282-1297.
Micranthes spicata * Spiked Saxifrage YT	Endemic to Yukon and Alaska with the majority of its range in Alaska. Recently rediscovered after a 110 year absence; this is a large and showy plant (up to 70 cm tall) that is not easily missed. Several surveys have been conducted in the past few years. To date only one extant population has been found in Canada. i. Taxonomic level and number of DUs: Species, accepted by the Flora of North America – Single DU – Northern Mountain ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: 10%. Endemic to Yukon and Alaska iii. Existing global conservation status: G rank G3G4, N1 in Canada, S3S4 in Alaska, Canada General Status GS2 (May be at Risk). Not listed by SARA. Yukon is the only Canadian jurisdiction without jurisdictional Species at Risk Legislation. iv. Canadian population size and trends: Population trend for the single population is unknown. v. Threats: Mining developments and exploration are likely the greatest threats. Populations occur in areas of high mineral extraction activities where it grows along streams, often in thickets. Sediment accumulation or changing water flow are likely the greatest threats as a consequence of the species’ low elevation occurrences areas of very high placer mining activity. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Only a single extant population in Canada is known. vii. Limiting biological factors: The specialized habitat along river courses is often disturbed by mining activities. References: Bennett, B.A. and S. Withers. In press. Spiked Saxifrage (Saxifraga spicata D. Don) Rediscovered in Canada After 110 Years. Cody, W.J. 1996. The Flora of the Yukon Territory: additions, range extensions and comments. Canadian Field-Naturalist 108(4): 428-476. Douglas, G.W., G.W. Argus, H.L. Dickson, and D.F. Brunton. 1981. The rare vascular plants of the Yukon. National Museum Natural Sciences, Ottawa. 61 pp. Hultén, E. 1968. Flora of Alaska and neighboring territories. Stanford Univ. Press, Palo Alto, CA. 1008 pp. Parker, C.L. 1995. Status and trends survey of Category 2 plants in the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska. Unpublished report prepared for the U.S. Dept. Interior, National Biological Service, Washington, D.C. University of Alaska, Museum of the North. 2009. Arctos database. http://arctos.database.museum/SpecimenResults.cfm accessed January 8, 2009. Fairbanks, Alaska.
Podistera yukonensis ** Yukon Podistera YT	Endemic to the upper Yukon River region between Carmacks, Canada, and Circle, Alaska. It is only known from ten populations worldwide, six of which are in Canada. Although little survey work has been done specifically looking for Yukon Podistera, but with its habitat specificity and an extremely limited range, few additional populations are expected. Recent intensive surveys in Alaska did not locate any new populations. With such a limited distribution the loss of any population could affect the survival of the species. i. Taxonomic level and number of DUs: Species, (only four species in the genus – all in North America) – Single DU – Northern Mountain ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: 60% Endemic to Yukon and Alaska iii. Existing global conservation status: G rank G2, N1 is USA, N1 in Canada, Canada General Status GS2 (May be at Risk). Yukon is the only Canadian jurisdiction without jurisdictional Species at Risk legislation. iv. Canadian population size and trends: Populations are believed to be stable because they occur in undisturbed stable habitats in remote areas. v. Threats: Mining developments and exploration are likely the greatest threats. Populations occur in areas of high mineral extraction activities. Only one population is known to occur in a protected area (Tombstone Territorial Park). vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Global EO is ~18,000 km² spanning a distance of 400 km between Eagle, Alaska, and Carmacks, Yukon. The Canadian EO ~12,000 km². vii. Limiting biological factors: Habitat specificity (growing on stable rock outcrops). The populations are separated by boreal forest. The plants evolved in the steppe habitats of Beringia during the Pleistocene and are likely poorly adapted to disperse seed to unoccupied sites. References: Batten, A.R., D.F. Murray, and J.C. Dawe. 1979. Threatened and endangered plants in selected areas of the BLM Fortymile Planning Unit, Alaska. BLM-Alaska Tech. Rep. 3. Bureau of Land Management, Alaska State Office, Anchorage. 127 pp. Cody, W.J. 1994. The flora of the Yukon Territory: additions, range extensions and comments. Canadian Field-Naturalist 108(4): 428-476. Cody, W.J. 1996. The Flora of the Yukon Territory. National Research Council Press (NRC). Ottawa, Ontario. 643 pp. Douglas, G.W., G.W. Argus, H.L. Dickson, and D.F. Brunton. 1981. The rare vascular plants of the Yukon. National Museum Natural Sciences, Ottawa. 61 pp. Hulten, E. 1968. Flora of Alaska and neighboring territories. Stanford Univ. Press, Palo Alto, CA. 1008 pp. Kartesz, J.T. 1999. A synonymized checklist and atlas with biological attributes for the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. First edition. In: Kartesz, J.T., and C.A. Meacham. Synthesis of the North American Flora, Version 1.0. North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, N.C. Murray, D.F., and R. Lipkin. 1987. Candidate threatened and endangered plants of Alaska with comments on other rare plants. Univ. Alaska Museum, Fairbanks. 76 pp. Parker, C.L. 1995. Status and trends survey of Category 2 plants in the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska. Unpublished report prepared for the U.S. Dept. Interior, National Biological Service, Washington, D.C.
Cistanthe tweedyi ** Tweedy’s Lewisia BC	This very showy herb is restricted to a single subalpine ridge in southwestern BC, in a provincial park. Current evidence suggests that the species may be endangered under criterion D1. The single known population in BC is accessible by foot. Extensive high elevation surveys are required to ensure a proper search effort. i. Taxonomic level: Full species ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: <1% iii. Existing global conservation status: GRANK: G3, NRANK: N1, SRANK (BC): S1, not known from any other province/territory. Canada General Status: Sensitive. BC Conservation Framework status: level 2. iv. Canadian population size and trends: The best available evidence suggests the Canadian population consists of “several clumps”. There is no information on population trend. NOTE: Information from Bruce Bennett. “…Supposedly near border on Monument 83Trail. Rare and protected in the park and in B.C. HOZ Range. Open or wooded slopes. Its discovery is published in Syesis Vol. 7, 1974. Last count only three plants remained. RBCMH #66213. v. Threats: Collection, trampling. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Actual area occupied estimated at under 100 square metres. Index of area of occupancy = 1 square kilometre if one accepts that a 1 km grid is most appropriate for the species. vii. Limiting biological factors: Low probability of rescue effect or dispersal. May be limited by poor dispersal success. This generally southern species is probably climatically limited to southern British Columbia where winter temperatures at high elevations are relatively moderate. References: BC Conservation Data Centre HERB database
Arnica griscomii ** Griscom’s Arnica QC, NL	It is a showy herbaceous perennial of the aster family that grows only in limestone areas, either barrens or slopes. It requires open, treeless habitats. It is endemic to the Gulf of St. Lawrence region, with 7 locations, 4 in Newfoundland and Labrador and 3 in Québec. The Newfoundland and Quebec populations are separated by almost 500 km of ocean. In Newfoundland the subspecies is only present on the island portion of the Province. i. Taxonomic level: subspecies ii. Portion of global range in Canada: 100% iii. Existing global conservation status: G5T2, NRANK=N2, SRANK (NL)=S1, (QC)=S1 General Status: May be at Risk in NL, At Risk in QC iv. Canadian population size and trends: While there are 19 point observations in Newfoundland and Labrador, some are so close together that they can be grouped into four locations that are concentrated in two areas, one mountain in Gros Morne National Park (1 location) and the Port au Choix/St. John Bay area (3 locations). Two of the Port au Choix/St. John Bay area locations (St. John Island and Doctor Hill) are historical. During a visit to St. John Island about 10 years ago the subspecies was not found, but it should be noted that the exact location of the original find was not known. The location on Doctor Hill has not been revisited but in the absence of known threats it is believed that the population is still extant. Most of the suitable calcareous habitat in the Province has been intensively searched under various programmes such as the NL Rare Plant Project and the Limestone Barrens Species at Risk Recovery Team activities; but it is possible that there are a few undiscovered populations. The population size in Newfoundland is likely small; at the 4 point locations inventoried, the total number of Arnica was approx. 400, and a total population size of approx. 2,000 would be a reasonable estimate. In Québec there are three locations, all on the Gaspé Peninsula, and one of them is a cluster of point observations (Centre de Donneés sur le Patrimoine Naturel du Québec 2008). The document does not indicate the population size for Québec. In Newfoundland trends are unknown as none of the known sites have been monitored. In Quebec, the species has been declining (Centre de Donneés sur le Patrimoine Naturel du Québec 2008). v. Threats: The Port au Choix population in Newfoundland is within a National Historic Site; however, there is some threat from illegal ATV/vehicle use. Some patches are near hydro lines and foot paths. All other sites in Newfoundland are remote and difficult to access. Threats in Quebec are unknown. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: The EO incl. NL and Québec is approximately 44,300 km2, more than 60% of which is water. The population area has only been measured at 5 point locations, and was less than 11,300 m2. Extrapolated to the total of 19 Newfoundland point locations, the AO would be <0.05 km2. Using grids, the Newfoundland and Labrador IAO would be approx. 24 km2 (2 km grid) or 9 km2 (1 km grid). vii. Limiting biological factors: This species is quite habitat specific, and open calcareous areas only comprise a small portion of the Island of Newfoundland (<2%). [We cannot speak to the abundance of limestone barrens in Quebec.] References: Centre de données sur le patrimoine naturel du Québec. 2008. Les plantes vasculaires menacées ou vulnérables du Québec, 3e édition, gouvernement du Québec, ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs, Direction du patrimoine écologique et des parcs, Québec.

September 2, 2010

The Species Specialist Subcommittees’ Candidate Lists

The COSEWIC Candidate List

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