The Prioritized Candidate Species List

Candidate Wildlife Species

July 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.

Candidate wildlife species included in the COSEWIC Candidate List, as well as their rationale for inclusion, are listed in Part 3. Those marked with an asterisk (*) will appear on the next 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 (74)
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
Hesperia colorado oregonia	Western Branded Skipper	BC
Hydroporus carri	Carr’s Diving Beetle	AB
Megathymus streckeri	Strecker's Giant Skipper	AB
Metrius contractus contractus	Contracted Bombing Beetle	BC
Omus audouini	Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle	BC
Psilochorus hesperus	[A pholcid cellar spider]	BC
Speyeria mormonia	Mormon Fritillary	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	YT
Erythrodiplax berenice	Seaside Dragonlet	NS
Euphydryas anicia bernadetta	Bernadette's 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
Hemileuca nuttalli	Nuttall’s Buck-moth	BC
Lasiopogon pacificus	[A robber fly]	BC
Microhexura idahoana	[A diplurid funnel webspider]	BC
Nicocles rufus	[A robber fly]	BC
Octogomphus specularis	Grappletail	BC
Rhionaeschna mutata	Spatterdock Darner	ON, NS
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
Hexura piceae	[A mecicobthriid spider]	BC
Hydrocollis filiolus	[A diving beetle]	QC, NB
Icarica icarioides blackmorei	Blackmore’s Blue	BC
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
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	YT, BC, 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	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
No candidates currently listed
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
Delphinus capensis	Long-beaked Common Dolphin	Pacific 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 (39)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Micromenetus dilatatus	Bugle Sprite	NS
Obliquaria reflexa	Threehorn Wartyback	ON
Toxolasma parvus	Lilliput	ON
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Allogona profunda	Broadbanded Forestsnail	ON
Anguispira kochi kochi	Banded Globe (Eastern population)	ON
Birgella subglobosa	Globe Slitsnail	MB, ON, QC
Fisherola nuttalli	Shortface Lanx	BC
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 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)
No candidates currently listed

Part 3: The COSEWIC Candidate List

Candidate Wildlife Species	Rationale
Amphibians
Desmognathus fuscus * Northern Dusky Salamander ON	Desmognathus fuscus is a stream-dwelling salamander of the family Plethodontidae. Exactly as with the Allegheny Mountain Dusky salamander Carolinian population (Endangered) it is known from only a single locality in the Niagara gorge of Ontario. Other populations are known from southern Quebec and New Brunswick. i. Taxonomic level: DU. Two DUs need to be recognized for the Northern Dusky Salamander in Canada in order to adequately assess its probabilities of extirpation from the country. The previous assessment did not specifically address the Carolinian population, which is extremely small, entirely isolated and restricted to a minute area of occupancy (< 0.5 square km²) in a single cascading stream in the Niagara Gorge. This is precisely the same situation seen in the Carolinian population of the Allegheny Mountain Dusky salamander (D. ochrophaeus), which was assessed by COSEWIC as Endangered (COSEWIC, 2007). There is no probability of rescue effect or dispersal for the dusky salamanders in the Niagara Gorge. A re-assessment is necessary in order to recognize the Carolinian DU as distinct and significant compared to the populations of the same species in Quebec and New Brunswick, which were rated NAR by COSEWIC (Bonin, 1999) prior to adoption of guidelines on Designatable Units ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: ca. 1%. Considering the Carolinian population of D. fuscus as a DU separate from the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence populations would necessitate reassessing the range of the species. Markle and Green (2005), using molecular DNA markers, identified one of the two populations of Dusky Salamanders known to occur in the Niagara Gorge as being Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamanders. This confirmed that there is only one population of Northern Dusky Salamanders in the Gorge. The Carolinian DU is totally isolated. iii. Existing global conservation status: GRANK: G5 NRANK: N3N4 COSEWIC: NAR MNR Status: END-R SRANK: S1 Ontario General Status: MAY BE AT RISK. The Carolinian population of the Northern Dusky Salamander was assessed by OMNR as END-R, meaning "endangered – regulated” under Regulation 328 of the old Endangered Species Act (Austen and Oldham 1999). As of June 30, 2008, however, the species has been designated "endangered" under Ontario Regulation 230/08 of the new Endangered Species Act of 2007. Its SRANK is S1 and its Ontario General Status listing is “MAY BE AT RISK”. The Great Lakes/St. Lawrence DU is assessed as Not at Risk. iv. Canadian population size and trends: The Carolinian population is very small and restricted v. Threats: The same threats apply to this species in the Niagara Gorge as have been documented for the Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander (COSEWIC, 2007). Changes to the quality or abundance of ground or surface water, deforestation for agricultural or urban development that damages or destroys terrestrial forest habitat, increasing siltation and by altering hydrological regimes, contamination of ground or surface water, stochastic environmental events due to the small sizes of the populations, collecting, human recreation in or near salamander habitat. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Very small area of occupancy under 0.5 square km vii. Limiting biological factors: Isolated in a single cascading stream in the Niagara Gorge. No probability of rescue effect or dispersal References: Bonin, J. 1999. COSEWIC Status Report on the Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) in Canada. COSEWIC, Environment Canada, Ottawa. 22 pp. Austen, M.J. and M.J. Oldham. 1999. COSSARO Candidate V, T, E Species Evaluation Form for Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus). Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO). 5 pp. + 4 appendices COSEWIC 2007. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander Desmognathus ochrophaeus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 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)) Kamstra, J. 1991. Rediscovery of the Northern Dusky Salamander, Desmognathus fuscus, in Ontario. Canadian Field-Naturalist 105:561-563. Markle, T.M. and D.M. Green. 2005. Molecular Identification of Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamanders, Desmognathus ochrophaeus, in Southern Ontario. Report for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR), Niagara, Ontario. 8 pp. Ontario Regulation 230/08. Endangered Species Act, 2007. Species at Risk in Ontario List. Schedule 2. Endangered Species.
Arthropods
Hypochlora alba * Greenish-white Grasshopper AB, SK	Hypochlora alba (Dodge) is a small, flightless grasshopper that inhabits relatively undisturbed dry mixed grass prairie of the Great Plains of North America. It feeds primarily on white sagebrush, Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt., a terpenoid-containing forb (Family Asteraceae) that is not eaten by other grasshopper species, and which is unpalatable to cattle. In Canada, Hypochlora alba is found in very low numbers in southern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, in a narrow region near the US border. Within this zone, it is restricted to patches of the obligate food plant, which is a minor component of vegetation on dry grazing land. Sagebrush habitat is declining and H. alba occurs at a small proportion of the sites where the food plant is found. Collection records indicate that this grasshopper was previously more common in south-eastern Alberta grassland (where it is now extremely rare or absent) and southern Saskatchewan. Recent sampling has extended the range to the Great Sand Hills of Saskatchewan (Johnson and Olson, unpub, data). Recent collections (2002-2005) are known from the Big Muddy in southern Saskatchewan and Grasslands National Park. Within the known range, even when the host plant is present, relative abundance of this species is typically between zero and 1 per 10,000 grasshoppers collected by sweepnets or direct searching in dry mixed grass prairie. i. Taxonomic level – species - high ii. Proportion of global range in Canada - < 5% - low iii. Existing global conservation status – unlisted; limited to North American Great Plains, where it is generally rare - low iv. Canadian population size and trends – slight decline and retraction of range are indicated by previous collection records from areas in which it is no longer found, even with intensive searching - moderate v. Threats – suspected to be intolerant of disturbances related to “improved” management of grazing land that would reduce the occurrence of the food plant; grazing appears to benefit this grasshopper, because white sage unpalatable to cattle, and grazing reduces competition from other plants - moderate vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy – collection records indicate a decline in range and density; this species is extremely restricted by climate, vegetation cover type, and presence of the relatively rare obligate food plant; known, scattered sites probably sum to < 100 km2, although a general survey has not been conducted - high vii. Limiting biological factors – this species is unable to fly to migrate to new patches of obligate food plant, or to escape predation; both sexes lack wings; it is small, slow-moving and visible because of light green colouration; it is soft-bodied and probably not resistant to extended hot, dry conditions. – high References: Knick, S. and C. Van Riper III. 2002. Loss of Sagebrush Ecosystems and Declining Bird Populations in the Intermountain West: Priority Research Issues and Information Needs. USGS FS-122-02. 2 pp. Thompson, J. 2007. Sagebrush in western North America: habitats and species in jeopardy. Science Findings 91. U.S.D.A., Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 5 pp.
Bombus occidentalis * Western Bumble Bee YT, BC, AB	Bombus occidentalis (Greene) is a bumble bee that was formerly common in British Columbia. Historically the most abundant bee in the western US, the range of B. occidentalis is the West Coast of North America, from central California to Alaska, and east to the prairies in Canada and the US. In the 1980’s, it was the second most abundant bumble bee collected (after Bombus mixtus) in a study of blueberry pollination in the Fraser Valley of BC (Winston and Graf 1982; MacKenzie and Winston 1984). In contrast, Claudia Ratti collected just 26 B. occidentalis in 2003 and 2004 in blueberry fields, and 2 in each of cranberry and strawberry fields, in the same general area during her MSc research. In an urban bee study earlier this decade, Tomassi et al (2004) found that B. occidentalis was present but uncommon. Although several people have done fairly extensive collections over the past three years, primarily on Vancouver Island in BC, they have never collected B. occidentalis. The Xerces Society considers B. occidentalis to be in ‘steep decline’, due to habitat loss and pesticide use, but also due to the introduction of exotic disease organisms and pathogens (Thorpe 2003, and R. W. Thorpe unpublished data). This disease introduction was believed to have occurred due to movement/shipping of bees for use in greenhouse pollination of tomatoes, and their subsequent escape and contact with local bees. i. Taxonomic level – species - high ii. Proportion of global range in Canada – 30% iii. Existing global conservation status – unlisted; limited to Western North America and known to be in decline iv. Canadian population size and trends – Decline has been documented with collection records. v. Threats – habitat loss and degradation, pesticides, and introduction of diseases via the commercial bumble bee industry vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy not historically, but decline has been so precipitous that both may now be very small vii. Limiting biological factors – requires adequate forage (nectar and pollen) and nesting sites. Is not adapted to the diseases that have been spread to its range through the bumble bee industry. References: MacKenzie K. E. and Winston M. L. 1984. Diversity and abundance of native bee pollinatos on berry crops and natural vegetation in the lower Fraser Valley, British Columbia. The Canadian Entomologist 116: 965-974. Ratti, C. 2006. Bee abundance and diversity in berry agriculture. MSc thesis, Simon Fraser University. Tommasi D., Miro A., HIgo H. A. and Winston M. L. 2004. Bee diversity and abundance in an Urban Setting. The Canadian Entomologist 136: 851-869. Thorp, R. W. 2003. Bumble bees (Hymenoptea: Apidae): commercial use and environmental concerns. Pp. 21-40. In: K. Strickler and J. H. Cane (eds.). For nonnative crops, whence pollinators of the future? Thomas Say Publications in Entomology: Proceedings. Entomological Society of Amererica, Lanham, MD. (204pp.) Winston M. L.and Graf L. J. 1982. Native bee pollinators of berry crops in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. Journal of the Entomological Society of British Columbia 79: 14-20.
Cicindela formosa * Gibson’s Big Sand Tiger Beetle SK	Kingdom: Animalia - Animal, animals, animaux Phylum Arthropoda - arthropodes, arthropods, Artrópode Subphylum Hexapoda -- hexapods Class Insecta -- hexapoda, insectes, insects, inseto Subclass Pterygota -- insects ailés, winged insects Infraclass Neoptera -- modern, wing-folding insects Order Coleoptera Linnaeus, 1758 -- beetles, besouro, coléoptères Suborder Adephaga Schellenberg, 1806 Family Carabidae Latreille, 1802 -- carabes, ground beetles Subfamily Cicindelinae Latreille, 1802 -- tiger beetles Genus Cicindela Linnaeus, 1758 Species Cicindela formosa Say, 1817 -- Big Sand Tiger Beetle Subspecies Cicindela formosa gibsoni Brown, 1940 -- Big Sand Tiger Beetle (Gibson’s) Cicindelea formosa gibsoni is a distinctive subspecies of Canada’s largest Tiger Beetle. It is known only from two small areas that are disjunct by approximately 1000 km: the Great Sand Hills of Saskatchewan and a similar dune field in Colorado. It inhabits areas of open sand (estimated at 0.2 % of the Great Sand Hills area of approx. 1000 km2). In the interior of Canada areas of open active dunes have recently declined by 40% per decade as a result of stabilization by vegetation and these declines are well documented for the Great Sand Hills (e.g. Hugenholtz and Wolfe 1999). Although increasing aridity (due to global warming) may expand active sand in the future, there may be much more stabilization before this happens (Wolfe, pers. comm..), and other pressures such as seeding to improve and protect pasture from anticipated effects of global climate change could reduce the habitat further. This subspecies is tracked by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and listed there as S1 (critically imperilled) and globally T1(critically imperilled infraspecific taxon). Acorn (2004) notes that this species does not readily colonize new open sand habitat. i. Taxonomic level – subspecies - moderate ii. Proportion of global range in Canada - < 50% - moderate iii. Existing global conservation status – T1 - high iv. Canadian population size and trends – inferred decline due to decline in habitat in Great Sand Hills - high v. Threats – decline in area of open sand appears to be continuing. moderate vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy – EO = Approx. 1000 km2 , AO probably less than 100 km2– high vii. Limiting biological factors – this species has apparently not been able to colonize new sandy habitats. - moderate References: Acorn, J.H. 2001. Tiger Beetles of Alberta. University of Alberta Press. Acorn, J.H. 2004. Grassland Tiger Beetles in Canada. Arthropods of Canadian Grasslands 10: 6-13. Dahl, R.G. 1942. The taxonomic status of Cicindela formosa subspecies gibsoni W.J. Brown. The Pan-Pacific Entomologist 18(3): 132. Hugenholtz, C.H. and S.A. Wolfe. 2005. Recent stabilization of active sand dunes on the Canadian prairies and relation to recent climate variations. Geomorphology 68: 131-147. Natureserve ranks: www.natureserve.org/explorer/speciesIndex/Genus_Cicindela_103839_1.htm Pearson, D.L., C.B. Kniseley, and C.J. Kazilek. 2006. A field guide to the Tiger Beetles of the United States and Canada. Oxford University Press. Wallis, J.B. 1961. The Cicindelidae of Canada. University of Toronto Press. 72 pp.
Stylurus amnicola * Riverine Clubtail MB, ON, QC	Kingdom: Animalia -- animals Phylum: Arthropoda -- arthropods Subphylum: Hexapoda -- hexapods Class: Insecta -- insects Subclass: Pterygota -- winged insects Infraclass: Palaeoptera -- ancient winged insects Order: Odonata -- damselflies, dragonflies Suborder: Anisoptera -- dragonflies Family: Gomphidae -- Clubtails, clubtails Genus: Stylurus Species: Stylurus amnicola (Walsh) -- Riverine Clubtail Stylurus amnicola is a distinctive species of dragonfly known in Canada only from 6 locations in 3 provinces. These include short sections of Big Creek and Big Otter Creek in Ontario, two locations in the Ottawa valley of Quebec (Gatineau and Petit Nation Rivers), and two locations in Manitoba (Red and Assiniboine Rivers). The Ontario locations are in unusual fast-flowing sandy creeks on the central north shore of Lake Erie. The species is apparently confined to fast moving streams with sandy substrate. Although the two Quebec sites are secure, the species is apparently gone from a historic site on the lower Gatineau River. Both creeks at the southwestern Ontario sites are subject to pollution from agricultural and urban landscapes and water is withdrawn from both creeks extensively for irrigation during dry periods, a practice that is likely to increase with a locally warming climate. Destruction of springs and plant communities and adjacent forest is continuing and the adjacent lands are also subject to pesticide use. The Manitoba sites are on rivers that are already polluted to a degree and the Red River is increasingly surrounded by an urban landscape, thus reducing adult habitat. Although it is globally G4, it is S1 or S2 in some states. i. Taxonomic level – species - high ii. Proportion of global range in Canada - < 20% - low iii. Existing global conservation status – G4 but S1 and S2 in some states - moderate iv. Canadian population size and trends – inferred decline due to decline in habitat in Ontario particularly - high v. Threats – decline in habitat appears to be continuing in Ontario. moderate vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy –AO probably less than 100 km2– high vii. Limiting biological factors – larvae are susceptible in streams and adults on land. - moderate References: Catling, P.M. and V.R. Brownell. 1999. Riverine Clubtail (Stylurus amnicola) new to Ontario. Argia - the news journal of the dragonfly society of the Americas 11(3): 9-10. Hughes, M.L. and P.M. Catling. 2004. First Records of Stylurus amnicola for Manitoba. Argia (the news journal of the Dragonfly Society of the Americas) 16(4): 6-8.
Efferia sp. * Okanagan Efferia BC	Efferia is a large genus of robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) whose members are almost all from the Americas. There are over 230 described species (Fisher 2009) and many undescribed ones, especially south of the United States. About 100 species occur in the US and Canada (Wilcox 1966, Fisher 1997) although only 11 are known from Canada (Cannings unpublished ms 1), including the undescribed species treated here (Cannings unpublished ms 2). Efferia n. sp. is apparently endemic to Canada (but range may extend into Washington State). Known only in Okanagan and Thompson valleys, BC. Records from Kamloops, Vernon, Vaseux Lake and Oliver (photographs). Specimen data evidently limited to material in CNC (Ottawa) and RBCM (Victoria). Rob Cannings has data from these collections. Although it has seldom been collected despite much searching, it is likely more common than records suggest. It is patchily distributed within its area of occurrence, and is apparently largely restricted to grasslands dominated by Pseudoroegneria spicata (Bluebunch Wheatgrass), although unknown from southern Rocky Mountain Trench. This habitat is mostly at low elevations (<500m asl) in the region. These grasslands are limited in area and have been, and continue to be, eliminated by an expanding human population for agricultural, housing, recreational and industrial development. More inventory is necessary to improve distributional information. i. Taxonomic level – species (undescribed) - high ii. Portion of global range in Canada – 100% - high iii. Existing global conservation status – not assessed – high iv. Canadian population size and trends – likely small – high. No solid information on trends, but housing, golf course and agricultural development in areas of present distribution has been increasing since the 1960s and especially since 1995. v. Threats – habitat generally threatened by development. – moderate. Sandy grassland and Purshia steppe habitat declining owing to agriculture and suburban development. Some known habitat protected (Kalamalka Lake Prov. Park; Vaseux Lake); some potential habitat also protected (eg, Ecological Reserve 100; small part of Osoyoos Indian Reserve). Invasive weeds (eg. Centaurea diffusa, Bromus tectorum) may negatively affect habitat. Grazing may be a concern as flies oviposit in year-old glumes of grasses in May-June. Wildfires have increased in frequency in past decade and have severely damaged some habitat (eg. Vaseux Lake; Ecological Reserve 100); these recent fires tend to burn much hotter than the fires of long ago and may kill Efferia larvae in the soil as well as destroying above-ground habitat. The Vaseux Lake population has not been checked since the fire of 2003, which burned the area where specimens had been collected previously. Compaction of soil by all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and other machines are a potential problem in some areas of potential grassland habitat. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy – Extent of occurrence about 500 km2 - moderate. vii. Limiting biological factors – Not collected outside Bluebunch Wheatgrass habitat. Oviposits in previous year’s glumes of bunchgrasses - moderate References: Cannings, R.A. The genus Efferia (Diptera: Asilidae) in Canada. Unpublished manuscript (1), Royal British Columbia Museum. Cannings, R.A. A new species of Efferia (Diptera: Asilidae) from the grasslands of southern British Columbia, with notes on natural history. Unpublished manuscript (2), Royal British Columbia Museum. When complete, this paper will contain a description of this new species. Fisher, E.M. 2009. Asilidae of Central America. In B. Brown (ed.) Manual of Central American Diptera. In press. Fisher, E.M. and J. Wilcox. 1997. Catalogue of the robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) of the Nearctic Region. Unpublished manuscript. Wilcox, J. 1966. Efferia Coquillett in America north of Mexico (Diptera: Asilidae). Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences 34(2): 85-234.
Grammia complicata * Island Tiger BC	Order Lepidoptera Family Noctuidae Subfamily Arctiinae – tiger moths Genus Grammia Rambur, 1866 Species Grammia complicata (Walker, 1865) Grammia complicata is a Strait of Georgia-Puget Sound endemic, known only from southeastern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, BC, and a few sites in adjacent Washington State. Only 28 specimens have been collected of this species; and only 5 of these in the last 45 years. Although most specimens are from the Victoria, BC area, none have been collected there since 1962. In the last ten years, specimens have been collected only at Goose Spit, Comox, BC; Savary Island, BC; and Orcas Island, WA. Experts believe that this species is at least partially diurnal (it has reduced eyes like other diurnal Grammia); this may explain why it is rarely collected by light traps. This taxon was originally treated as a subspecies of Grammia ornata (Packard), but is now considered a separate species (Ferguson & Opler 2006, Schmidt 2008). Members of this genus normally inhabit areas of open or semi-open ground cover, and the larvae feed on low-growing, herbaceous plants. In the one Grammia species studied in detail, the larvae preferentially fed on plants high in alkaloids. It therefore seems likely that this species will have specific, preferred food plants. In this region, much of the open, herbaceous habitat has been either developed or overrun by invasive species such as Broom (Cytisus scoparius). i. Taxonomic level – species - high ii. Proportion of global range in Canada – roughly 80-90% - high iii. Existing global conservation status – G1G2 - high iv. Canadian population size and trends – inferred long-term decline because of decline in open natural habitat, few collections in last 45 years - high v. Threats – decline in habitat is continuing - high vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy – EO = Approx. 6600 km2, AO probably less than 100 km2– high vii. Limiting biological factors – - moderate References: Ferguson, D.C., and P.A. Opler. 2006. Checklist of the Arctiidae (Lepidoptera: Insecta) of the continental United States and Canada. Zootaxa 1299: 1-33. Schmidt, B. C. 2008. Taxonomic revision of the genus Grammia Rambur (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Arctiinae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, in press. Schmidt, C. Pers. Comm. (collection data)
Birds
Tryngites subruficollis * Buff-breasted Sandpiper NT, NU, BC, AB†, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL	i. Taxonomic Level: Species – Tryngites subrificollis ii. Proportion of Range in Canada: Approximately 87% of breeding range in Canada, in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (with the remainder in Alaska). All of the world population thought to migrate through Canada. iii. Existing Global Conservation Status: IUCN Red List rank is ‘Near Threatened’; listed as species of high concern by CWS Shorebird Technical Committee, as Rank 4 (high) in Canadian Shorebird Conservation Plan, and ‘Highly Imperiled’ in U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan. iv. Population Size and Trends: Population estimate of approximately 30,000 in Canada (same as world population). Decline from hundreds of thousands at turn of century to about 30,000 now. Several lines of evidence suggest the population of Buff-breasted Sandpipers is continuing to decline. A comparison of population numbers on the wintering grounds in Argentina between 1973 and the 1990s suggests the species has decreased up to 10-fold. Information from the breeding grounds and migration (U.S. and Canada) also suggests substantial recent declines in population size. v. Threats: Habitat loss and degradation of grasslands during winter in South America, and migration in western Canada and the U.S. , as well as pesticide use in those areas. vi. Small Extent of Occurrence or Area of Occupancy: vii. Limiting Biological Factors:
Ammodramus bairdii * Baird's Sparrow AB, SK, MB	i. Taxonomic Level: Species – Ammodramus bairdii ii. Proportion of Range in Canada: Approximately 50% of breeding range in Canada and 65% of breeding population. The remainder of both in the midwest US. iii. Existing Global Conservation Status: The global rank from NatureServe in 1996 was G4 – apparently secure and for the IUCN (2001) as Least Concern. COSEWIC ranked as Not at Risk in 1996 and General Status ranked as 3 (Sensitive) for AB, 4 (Secure) for SK and 1 (At Risk) for MB in 2005. iv. Population Size and Trends: Crude population estimate of approximately 700,000 birds in Canada. Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) results show a non-significant annual decline of 1.1% for Canada since 1968, which amounts to a population loss of 35%. This trend steepened to an annual decline of 4.4% between 1997 and 2007 or a population loss of 36%. BBS trends for the global range of the species (Canada + US) show a decline of 6.31% between 1997 and 2007, amounting to a population loss of 48%. v. Threats: Habitat loss and degradation from conversion of grasslands for agriculture, development, fire suppression, poor range management and drought. vi. Small Extent of Occurrence or Area of Occupancy: vii. Limiting Biological Factors:
Fishes (freshwater)
Hybognathus placidus * Plains Minnow SK†	i.Taxonomic Level: Species Canadian records for the species are currently limited to the Rock Creek drainage of south-central Saskatchewan, part of the Milk (and Missouri) River basin. ii.Portion of Global Range in Canada The Plains Minnow is found in the Missouri and Mississippi River watersheds; less than 5% of the range is in Canada. Its distribution in the Missouri is spotty, and it is more common in the Mississippi, with abundances decreasing particularly in southern portions of the range. iii.Existing Conservation Status Plains Minnow has not been ranked in Canada nationally by the CDC or in the General Status exercise. However, the NatureServe Conservation Status for Saskatchewan, the only province in which the species occurs, is S1 (Critically Imperilled). The Plains Minnow has a global conservation status of G4 (secure) and a similar national status in the US (N4), but NatureServe lists its global short-term trend as Declining. It has apparently been extirpated in Arkansas, and has experienced substantial declines in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and portions of Oklahoma, and is thought to be declining in Wyoming. iv.Canadian Population Size and Trend Unknown; it can be difficult minnow to sample, and often goes unnoticed in surveys. The Plains Minnow was first reported in Canada in 2003 in Rock Creek, a tributary to the Milk River, in Grasslands National Park (GNP), Saskatchewan. As this area has been poorly sampled for fishes in general, and this species in particular, it is likely that the Plains Minnow is native to Canada and has gone un-noticed, or been misidentified as H. nuchalis. In a 2007 survey of Rock and Frenchman creeks (GNP) by DFO, the species was found at 40% of the sites, but only represented 2.1% of all individuals. v.Threats Primarily agricultural and flow-regulation practices, leading to loss of natural disturbances and flow regimes, especially the elimination of variable water levels (egg-laying in spring and summer occurs only during periods of high flow), the presence of unstable riparian zones and streambeds due to livestock grazing, and fluctuating water temperatures exacerbated by dewatering from irrigation and impoundments. The species is found in an areas that is prone to drought, however, disturbances in flow regimes, water removal for crops and agriculture, coupled with the impact of climate change, have exacerbated the effects of a natural cycle of drought through habitat loss, The situation is similar to that of the Western Silvery Minnow, which was assessed as endangered in 2008. Other potential threats include siltation and fragmentation from road construction and culverts, and interactions with non-native species (Common Carp was caught in the 2007 Rock Creek survey). Because individuals are short-lived (ca. 2 years), loss of a year-class would represent a serious threat to a population. vi.Small EO/AO EO is likely less than 100 km2. vii. Limiting Biological Factors A short-lived species with low fecundity, high water flows are required for egg-laying, and slight to moderate flows for rearing of young. Any disturbance to normal stream flows (impoundments, channelization, etc.) is likely to be limiting, and has led to extirpation of the species in some areas of its range. viii. Information Sources Results of DFO sampling surveys will be assessed.
Mammals (terrestrial)
Ochotona collaris * Collared Pika YT, NT, BC	Pika are under stress from climate change and may not recover. The population has not been widely surveyed. The species has recently been upgraded to "sensitive" in the Yukon, which has over 90% of the species range in Canada (also BC and NWT), and where climate change is threatening populations. Winter warming and the lack of snow cover are threatening populations, which have crashed and may not recover. A territory-wide monitoring program is being proposed (Tom Jung, Yukon Department of Environment). i. Taxonomic level: species ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: >50% iii. Existing global conservation status: GRANK: G5 COSEWIC: Never assessed iv. Canadian population size and trends: The population in the Yukon appears to have declined dramatically v. Threats: Lack of snow cover potentially due to climate change. References: SF Morrison, GG Pelchat, A Donahue and DS Hik. "Influence of food hoarding behaviour on the over-winter survival of pikas in strongly seasonal environments." Oecologia (Accepted for publication August, 2008). SF Morrison and DS Hik. "When? Where? And for how long? Census design considerations for an alpine Lagomorph, the collared pika (Ochotona collaris)." In Lagomorph Biology: Evolution, Ecology and Conservation, Editors PC Alves, N Ferrand and K Hacklander. Springer (2007): 103-114. SF Morrison and DS Hik. "Demographic analysis of a declining pika (Ochotona collaris) population in southwestern Yukon, Canada." Journal of Animal Ecology 76 (2007): 899-907. RJ Franken and DS Hik. "Influence of habitat quality, patch size and connectivity on colonization and extinction dynamics of collared pikas (Ochotona collaris)." Journal of Animal Ecology 73 (2004): 889-896.
Molluscs
Magnipelta mycophaga * Magnum Mantleslug BC	This is a regional endemic forest-dwelling slug and only member of its genus. In Canada the Magnum Mantleslug is known from 6 localities in mountainous southern British Columbia, in several biogeoclimatic zones (Engelmann Spruce–Subalpine Fir, Interior Cedar–Hemlock, Interior Douglas-fir, and Montane Spruce). While recent fieldwork has doubled the known distribution of the species to six sites, individuals are very patchily distributed and in low densities. The species requires moist, cool conditions in undisturbed forests. The species occurs in the US in northeast Washington (? localities), northwest Montana (16 localities), and Idaho (1 locality) where intensive logging, fires and livestock grazing are identified as threats. These threats also occur in Canada. i. Taxonomic level: Species ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: ~ 50% iii. Existing global conservation status: Global rank: G3. National ranks: N2N3 (Canada); N3 (USA). Subnational ranks: BC (S2S3) (Blue Listed), Idaho (NR), Montana (S2), Washington (S2). iv. Canadian population size and trends: The species, confined to six localities in southern BC, has been recorded only from near the Canada–US border northwest to Wells Gray Provincial Park. Despite searching specifically for this species in 2007 and 2008, just one slug has been found in these two years by a member of the Molluscs SSC. The population size is likely small. v. Threats: Threats include large-scale clear-cut logging, forest fires and grazing by livestock (which disturbs the forest floor and alters vegetation). vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: AO is small because the species is very patchily distributed, not occupying all available habitat. vii. Limiting biological factors: The species has poor capacity for dispersal, occurs in naturally low densities, and exists at northern limits of its distribution in southeast British Columbia.
Vascular Plants
Draba yukonensis * Yukon Whitlow-grass YT	This endemic member of the mustard family is restricted to the Yukon; it was first found in 1944, then recollected in 1957 and 1973. The species is an annual or biennial and was first published by A.E. Porsild in 1975 and more recently is also recognized as a valid species in the draft treatment for Flora North America. The species was listed as GH (globally historic) in 2004 but was relocated in 2005 at the type locality near the Alaska Highway, about 9.5 km NW of Haines Junction outside of Kluane National Park. i.Taxonomic level: species level; single DU ii.Proportion of global range in Canada: 100% iii. Existing global conservation status: GRANK: G1, NRANK: N1, SRANK(YT): S1, General Status: May be at Risk iv. Canadian population size and trends: A single locality with several subpopulations is known with a total of ~13,600 plants counted in 2008. No trends are known due to the recent re-discovery. Over the past decade intensive searches for additional locations within Kluane National Park and adjacent areas in Yukon and Alaska have been unsuccessful. v. Threats: In 2008, 200 mining claims have been recorded within the area with exploration stakes planted within the meadow habitat for this species. A road to the Alsek River used for tourism and park operations bisects the meadow in which D. yukonensis grows and traffic is increasing. Invasive plants are found nearby but not yet in the meadow; the closest house is ~500 m from the meadow with concern over additional housing development. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: EO ca 1 km2 vii. Limiting biological factors: Cultivation of the plants has to date been unsuccessful.
Baccharis halimifolia * Eastern Baccharis NS	A woody shrub of the aster family occurring in saline habitats along the Atlantic coast, and inland further south in its range, from Massachusetts to Texas, with a recently discovered disjunct occurrence in extreme southern Nova Scotia. i.Taxonomic level: species level; single DU ii.Proportion of global range in Canada: <1% iii. Existing global conservation status: GRANK: G5, NRANK: N1, SRANK(NS): S1, General Status: May be at Risk iv. Canadian population size and trends: Canadian populations (between 4 and 7, depending on whether observed discontinuities are true absences) are all within a 25 km stretch of the shores of the Tusket River estuary and Pubnico Harbour east of Yarmouth at the southern tip of Nova Scotia. Its occurrence has been fairly well inventoried and there are not more than 200 to 500 mature individuals known. Its population has likely been stable over the past three generations but it is now threatened by expanding recreational property development. v. Threats: A multi-lot cottage development is underway in one population and a recently constructed cottage was found within another population. All or almost all sites are on private land, mostly on readily accessible shores with development potential. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: The Extent of Occurrence is approximately 39 km2 and the Index of Area of Occupancy is 11 km2 using a 1 km grid and 36 km2 using a 2 km grid. Actual area of occupancy is much smaller as it occupies an extremely narrow zone where beach or saltmarsh intersects terrestrial habitats. vii. Limiting biological factors: This generally southern species is probably climatically limited to the extreme southern tip of Nova Scotia where the oceanic moderation of winter temperatures is greatest.
Lathyrus littoralis * Silky Beach Vetchling BC	This perennial of the pea family is restricted to sand dunes along the west coast of British Columbia. Seven small populations are known although the species occurs occasionally in small numbers as an adventive. Current evidence suggests that the species may be endangered under criterion B. Most populations are well documented or easily accessed but search effort is required on Graham Island (QCI). i.Taxonomic level: Full species ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: <1% iii. Existing global conservation status: GRANK: G5, NRANK: N2, SRANK (BC): S2, not known from any other province/territory, General Status: Sensitive iv. Canadian population size and trends: The best available evidence suggests the Canadian population consists of between 750-1,000 individuals (based on the assumption that populations for which there are no counts are similar in size to those that have been counted). There is no information on population trend but it is assumed to be in decline because the majority of the sites where it grows have been invaded by non-native beachgrasses (Ammophila spp.) which completely destroy the capacity of suitable habitat to support Lathyrus littoralis. v. Threats: Invasive dune grasses (see above) vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Actual area occupied estimated at under one square kilometre. Index of area of occupancy = 7 square kilometres if one accepts that a 1 km grid is most appropriate for the species. vii. Limiting biological factors: Isolated in a sand dune ecosystems. Low probability of rescue effect or dispersal. References: BC Conservation Data Centre HERB database

July 2, 2010

The Species Specialist Subcommittees’ Candidate Lists

The COSEWIC Candidate List

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