The Prioritized Candidate Species List

Candidate Wildlife Species

February 3, 2012

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 (*) appeared on the Fall 2011 Call for Bids whereas those marked with two asterisks (**) will appear on the Fall 2012 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 sp.	Ambystoma sp. (Jefferson Salamander complex of unisexual populations)	ON, QC, NB, NS
Ambystoma gracile	Northwestern Salamander	BC
Aneides vagrans	Wandering Salamander	BC
Rana palustris	Pickerel Frog	ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
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
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 terricola **	Yellow-banded Bumble Bee	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
Hexura picea **	[A Midget Funnel-web Tarantula]	BC
Hydroporus carri	Carr’s Diving Beetle	AB
Ips woodi	[A bark beetle]	BC, AB
Lasioglossum Dialictus sablense **	Sable Island Sweat Bee	NS
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 (22)
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
Cypseloides niger borealis **	Black Swift	BC, AB
Megaceryle alcyon **	Belted Kingfisher	YT, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Phalaropus lobatus *	Red-necked Phalarope	YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, NL
Ptychoramphus aleuticus *	Cassin's Auklet	BC
Zonotrichia querula	Harris's Sparrow	NT, NU, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON
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
Limosa haemastica	Hudsonian Godwit	YT, NT, NU, 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
Calamospiza melanocorys	Lark Bunting	AB, SK, MB
Charadrius vociferus	Killdeer	YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL
Dendroica discolor	Prairie Warbler	ON
Oporornis agilis	Connecticut Warbler	NU, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC
Phalaropus fulicarius	Red Phalarope	YT, NT, NU, BC, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, 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
Fishes (freshwater) (43)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Coregonus nigripinnis **	Blackfin Cisco	ON
Gasterosteus aculeatus	Little Quarry Lake Benthic Threespine Stickleback	BC
Lepomis megalotis **	Longear Sunfish	ON†, QC†
Oncorhynchus mykiss *	Rainbow Trout (Alberta populations)	AB† (AB Native Population as DU Only)
Percina shumardi	River Darter	MB†, ON†
Prosopium coulterii	Pygmy Whitefish	YT†, NT, BC, AB†, ON†
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Acrocheilus alutaceus	Chiselmouth	BC†
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 clupeaformis	Lake Whitefish	YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, NL
Coregonus nasus	Broad Whitefish	YT, NT, NU, BC†
Coregonus pidschian	Humpback Whitefish	YT†
Coregonus sardinella	Least Cisco	YT, NT†, NU†, BC†
Cottus cognatus	Slimy Sculpin	YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE†, NL (PE Population as DU Only)
Couesius plumbeus	Lake Chub (Northern British Columbia Hotsprings populations)	BC
Esox niger	Chain Pickerel	QC†
Etheostoma caeruleum	Rainbow Darter	ON, QC†
Gasterosteus aculeatus	Little Quarry Lake Limnetic Threespine Stickleback	BC
Hybognathus hankinsoni	Brassy Minnow	BC†, AB, SK†, MB, ON, QC†
Hybognathus regius	Eastern Silvery Minnow	ON†, QC
Moxostoma anisurum	Silver Redhorse	AB, SK†, MB, ON, QC†
Moxostoma erythrurum	Golden Redhorse	MB†, ON
Moxostoma valenciennesi	Greater Redhorse	ON†, QC†
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 miurus	Brindled Madtom	ON†
Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii	Coastal Cutthroat Trout	YT, BC
Spirinchus thaleichthys	Longfin Smelt (pygmy populations)	BC
Stenodus leucichthys	Inconnu	YT, NT†, BC†
Thymallus arcticus	Arctic Grayling	YT†, NT†, NU†, BC†, AB†, SK, MB
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
Esox masquinongy	Muskellunge	MB, ON, QC
Ichthyomyzon castaneus	Chestnut Lamprey (Great Lakes - Upper St. Lawrence populations)	ON, QC
Ichthyomyzon castaneus	Chestnut Lamprey (Saskatchewan - Nelson River populations)	SK, MB, ON
Margariscus margarita	Pearl Dace	NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, NL
Percina maculata	Blackside Darter	SK, MB, ON
Prosopium cylindraceum	Round Whitefish	YT, NT, NU, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NL
Rhinichthys obtusus	Western Blacknose Dace	SK, MB, ON
Salvelinus alpinus	Arctic Char	YT, NT, NU, MB, QC, NB, NL
Salvelinus namaycush	Lake Trout	YT†, NT, NU, AB†, SK, MB, ON, QC†, NB†, NS†, NL
Fishes (marine) (17)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha	Pink Salmon	BC, Pacific Ocean
Oncorhynchus keta	Chum Salmon	BC, Pacific Ocean
Oncorhynchus kisutch	Coho Salmon	BC, Pacific Ocean
Oncorhynchus mykiss	Steelhead	BC
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha	Chinook salmon	YT, BC, Pacific Ocean
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
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
Zoarces americanus	Ocean Pout	NS, NL
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
No candidates currently listed
Lichens (7)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Anaptychia elbursiana	Whiskered Millipede Lichen	BC, AB
Anzia colpodes	Black-foam Lichen	ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Glypholecia scabra	Desert Rock-scab	NT, NU, BC, SK
Pannaria lurida	Wrinkled Shingle	NB, NS, NL
Ramalina sinensis	Burning Bush (Fan ramalina)	BC, MB
Sticta limbata	Powdered Moon Lichen	BC, NB, NS
Teloschistes chrysophthalmus **	Golden-Eye Lichen	MB, ON
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
Pusa hispida hispida **	Ringed Seal	YT, NT, NU, MB, ON, QC, NL, Arctic Ocean
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Cystophora cristata	Hooded Seal	Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean
Erignathus barbatus	Bearded Seal	NT, NU, MB, ON, NL, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean
Phoca groenlandica	Harp Seal	Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean
Ziphius cavirostris	Cuvier’s Beaked Whale	Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
Lagenorhynchus obliquidens	Pacific White-sided Dolphin	Pacific Ocean
Mirounga angustirostris	Northern Elephant Seal	BC, Pacific Ocean
Physeter macrocephalus	Sperm Whale	Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean
Mammals (terrestrial)
No candidates currently listed
Molluscs (46)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Allogona profunda *	Broad-banded Forestsnail	ON
Anguispira kochi kochi	Banded Globe (Eastern population)	ON
Anguispira kochi occidentalis	Banded Globe (Western population)	BC
Fisherola nuttalli	Shortface Lanx	BC
Kootenaia burkei **	Pygmy Slug	BC
Mesodon clausus	Yellow Goblet	ON
Mesodon zaletus	Toothed Globe	ON
Neohelix dentifera	Big-toothed Whitelip	ON, QC, NB
Patera pennsylvanica **	Proud Globelet	ON
Webbhelix multilineata	Striped Whitelip	ON
Zacoleus idahoensis	Sheathed Slug	BC
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Birgella subglobosa	Globe Slitsnail	MB, ON, QC
Fluminicola fuscus	Ashy Pebblesnail	BC
Inflectarius inflectus	Shagreen	ON
Micromenetus dilatatus	Bugle Sprite	NS
Oreohelix strigosa stantoni	Cypress Hills Mountainsnail	AB, SK
Oreohelix subrudis limitaris	Boundary Mountainsnail	AB
Philomycus carolinianus	Carolina Mantleslug	ON
Physella gyrina athearni	Blunt Albino Physa	AB
Pisidium cruciatum	Ornamented Peaclam	ON
Planorbella corpulenta corpulenta	Corpulent Rams-horn corpulenta subspecies	MB
Planorbella corpulenta whiteavesi	Corpulent Rams-horn 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	Two-ridged 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
Physella nuttalli	Nuttall Physa	BC
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 *	Olympic Hair-mouthed Moss	BC
Buxbaumia minakatae		ON, NS, NL
Crossidium seriatum *	Tassel Moss	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 (18)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Chrysemys picta marginata	Midland Painted Turtle	ON, QC
Chrysemys picta picta	Eastern Painted Turtle	NB, NS
Crotalus viridis **	Prairie Rattlesnake	AB, SK
Diadophis punctatus	Ring-necked Snake	MB, ON, QC, NB, NS
Heterodon nasicus	Plains Hog-nosed Snake	AB, SK, MB
Pituophis catenifer sayi	Bullsnake	AB, SK
Terrapene carolina *	Eastern Box Turtle	ON
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Nerodia sipedon sipedon	Northern Watersnake	ON, QC
Opheodrys vernalis	Smooth Greensnake	SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Storeria dekayi	DeKay's Brownsnake	ON, QC
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 500 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, March 2011)
Group 1 - High priority candidates
Arnica griscomii ssp.griscomii *	Griscom’s Arnica	QC, NL
Claytoia ogilviensis	Ogilvie Mountain Springbeauty	YT
Fraxinus latifolia	Oregon Ash	BC
Podistera yukonensis *	Yukon Podistera	YT
Rhynchospora macrostachya **	Tall Beakrush	NS
Group 2 - Mid priority candidates
Working List of Prioritized Vascular Plant Candidates
Group 3 - Low priority candidates
Working List of Prioritized Vascular Plant Candidates

Part 3: The COSEWIC Candidate List

Candidate Wildlife Species	Rationale
Arthropods
Argia vivida ** Vivid Dancer BC, AB	NOTE: Argia vivida was originally submitted as a candidate species in a detailed 2009 report by Dwayne Lepitzki (Mollusc Subcommittee). His submission stressed the characteristics of the population at Banff, Alberta. At the Arthropod Subcommittee meeting in 2009, Rob Cannings noted that considerable recent distributional data from BC was not included in this work. He was asked to update the Lepitzki submission and report to the Subcommittee’s 2010 meeting. The present document modifies the Lepitzki submission to add additional BC data and analysis. ***************** Argia vivida Hagen (Vivid Dancer) is a damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae associated with cool, warm or hot springs in southern British Columbia and adjacent Alberta from Meager Creek in the Coast Range east to the Rocky Mountains at Banff (Cannings et al. 2000, Cannings 2002, Acorn 2004). The association with small springs is so strong that Williamson (1932, in Walker 1953) stated “So dependant is it on springs that its presence anywhere can be taken as positive proof of adjacent spring water.” Argia vivida, living in restricted habitats threatened by human-caused development, are more likely to be at-risk than other odonates in BC and Alberta, even if more populations are discovered (Cannings et al. 2000). The species may have been more widespread during the hypsithermal period but has subsequently been restricted to warm sites (Pritchard 1989 in Cannings et al. 2000). Global Distribution Southern BC and the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, south through the western United States to Baja California. Also recorded from South Dakota and Iowa. (Westfall and May 1996). Canadian Distribution Before the 1970s, A. vivida was recorded only in the springs at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site (C&BNHS) within Banff National Park (BNP), Alberta (the most northerly Canadian population) and three locations in the Kootenay region of BC (Cannings and Stuart 1977). Further surveys (Cannings et al. 2000, Cannings et al. 1998, Salter 2003) discovered it in other parts of the southern interior of BC as well as adding more Kootenay localities. Nevertheless, because of the large number of hot springs in the Kootenays, the bulk of the province’s population perhaps lives there. As of 2010, the species is recorded in 15 localities in the Kootenays, 8 in the South Okanagan, 4 in the Fraser Canyon (pers. comm. D. Knopp 2007, sight and photo records) and 2 in the eastern Coast Range near Pemberton. According to Acorn (2004), in Alberta the species is known only from the Cave and Basin springs at Banff. However, the species also breeds in the warm and cool springs in the Middle Springs Wildlife Corridor and Middle Springs bog in BNP (Rice 2002; Hornung and Pacas 2006). An additional new distribution record, a cool spring approximately 6 km north-northwest (bearing 342o) of the C&BNHS, was discovered in September 2002 (Lepitzki et al. unpubl. data, mentioned in Rice 2002) and appears to support a separate, reproducing population. Each of the populations in BC and Alberta probably represent single locations. Further, given little chance of genetic exchange among populations, there may be separate designatable units. Using COSEWIC National Ecological Areas, all Canadian populations would be contained in the Southern Mountain Ecological Area. However, using the COSEWIC National Freshwater Biogeographic Zones, the total Canadian population is found in two Biogeographic Zones: Pacific and Saskatchewan-Nelson. Similarly, using the COSEWIC Terrestrial Amphibian, Reptile, and Mollusc Faunal Provinces, the total Canadian population is found in two faunal provinces: Intermountain and Rocky Mountain. The ecozone concept of the National Ecological Framework for Canada (Marshall and Schut 1999) places all records in the Montane Cordillera Ecozone (see also Cannings and Cannings 1998). Biological information The larvae of A. vivida develop in small spring-fed streams and pools and the adults apparently do not move far from water. The adults fly low and perch frequently on the ground. Conrad and Pritchard (1990), Pritchard (1982, 1989, 1991) and Pritchard and Pelchat (1977) documented the development and behaviour of A. vivida in hot springs at Banff, Alberta and Albert Canyon and Halcyon Hotsprings, BC. Mark-recapture population estimates were obtained for two populations in BNP in 2003 (average populations of 1204 and 511 were estimated) with two individuals moving between Middle Springs and the C&BNHS, approximately 1 km apart (Hornung and Pacas 2006). Hornung and Pacas (2006) found significantly higher A. vivida larvae numbers in the Middle Springs (no exotic fish) than at the C&BNHS (exotic fish present). They suggested that not only were safeguarding the hydrologic variation of thermal springs and allowing water to flow and pool downstream important in the species’ conservation but that condition of habitat in-between the springs also must be addressed (Hornung and Pacas 2006). Ham and Kortello (2005) also used mark-recapture techniques on A. vivida in the Middle and C&BNHS springs in 2004 to examine the effects of forest thinning that had occurred just outside the boundaries of the Town of Banff between the Middle Springs and C&BNHS. Their population estimates for A. vivida ranged from 1936 to 18,780 and they too had two damselflies disperse between the Middle and C&BNHS springs. Ham and Kortello (2005) concluded that the forest thinning did not appear to impede movement of A. vivida but that careful planning of future thinning and treatment of woody debris was required to preserve habitat quality of A. vivida in Banff. A follow-up study in 2008 (Kortello and Ham in review) using point count techniques in cleared, thinned, and intact forested areas between Middle and C&BNHS springs recommended that a mosaic of small cleared areas be interspersed with intact forest for fuel reduction treatments near A. vivida breeding habitat. Conservation In BC Argia vivida is red-listed with a rank of S2; its global rank is G5 (BC Conservation Data Centre). In Alberta the NHIC rank is S1, Secure (Rice 2000). According to Rice (2001), the species is only locally abundant and suggests that Alberta “is responsible for the welfare of the majority of A. vivida found in Canada”. Given that there are ten times as many known localities for the species in BC (30: 3), spread over thousands of square kilometres, this may be an exaggeration. The Alberta localities are, however, all protected in a National Park and the estimated populations are much larger than those estimated in BC. Rice (2001) also notes that “there appears to be minimal immediate threat to A. vivida populations within Alberta as critical breeding habitat is completely contained within Banff National Park.” Later she and the Aquatic Specialist for BNP concluded while A. vivida populations in Alberta are entirely contained within BNP, they are not immune to threats of habitat destruction from water diversion and urban development (Hornung and Pacas 2006). Certainly many of the BC populations are threatened. Cannings (2002) suggests small populations may be vulnerable to disturbance of their small, scattered habitats as larvae live in pools and outflow streams of thermal springs. In the Okanagan Valley, spring-fed streamlets are often polluted and trampled by livestock. Hot springs, where most populations live, are almost always developed by people (Cannings 2002). Both direct and indirect development (outflow stream diversion) makes hot spring populations vulnerable although there does appear to be room for some development if sources of springs and sections of free-running outflow streams are maintained (Cannings et al. 2000). For example, at Fairmont Hot Springs there is a recreational development, but at the source of the springs, mossy pools and free-running streams have been retained and A. vivida still breeds there in numbers. The outflow at Albert Canyon has also been diverted, but where the stream is still flowing in mossy areas, damselflies are present. Cannings et al. (2000) conclude that vegetation and especially water flow must not be significantly disturbed at any spring inhabited by A. vivida. The species must have occurred at Radium Hot Springs before that large spring was developed, but a cursory examination of the site indicates no natural outflow and no Argia apparently living there now (R. Cannings, pers. obs.). Sue Salter (2003) discovered that one of the two Argia sites at Pebble Creek Hot Springs near Pemberton was diverted by bathers, radically changing the water temperature. Argia larvae disappeared from the site; counts of 15-20 individuals in 2000 and 2001 dropped to zero in 2002. In all localities habitat is extremely limited and mostly unprotected and in the absence of protection plans, activities such as logging, dumping, road expansion, and increased parking, have continually reduced the area available to damselflies (P. Catling, pers. obs.). Even in provincial protected areas there is damage by bathers because BC Parks has insufficient budget to control access or manage the springs to maintain conservation values. Resource managers have had to make difficult decisions to either ignore the habitat degradation by human bathers or to modify the springs to the extent that the natural habitat for invertebrates is obliterated. In the East Kootenays, Ram Creek Hot Springs Ecological Reserve is an example of the former. Lussier Hot Springs in Whiteswan Provincial Park is an example of the latter (Salter 2003). No Argia have ever been recorded at Lussier. Acorn (2004) provides an interesting perspective from Dr. Gordon Pritchard, who worked on the population at the C&BNHS prior to and during activities that “tore up the springs to make a new boardwalk”. The recently approved management plan for the C&BNHS provides Parks Canada direction to substantially redevelop and increase visitation to the C&BNHS by 5% over the next three years from the current >100,000 visitors per year (Parks Canada 2007). However, one of the actions is to protect other rare species and inhabitants including damselflies. Other COSEWIC assessed species (COSEWIC 2008) at the C&BNHS include the extinct Banff Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae smithi) (a fish) and the endangered Banff Springs Snail (Physella johnsoni). STATUS SUMMARY i. Taxonomic level: Species. High. ii. Portion of global range in Canada: Less than 10%. But distribution fragmented; most populations predictably small and isolated from each other. Low? iii. Existing global conservation status: NatureServe G-rank is G5. Low. iv. Canadian population size and trends: BC rank S2, Alberta rank S1. Population size unknown but relatively small for a species of Canadian Odonata. Alberta populations at several separate sites within the C&BNHS and Middle Springs estimated between 231 and 2408 adults by Hornung and Rice (2006) and from 1936 to 18,780 adults by Ham and Kortello (2005). Thirty known BC populations probably much smaller. In a survey of the South Okanagan in 1997, Cannings et al. (1998) observed fewer than ten adults at any locality. Salter (2003) recorded larvae at several springs. For example, at Ram Creek Hot Springs she recorded 15 to 26 individuals (means of 3 replicates at each of three sites) in November 2000. Several heavily developed hot springs (eg Radium, Lussier), where A. vivida almost certainly once occurred, now have no populations. These represent probable declines. Some of these springs are even in officially protected areas but human interference has not been prevented. Direct declines have been recorded at Pebble Creek Hot Springs, BC, where an entire site has been destroyed (Salter 2003). Declines have occurred through habitat destruction over more than a century. Overall, however, the declines are probably less than 50% -- High. v. Threats: Threats are documented and real, resulting in observed negative impacts. Habitats are restricted and fragile and are the constant focus of human disruption and destruction. Hot springs are damaged, diverted and otherwise permanently altered by bathers. Cool springs and streams (eg, Kearns Creek, Okanagan Falls) are trampled and polluted by cattle. Both are threatened by logging, forestry thinning, road building and the introduction of alien species -- High vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Large extent of occurrence (approximately 127,000 km2) but highly fragmented into often very small populations. Small area of occupancy (approximately 33 km2 or, based on 2x2 km grids, 132 km2) -- High Limiting Biological Factors: Total dependence on naturally fragmented, scattered, and small thermal spring habitats; species has both aquatic and aerial life stages -- High LEPITZKI ANALYSIS 2009 i. Taxonomic level: Species, may be at least two separate DUs - high ii. Portion of Global Range in Canada: <10% global distribution in Canada (estimated from map in Acorn 2004, to be confirmed) – low iii. Existing conservation status (to be confirmed / updated) -- high BC CDC – S2, Red List (Cannings et al. 2000) AB NHIC – S1, Secure (Rice 2001). iv. Canadian population size and trends: Unknown but expected to fluctuate as do most insects. Alberta populations at separate sites within the C&BNHS and Middle Springs estimated to range between 231 and 2408 (Hornung and Rice 2006) and from 1936 to 18,780 (Ham and Kortello 2005) adults. BC populations probably much smaller and decline inferred by decline of habitat, some springs now being without a population -- high v. Threats: Human-use and development of thermal springs; even habitat in Banff National Park may not be secure from human-caused habitat disturbance, forestry thinning activities, waterflow diversions, and effects of exotic species introductions – high vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Small AO expected -- high vii. Limiting Biological Factors: Total dependence on naturally fragmented, scattered, and small thermal spring habitats; species has both aquatic and aerial life stages -- high References Acorn, J. 2004. Damselflies of Alberta: flying neon toothpicks in the grass. University of Alberta Press, Edmonton. xi + 156 pp. Cannings, R.A. 2002. Introducing the dragonflies of British Columbia and the Yukon. Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria. 96 pp. Cannings, R.A. and S.G. Cannings 1998. Odonata (Damselflies and Dragonflies) in G.G.E. Scudder and I.M. Smith, (eds.). Assessment of species diversity in the Montane Cordillera Ecozone. Burlington: Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network, 1999. Available at: http://www.cciw.ca/eman-temp/reports/publications/99_montane/odonata/intro.html. Cannings, R.A., S.G. Cannings and L. Ramsay. 2000. The dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) of the Columbia Basin, British Columbia: Field surveys, collections development and public education. Living Landscapes. Royal BC Museum Columbia Basin projects. Available at: http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. Cannings, R.A. and K.M. Stuart. 1977. The dragonflies of British Columbia. Handbook 35, BC Provincial Museum, Victoria. 254 pp. Cannings, R.J., D. St. John and G. Hutchings. 1998. A survey of rare dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. BC Conservation Data Centre, BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria. 22pp. Conrad, K.F. and G. Pritchard. 1990. Pre-oviposition mate guarding and mating behaviour of Argia vivida (Odonata: Coenagrionidae). Ecological Entomology 15: 363-370. COSEWIC. 2008. Canadian wildlife species at risk. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. December. 87 pp. Available at: http://cosewic.gc.ca. Ham, S. and A. Kortello. 2005. Dispersal movements and corridor habitat for Argia vivida in Banff. Report submitted to Ian Pengelly, Fire and Vegetation Specialist, Parks Canada. 11 pp. Hornung, C.L.R. and C. Pacas. 2006. Investigating damselfly populations at springs in Banff National Park, Canada with special focus on Argia vivida, Amphiagrion abbreviatum, and Ischnura cervula (Odonata: Coenagrionidae). Aquatic Ecology 40(1): 49-58. Kortello, A. and S. Ham. In review. Movement and habitat selection by Argia vivida (Hagen) (Odonata, Coenagrionidae) in fuel-modified forest. Journal of Insect Conservation. Lepitzki, D.A.W., B.M. Lepitzki, M. McIvor and D. McIvor. Unpubl. Data. Range extension of the Vivid Dancer Damselfly (Argia vivida) in Banff National Park, Alberta. Marshall, I.B. and P.H. Schut. 1999. National Ecological Framework for Canada. Available at http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/nsdb/ecostrat/intro.html. Parks Canada. 2007. Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada management plan. Pp. 58-65 in Parks Canada. Mountain Parks National Historic Site Management Plans. 82 pp. Available at http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/caveandbasin/plan/index_e.asp. Pritchard, G. 1982. Life-history strategies in dragonflies and the colonization of North America by the genus Argia (Odonata: Coenagrionidae). Advances in Odonatology 1: 227-242. Pritchard, G. 1989. The roles of temperature and diapause in the life history of a temperate-zone dragonfly: Argia vivida (Odonata: Coenagrionidae). Ecological Entomology 14: 99-108. Pritchard, G. 1991. Insects in thermal springs. Memoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada 155: 89-106. Pritchard, G. and B. Pelchat 1977. Larval growth and development of Argia vivida (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) in warm sulphur pools at Banff, Alberta. The Canadian Entomologist 109: 1563-1570. Rice, C. 2001. Dragonflies and damselflies, 2000 preliminary status ranks for Alberta. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Edmonton. 78 pp. Rice, C. 2002. Odonates (dragonflies & damselflies) and other aquatic macroinvertebrates inhabiting thermal and cool springs in Banff National Park. Report prepared for Charlie Pacas, Aquatic Specialist, Banff, National Park. 28 pp. Salter, S.P. 2003. Invertebrates of selected thermal springs of British Columbia. Report to the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, Victoria. 90 pp. Walker, E.M. 1953. The Odonata of Canada and Alaska. Volume 1. University of Toronto Press, Toronto. 292 pp. Westfall, M.J., Jr. and M.L. May. 1996. Damselflies of North America. Scientific Publishers, Gainesville. 649 pp.
Lasioglossum Dialictus ** Sable Island Sweat Bee NS	Type locality: Sable Island, N43.9319 W059.9985 This is one of only four bee species known to occur on Sable Island, and is the only endemic bee. The species has only recently been described as part of a large-scale taxonomic revision of Lasioglossum (Dialictus) in Canada (Gibbs, 2010). Both sexes are clearly distinct from congenerics. Specimens collected in 2008 have been found to be genetically distinct from related Lasioglossum using DNA barcodes (J. Gibbs unpublished data). Examination of thousands of Dialictus from mainland Nova Scotia, and other coastal areas of eastern North America, has not revealed any specimens of L. sablense. Only 12 specimens have been found from Sable Island and are currently housed at the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids, and Nematodes and the Packer Collection at York University. As an endemic of Sable Island this species has one of the most restricted ranges of any bee in North America. It is also one of only a few, and possibly the only authentically endemic bee species in Canada. i. Taxonomic level –species - high ii. Proportion of global range in Canada – 100% (Sable Island endemic) – high iii. Existing global conservation status – None (but endemic to a protected area). - high iv. Canadian population size and trends – Unknown, presumably small due to restricted range. - moderate v. Threats –Erosion and habitat loss due to climate change, increased storm damage and sea level rise. Possible competition for food from introduced megachilids– high vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy – Sable Island (EO 90 km2, IAO, 80km2, actual area of vegetated habitat on island ~10km 2 - high vii. Limiting biological factors – Bees are haplodiploid with a sex determination mechanism that results in the increased production of sterile males in small populations. Most species of Lasioglossum (Dialictus) form primitively eusocial colonies with non-reproductive workers which have smaller effective population sizes than simple surveys of adults might suggest. This species is dependent on floral resources (pollen, nectar) for food and presumably nests in sandy soil. Potentially at threat from introduced species - high Reference: Gibbs, J., 2010. Revision of the metallic Lasioglossum (Dialictus) of Canada (Hymenoptera, Halictidae, Halictini). Zootaxa, 578 pp.
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.
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
Hexura picea ** [A Midget Funnel-web Tarantula] BC	Hexura picea Simon (Araneae: Mecicobothriidae) is a small, litter-inhabiting “tarantuloid” (mygalomorph) spider restricted to areas of old forest on or near the coast in the Pacific Northwest (sw BC, w WA, w OR). Specimens use their extraordinarily elongated spinnerets to fashion tangled sheet-and-tube webs in litter and moss at the base of old conifers, especially Sitka spruce, and under debris around them. In Canada, the species was discovered less than 30 years ago; it is represented by a disjunct population found only in remnant old-growth rainforest of the central west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia enclosing the small area between Bamfield and Port Renfrew. There, specimens occur in relatively small numbers at the five known collection sites and only a few dozen museum specimens exist. However, an accurate population census has not been done, in part because of the relative inaccessibility of much of its range. About 50% of the Canadian range is protected; logging of remnant old forest is ongoing in the remainder of the Canadian range of Hexura picea. i. Taxonomic level – species –high ii. Proportion of global range in Canada - 100% (Vancouver Island population is strongly disjunct from other Pacific Northwest populations) - high iii. Existing global conservation status – Nationally ranked as “3” (“sensitive”) by NatureServe. Currently ranked by NatureServe as a “Priority 2” species in first efforts at G-ranking of Canadian spider species. - moderate iv. Canadian population size and trends – No reliable estimate but population size is probably very small -- population restricted to small area of central west coast of Vancouver Island (< 1000 km²) and individuals are never abundant at any of the known sites. No data on trends but decline of approximately 50-70% is inferred due to heavy logging pressure within approximately 50% of the population’s known range. - moderate v. Threats – Only found in patches of coastal old-growth rainforest, especially Sitka spruce. Approximately 50% of the range is protected but heavy logging pressure affects the population in the remaining unprotected 50% of range. - high vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy – A targeted survey for this spider has not been conducted. Population is likely fragmented. Five collection sites are known – Bamfield, Cheewat Beach, Carmanah Valley, Walbran Valley, and Harris Creek. The first four sites are joined by a largely contiguous narrow coastal band of suitable habitat; the Harris Creek site is likely disjunct from the others. Extent of occurrence is < 1000 km²; current known area of occupancy is probably < 150 km². The Vancouver Island population is disjunct from the United States populations and therefore there is no possibility of rescue – high (?) vii. Limiting biological factors – This species is not known to disperse by “ballooning” and probably does not easily colonize areas of suitable but unoccupied habitat (no specimens yet found in areas of suitable habitat to immediate northwest and southeast of known range). Spider is restricted to forest floor in old-growth coastal rainforest. – high References: Coyle, F.A. 2005. Mecicobothriidae. p.50-51 in D. Ubick, P. Paquin, P.E. Cushing, and V. Roth (eds.) Spiders of North America: an identification manual. American Arachnological Society. Gertsch, W.J. and Platnick, N.I. 1979. A revision of the spider family Mecicobothriidae (Araneae: Mygalomorphae). American Museum Novitates, No. 2704: 1-39.
Bombus terricola ** Yellow-banded Bumble Bee BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL	This species is closely-related to the endangered species B. affinis (COSEWIC 2010), the critically endangered species B. franklini (Kevan 2008) and the declining species B. occidentalis (Colla & Ratti 2010). There has been some controversy as to whether or not B.terricola should be considered conspecific with B. occidentalis. Recent morphological and molecular work has shown these two species are distinct (Dramova,O. Honours Thesis, York University). Until recently, B.terricola was commonly found throughout its large range (Evans et al. 2008). In the past decade it seems to have disappeared from much of its US range despite intensive searches in NY, VT, IL, WI, ME (Evans et al. 2008). In a recent study considering its eastern US range, B. terricola was found to have decreased significantly in relative abundance and range extent (Cameron et al. 2011). At the southern-most part of its range (Smoky mountains National Park), it has not been seen since 1989. Isolated populations have been recently found in the northeastern part of its range. In Canada, B.terricola has declined to low numbers in southern Ontario despite being previously one of the most common species (Colla and Dumesh 2010; P. Williams pers.comm.). In Guelph and Belwood, Ontario, the species declined in relative abundance from 3% of bumble bees collected to 0.008% since the 1970’s (Colla & Packer 2008). Isolated populations have recently been found in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and parts of Ontario (S. Colla, in prep; C. Sheffield pers. comm; S.Marshall pers. comm.). i. Taxonomic level –species - high ii. Proportion of global range in Canada – Approx. 70%. Occurs from the Maritimes to British Columbia, and south into the US along mountain ranges. – high iii. Existing global conservation status –Xerces Society Red-list Imperiled – high iv. Canadian population size and trends –Declining at the regional-level - moderate v. Threats – Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, introduced disease from managed bumble bees – high vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy – Large range – low vii. Limiting biological factors – Members of this subgenus seem to be especially vulnerable to threats, for reasons that are currently unknown. This species may require good quality wooded habitat near suitable forage space and may be restricted by its climate tolerances. - moderate-high References: Cameron, S., J.D. Lozier, J.P. Strange, J.B. Koch, N. Cordes, L.F. Solter & T.L. Griswold. 2011. Patterns of widespread decline in North American bumble bees. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 108: 662-667. Colla SR & L Packer. 2008. Evidence for the decline of eastern North American bumble bees, with special focus on Bombus affinis Cresson. Biodiversity and Conservation. 17: 1379-1391. Colla, S.R. & C.M. Ratti 2010. Evidence for the decline of the Western Bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis Greene) in British Columbia. Pan-Pacific Entomologist. 86:32-34 Colla, S.R. & S. Dumesh. 2010. Natural history notes for the bumble bees of southern Ontario. JESO 141: 38-67. COSEWIC 2010. Status report and assessment for the Rusty-patched Bumble bee, Bombus affinis Evans et al. 2008, Status review of three formerly common species of bumble bee in the subgenus Bombus. Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation [Online] http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/xerces_2008_bombus_status_review.pdf Kevan, P.G. 2008. Bombus franklini. In: IUCN 2009. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. [Online] www.iucnredlist.org [Accessed] 10 June 2010.
Birds
Megaceryle alcyon ** Belted Kingfisher 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: Approximately 49% of the global breeding population and 44% of the breeding range of this species is in Canada. iii. Existing global conservation status: The global rank from NatureServe, last reviewed in 2007, was G5 (secure) and for the IUCN the last rank was Least Concern. General Status ranks, as of 2005, were 4 (Secure) across all of its Canadian range. iv. Canadian population size and trends: A population estimate for this species based on an extrapolation from the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is approximately 800,000 birds in Canada. Long-term trend data from the BBS show a significant decline of 2.0% per year between 1970 and 2009. This is equivalent to a loss of 55% of the population over the last 39 years. Short-term trend data show a significant decline of 4.7% per year between 1999 and 2009, amounting to a loss of 38% of the population in the last 10 years. The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas indicates an 8% loss of area of occupancy over the last 20 years. v. Threats: Not well documented, but could include loss and degradation of riparian nesting and foraging habitat, exposure to pollutants such as methylmercury, and human disturbance. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: No. vii. Limiting biological factors: This species is potentially limited by its specialized nesting habitat in vertical earthen banks. Also, as a piscivore, it would have increased risk of exposure to contaminants.
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.
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.
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:
Cypseloides niger ** Black Swift BC, AB	i. Taxonomic level: Species/subspecies – single DU in Canada ii. Portion of global range in Canada: About 21% of the global breeding range of the entire species is in Canada and about 29% of the global breeding population. The remainder are scattered in the western US and south through Mexico to Costa Rica. iii. Existing global conservation status: The NatureServe rank is G4 (Apparently Secure); the IUCN rank is Least Concern. National General Status rankings are 4 (Secure) for Canada, 4 for BC, and 5 (undetermined) for AB. Provincial rankings are S4 (Apparently Secure) in BC, and S1 (Critically Imperilled) in AB. It is ranked as Critically Imperilled to Vulnerable (S1 to S3) in adjacent states. iv. Canadian population size and trends: A crude population estimate suggests that 70,000 birds breed in Canada. The great majority of these birds reside in BC; much fewer occur in western AB. This is a difficult species to monitor, because of its remote nesting habitat. Declines have been occurring in Canada since at least the mid 1970s. Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) results show a statistically-significant decline of 88% for this species between 1973 and 2009 (average of -5.5% per year). In the most recent 10-year period, the decline is estimated at 81% (-15.5% per year), but this is not statistically significant. Declines appear to be stronger in Canada than in the US, but the species is very poorly monitored by BBS in the US. v. Threats: Causes of decline are poorly known, but this species shares declines with many other species of aerial insectivores. The entire guild may be threatened by changes in abundance and/or seasonal availability of flying insects. Climate change (drying of ephemeral waterfalls) has been proposed as an additional threat for this species. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: The extent of occurrence likely exceeds COSEWIC criteria thresholds. The area of occupancy in Canada is not presently known, but is expected to be small based on the species’ highly specialized and local habitat requirements. The wintering range is largely unknown. vii. Limiting biological factors: This species has a specialized diet, feeding exclusively on flying insects, especially ants. It also has a highly specialized nesting habitat; requiring sheer cliff faces with waterfalls. It lays only one egg per year and has a long fledging period (>45 d). It is probably long-lived.
Fishes (freshwater)
Coregonus nigripinnis ** Blackfin Cisco ON	i. Taxonomic Level: Species Koelz (1929) originally recognized four subspecies of C. nigripinnis with each restricted to the following lakes: C. n. nigripinnis (lakes Michigan and Huron), C. n. cyanopterus (Lake Superior), C. n. prognathus (Lake Ontario) and C. n. regalis (Lake Nipigon). Subsequently, the Lake Ontario and Superior forms were synonomized with Lake Cisco (C. artedi), but C. nigripinnis is recognized as a valid taxon in lakes Nipigon, Huron, and Michigan. ii. Portion of Global Range in Canada The Blackfin Cisco once occurred in lakes Huron, Michigan, and Lake Nipigon, but it is now extirpated in the former two Great Lakes. (Nelson et al. 2004). Consequently, all of the extant global range of the Blackfin Cisco is in Canada. iii. Existing Global Conservation Status The Blackfin Cisco is globally ranked as G1 (critically imperiled) and the IUCN has assessed the species as extinct, but noted that this requires updating. The species is considered extinct in the United States. In Canada, the species is listed as SU (Unrankable). iv. Canadian Population Sizes and Trend The last record of Blackfin Cisco from the Canadian waters of Lake Huron was in 1960. An examination of 1,943 ciscoes from deepwater gill net sets at 46 sites in 2002 and 2003 failed to capture any Blackfin Cisco. Catches from annual fish community index netting of Lake Nipigon undertaken by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources indicates a 50% decline in relative abundance of Blackfin Cisco between the period 2000-04 and 2010. v. Threats Factors known to have caused the decline in Blackfin Cisco in the Great Lakes are over-exploitation by commercial fisheries and Sea Lamprey predation. A commercial fishery for Lake Whitefish on Lake Nipigon has existed since 1917, and incidental capture of Blackfin Cisco may have had a negative impact on the population. Introduced species such as Alewife and Rainbow Smelt probably also compete with deepwater ciscoes for prey, and prey on larvae. Rainbow Smelt has been commercially harvested in Lake Nipigon, with reported harvests over the period 1991 to 1998 increasing from <10,000 lbs to > 280,000 lbs. Over the same period, by-catch of ciscoes in Lake Whitefish commercial fishery declined from > 120,000 lbs to < 10,000lbs. vi. Small EO/AO The surface area of Lake Nipigon, the only known location of C. nigrippinis in Canada, is 4,500 km2. Therefore, the species would meet the EO threshold for Endangered under COSEWIC quantitative criterion B. vii. Limiting Biological Factors It is restricted to deep, coldwater habitats of large lakes. The diet of Blackfin Cisco is largely restricted to mysid shrimp. viii. Information Sources 1. Rick Salmon, Biologist, Lake Nipigon Fisheries Assessment Unit, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Nipigon, Ontario 2. NatureServe. 2010. Nature Serve Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: February 2, 2011) 3. Nelson, J. S., E. J. Crossman, H. Espinosa-Perez, L. T. Findley, C. R. Gilbert, R. N. Lea, and J. D. Williams. 2004. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. American Fisheries Society, Special Publication 29, Bethesda, Maryland. 386 pp. 4. Salmon, R. and A. van Ogtrop. 1996. Status of the Lake Whitefish Fishery in Lake Nipigon. Ont. Min. Natur. Resour. Northwest Sci. & Technol. Lake Nipigon Fisheries Assessment Unit., Thunder Bay, Ont. TR-102. 19 pp.
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.
Lepomis megalotis ** Longear Sunfish ON†, QC†	i. Taxonomic Level - Species The Longear Sunfish, Lepomis megalotis, has a disjunct distribution in Canada. Its core distribution in Canada is in northwestern Ontario, southwestern Ontario, and southwestern Québec. ii. Portion of Global Range in Canada About 10% of the global range is in Canada. The species is widely distributed in 25 states in the Mississippi basin of the US, from the Gulf of Mexico north to the Winnipeg River and Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River drainages. iii. Existing Global Conservation Status The Longear Sunfish is globally ranked as G5 (secure), but in Canada the species is listed as S3 (vulnerable) in Ontario, and (S2, imperiled) in Québec. It is also been added to the list likely to be designated as Threatened or Vulnerable under the Québec Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species. The species consists of two DUs based on its disjunct distribution and presence in two freshwater Biogeographic Zones: Great Lakes-Upper St. Lawrence; and, Saskatchewan-Nelson. The Longear Sunfish exhibits a major disjunction of at least 1000 km between the closest occurrences in the Saskatchewan-Nelson and Great Lakes-Upper St. Lawrence River Biogeographic Zones. Within the Great Lakes-Upper St. Lawrence River Biogeographic Zone, the species exhibits a major disjunction of about 500 km between southwestern Ontario and the southwestern Québec, similar to the one exhibited by Eastern Sand Darter (assessed as TH). Although the species is widespread in the US and is considered secure in the country as a whole, it is critically imperiled in two Great Lakes states and imperiled in one Great Lakes state. iv. Canadian Population Sizes and Trend There are no studies that have specifically examined trends in the abundance of the Longear Sunfish in Canada. Little is known of the status of populations in the Saskatchewan-Nelson Biogeographic Region of northwestern Ontario, largely as a result of its sporadic, largely remote distribution, and limited recent sampling. It appears to have declined significantly in the Great Lakes-Upper St. Lawrence Biogeographic Region. Extensive recent (2002-present) sampling throughout its range in southwestern Ontario has caught few individuals, and no individuals have been caught any of the 17 known locations within Québec since 1983 despite extensive sampling. v. Threats Habitat degradation has occurred extensively in the Great Lakes-Upper St. Lawrence Biogeographic Region, which has negatively impacted its preferred wetland habitat. This is an area of some of the most intensive agricultural, industrial, and urban development in Canada, that has lead to increased siltation, turbidity and nutrient loading, and unless these practices are prevented and/or mitigated further declines are inevitable. vi. Small EO/AO Probably applicable, particularly if a third DU is recognized (by sub-dividing the Great Lakes-Upper St. Lawrence River Biogeographic Region DU) based on the 500 km disjunction between Ontario and Quebec populations. vii. Limiting Biological Factors Unknown. viii. Information Sources Extensive DFO sampling in southwestern Ontario. Extensive provincial sampling in Quebec.
Lichens
Teloschistes chrysophthalmus ** Golden-Eye Lichen MB, ON	Teloschistes chrysophthalmus is a fruticose species, with a highly dissected range in North America, typically found growing on sheltered, nutrient-rich, well-lit twigs and tree trunks. T. chrysophthalmus has been recorded most frequently from tropical and subtropical areas of both Hemispheres; Europe; Australia; North America. It is now rare in England but was formerly widespread in Southern England. Since 1968 it has been recorded from three sites in Europe. However, it has disappeared from all of those sites and is now only known from a few localities: Southern Ireland (Fletcher and Purvis, 2009), Southern England (found in 2009), and an island off the coast of France (found in 2008). It also was formerly widespread in northeastern United States known from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut (Hinds and Hinds, 2007), New York (Fink), especially Long Island (Brodo, 1966) and Goat Island – Niagara Falls (Harris, 1990), and New Jersey (Fink 1867). It is now presumed extirpated from all these localities with the latest known discovery having been made in 1938 from Nantucket Island, Massachusetts (Hinds and Hinds, 2007). There are numerous records from more Midwestern and southern U.S. (rare in California, but slightly more common on the Channel Islands), Texas, Nebraska, Mississippi, Louisiana, Iowa, and North Carolina and Mexico but it is declining or considered extirpated or extinct in all of these areas. In Canada its distribution includes extreme southern Ontario, along the Lake Ontario and Lake Erie shorelines, and in southern Manitoba (Brodo et al, 2001) where it is found growing on Populus spp. and Quercus spp. There are no known records from the east or west coasts. i. Taxonomic level: species ii. Portion of global range in Canada: Estimated to be less than 1%. iii. Existing global conservation status: G4G5 iv. Canadian population size and trends: In Canada, this lichen is known only from 4 sites: 3 sites in Manitoba and 1 site in Ontario. All sites are within 100 km of the United States Border. It is not known if the Lake Erie site still exists. Three of the four sites are currently located within provincial parks or forests which are subject to logging and recreational activities. v. Threats: Habitat destruction through degradation of air quality and urban development resulting in reduced humidity. It appears to prefer sheltered sites with high humidity. Deposition of acidic air pollutants originating in major industrialized areas may be a threat. Recreation activities and logging in the provincially designated areas may also be a threat. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Small area of occupancy, probably < 5 km2. vii. Limiting biological factors: This lichen reproduces by ascospores and possibly by fragmentation, which suggests it should be more widespread. Climate, pollution sensitivity, and/or habitat requirements may determine its spread and survival. Populations are fragmented with large distances between populations.
Mammals (marine)
Odobenus rosmarus * Atlantic Walrus NU, MB, QC, NS, NL, Atlantic Ocean	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
Pusa hispida ** Ringed Seal YT, NT, NU, MB, ON, QC, NL, Arctic Ocean	The Ringed Seal is ubiquitous in ice-covered marine waters of the Arctic and sub-Arctic. It is central to the mixed economy (subsistence and cash) of many Inuit communities and also the principal prey of the Polar Bear. The Ringed Seal is dependent on stable sea ice as essential habitat, especially for pupping and protection from predators. Pups born outside of ice lairs are so small that even large gulls can be predators (Lyderson and Smith 1989). Since April 1989 when the species was assessed as Not at Risk, the evidence of rapid climate change has mounted. It is now widely accepted that climate change poses a serious threat to Ringed Seals given the expected (extensive) loss of sea ice (Learmonth et al. 2006; Kovacs and Lyderson 2008). Early break-up of sea ice and associated changes in the marine ecosystem have already resulted in reduced reproduction, poorer pup condition and higher pup mortality in Ringed Seals in some parts of the Canadian Arctic (Smith and Harwood 2001; Ferguson et al. 2005; Stirling 2005). i. Taxonomic level – Full species. ii. Portion of global range in Canada – ~ 50% iii. IUCN Red List or Nature Serve G rank – NatureServe: G5 (global status 1996); IUCN: least concern (2008). COSEWIC: Not at Risk (1989). The United States is considering listing the Ringed Seal under the ESA, based on new information indicating that rapid climate change threatens the species’ productivity and survival. iv. Canadian population size and trends – >100,000, possibly millions and suspected decline. v. Threats – Climate change and the associated loss of sea ice, which is ongoing and likely to affect a large proportion of the population. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy – not applicable. vii. Limiting biological factors – The Ringed Seal is not behaviourally adapted to haul out or give birth on land, and is critically dependent on sea ice for pupping, pup rearing, protection from predators, and resting. References Ferguson, S. H., Stirling, I. and Mcloughlin, P. M. 2005. Climate change and ringed seal (Phoca hispida) recruitment in western Hudson Bay. Marine Mammal Science 21(1): 121-135 Kovacs, K. M. and Lydersen, C. 2008. Climate change impacts on seals and whales in the North Atlantic Arctic and adjacent shelf seas. Science Progress 91(2): 117-150 Learmonth, J. A., Macleod, C. D., Santos, M. B., Pierce, G. J., Crick, H. Q. P. and Robinson, R. A. 2006. Potential effects of climate change on marine mammals. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review 44: 431-464. Smith, T. G. and Harwood, L. A. 2001. Observations of neonate ringed seals, Phoca hispida, after early break-up of the sea ice in Prince Albert Sound, Northwest Territories, Canada, spring 1998. Polar Biology 24: 215-219. Stirling, I. 2005. Reproductive rates of ringed seals and survival of pups in Northwestern Hudson Bay, Canada, 1991-2000. Polar Biology 28: 381-387.
Molluscs
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.
Patera pennsylvanica ** Proud Globelet ON	This is one of only a few species of terrestrial snails belonging to the genus Patera in Canada and the sole member of the subgenus Ragsdaleorbis (Emberton 1991). It is a rare species at the northern limit of its range in southern Ontario (Mixedwood Plains Ecozone) with the closest populations occurring to the west in southeastern Michigan. It was found twice in 1992 and 1996 in dry, sandy open Black Oak woods of the Ojibway Prairie, near Windsor, Essex County (M. Oldham pers. comm. 2011) but only a few empty, dead shells were observed. Ten years later (in 2006) not even shells were found. It was not seen by Oughton in the 1940s in his surveys of Ontario land snails (Oughton 1948). Prescribed burns to control invasive and successional vegetation and maintain open grassland are planned for areas of Ojibway Prairie; parts of Ojibway Prairie have been burned periodically for at least a decade though the Black Oak Woods site has not yet been burned (M. Oldham pers. comm. 2011). Fires would likely result in significant mortality (Nekola 2002). Additionally, invasive organisms that compete with, or predate on, P. pennsylvanica are a threat, as are exotic earthworms, known to rapidly and drastically degrade litter microhabitats, alter plant communities and affect fauna (Addison 2009). In the U.S., P. pennsylvanica ranges from Illinois and southeastern Michigan south to central Kentucky and eastern Missouri east to Pennsylvania (Hubricht 1985). 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); N4 (USA) Subnational ranks: Ontario S1 Illinois (SNR), Indiana (SNR), Kentucky (S3S4), Michigan (SNR), Missouri (SNR), Ohio (SNR), Pennsylvania (SNR), West Virginia (S1) iv. Canadian population size and trends: There are no data on population size and trends. Only one population, on the Ojibway Prairie, is known. Essex County is largely developed for agriculture and natural habitats are fragmented and relatively small. Since European settlement, the historical loss (relevant to present day) of habitat would have been substantial, resulting in a reduction in the AO. v. Threats: Habitat degradation and loss; threats include prescribed burns, trampling, invasive organisms, roads and urban development, and stochastic events. 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 any possible northern expansion of the species’ range will be largely negated by anthropogenic pressures (Gibson et al. 2009) such as historical habitat loss and past and ongoing habitat degradation. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: EO and AO are tiny, as the species is known from only one Canadian site. vii. Limiting biological factors: The Canadian population exists at northern limits of the species’ range. There is little capacity for dispersal, with perhaps only a single population. Rescue from the nearest U.S. populations in southeastern Michigan is unlikely given natural and human-made barriers and the limited capacity for terrestrial snails to disperse rapidly over distances. References: Addison, J.E. 2009. Distribution and impacts of invasive earthworms in Canadian forest ecosystems. Biological Invasions 11:59–79. Emberton, K.C. 1991. The genitalic, allozymic and conchological evolution of the tribe Mesodontini (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora: Polygyridae). Malacologia 33:71-178. Gibson, S.Y., R.C. Van der Marel, and B.M. Starzomski. 2009. Climate change and conservation of leading-edge peripheral populations. Conservation Biology 23(6):1369-1373. Hubricht, L. 1985. The distributions of the native land mollusks of the eastern United States. Fieldiana, Zoology (new series) 24: 191 pp. Nekola, J.C. 2002. Effects of fire management on the richness and abundance of central North American grassland land snail faunas. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation. 25.2:53-66. Oldham, M., Ontario Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC), Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, pers. comm. 2011. Email correspondence to R. Forsyth, January 2011. Oughton, J. 1948. A zoogeographical study of the land snails of Ontario. University of Toronto Studies, Biological Series 57: 126 pp.
Kootenaia burkei ** Pygmy Slug BC	This is a forest-dwelling, regionally endemic slug of southeastern B.C. The genus is monotypic; both genus and species were newly described in 2003, originally from six localities in the Pend Orielle and Coeur d’Alene Lake watersheds of northern Idaho. Since then, the species has been reported from western Montana and BC. In British Columbia all seven localities are west of the Rocky Mountain Trench and are distributed within an area from Trail east to Moyie Lake and north to between Nakusp and Galena Bay. All sites are within the Interior Cedar–Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone, in mainly coniferous riparian forests. The species is often found adjacent to water bodies, suggesting a requirement for high soil moisture and moderate ambient temperatures. The Pygmy Slug is of particular conservation interest because it appears to have a very limited and patchy global distribution (rated as G2, critically imperiled globally by NatureServe 2011). i. Taxonomic level: Species ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: ≥ 50% iii. IUCN Red List or NatureServe Rank: Global rank: G2. National ranks: N2 (Canada); N2 (USA). Subnational ranks: BC (S1?), Idaho (S1S2), Montana (S1S2). iv. Canadian population size and trends: Numbers of slugs found at each location is low. v. Threats: Logging, forest fires, land-clearing for development, climate change vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: EO: ~ 10,900 km². AO much smaller as not all habitat within the EO is appropriate for this species. vii. Limiting biological factors: Poor dispersal, low densities, patchy distribution, exists at northern limits of its distribution in SE British Columbia. Reference: NatureServe. 2011. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life. Version 7.1. Web site: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer [accessed: 2 February 2011].
Mosses
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)
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 Europe (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, Penticton, and Lillooet) areas in British Columbia. Trends are unknown, but its habitat 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.
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.
Crotalus viridis ** Prairie Rattlesnake AB, SK	Two species of rattlesnake occur in western Canada and are members of the genus Crotalus, family Viperidae. These two species were, until recently, considered to be subspecies of the Western Rattlesnake, Crotalus viridis (CROTHER 2008). Using molecular techniques, Pook et al. (2000), Ashton and de Queiroz (2001) and Douglas et al. (2003) concluded that Crotalus viridis includes both an eastern and a western clade, one on each side of the Rocky Mountains. It was also postulated (Ashton and de Queiroz 2001) that there were sufficient differences between these two clades to justify individual species status, and additional information regarding phylogenetic separation (Douglas et al. 2003) supported this suggestion. These investigators proposed that the eastern clade is one species, the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), and that the six subspecies of the western clade are a second species, the Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oregonus), which was assessed Threatened by COSEWIC in 2004. The Prairie Rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in prairie Canada and may attain a total length of 1.5 m It is stout-bodied, with a triangular head and a distinctive neck, and a “rattle” at the end of the tail (Cook 1984). The dorsum has a series of large, brown to greenish or yellowish-brown blotches, which become bands along the tail. The background colour of the body and tail is pale brown or yellowish brown. The species occurs in three disjunct clusters, one in south east Alberta and two in west central Saskatchewan. i. Taxonomic level: This is a valid, recently recognized, species native to Canada (Crother 2008). ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: < 5%. iii. Existing global conservation status: GRANK: G5 (last reviewed 11 Jan 2006); NRANK: N3N4 (Canada, 2006); SRANK: S3 (AB), S3 (SK); COSEWIC: Not yet assessed. General Status of Species: AB May be at risk (2), SK Sensitive (3). AB Blue-listed iv. Canadian population size and trends: Unknown. There are almost no data from Saskatchewan, and in Alberta, there is evidence of decline but population estimates are lacking (Watson and Russell 1997, Ernst and Quinlan 2006). In the Lethbridge area, long-term efforts to conserve rattlesnakes are having mixed success, suggesting a precarious future for the species (Ernst and Quinlan 2006). Overall, the species in Alberta seems to be declining toward the southeast (Watson and Russell 1997). v. Threats: Prairie Rattlesnakes face a host of threats. They den communally which makes them vulnerable to disturbance by people, especially through deliberate persecution. Recent research (Jorgenson 2009) indicates that cultivation is a significant cause of mortality during foraging. Given that these snakes may move up to 30 km from their den during the active season, they are exposed to added mortality on roads, and from machinery associated with agriculture, and oil and gas extraction/exploration. Loss of natural grassland habitat is also a threat and causing fragmentation of the species’ range (Jorgenson 2009). Although the species is protected under provincial legislation, snakes can be killed if there is a perceived threat to human health. vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: The species has a fragmented range limited to three small disjunct areas of Alberta and Saskatchewan. vii. Limiting biological factors: Prairie Rattlesnakes take 3-7 years to reach sexual maturity and females only reproduce once every 2-3 years (Watson and Russell 1997). Thus, they are hampered by a low replacement rate and poor ability to rebound from declines. References: Alberta Wildlife Management Division. 1996. The status of Alberta wildlife. Alberta Natural Resources Service, Edmonton, Alberta. 44 pp. Butler, J. R. and W. Roberts. 1987. Considerations in the protection and conservation of amphibians and reptiles in Alberta. pp. 133-136 IN G. Holroyd, W. B. McGillivray, P. R. Stepney, D. M. Ealey, G. C. Trottier and K. E. Eberhart, eds. Proceedings of the Workshop on Endangered Species in the Prairie Provinces, January 24-26, 1986. Alberta Prov. Museum Nat. Hist. Natural History Occas. Paper No. 9. Edmonton, Alberta. 367 pp. Cook, F. R. 1984. Introduction to Canadian amphibians and reptiles. Nat. Mus. Nat. Sci., Nat. Mus. Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. 200 pp. Cottonwood Consultants Ltd. 1986. An overview of reptiles and amphibians in Alberta's grassland and parkland natural regions. Cottonwood Consultants Ltd., Calgary, Alberta. 62 pp. Cottonwood Consultants Ltd. 1987. Alberta snake hibernacula survey. Unpubl. report for World Wildlife Fund, Wild West Program. 50 pp. Crother, B.I. (Committee Chair). 2008. Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America North of Mexico, with Comments Regarding Confidence in our Understanding, Sixth Edition, Committee on Standard and Scientific English Names, Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, Herpetological Circular No. 37. Didiuk, A. B. 1999. Suffield National Wildlife Area Biophysical Inventory: Amphibian and Reptile Component Report. Canadian Wildlife Service, Edmonton. 71 pp. Ernst, RD. and RW. Quinlan. 2006. Rattlers and people: conserving rattlesnakes in Lethbridge. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Alberta Species at Risk Report # 109. Jorgensen, D. and J. Nicholson. 2007. Reproductive biology of female prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis viridis) in Alberta. Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 103 20 pp. Jorgensen, D. 2009. The influence of landscape heterogeneity on migration patterns of prairie rattlesnakes in Alberta. Unpubl. MSc. Thesis, University of Calgary. Kissner, K. J., D. M. Secoy and M. R. Forbes. 1996. Assessing population size and den use of prairie rattlesnakes Crotalus viridis viridis in southern Saskatchewan. Grasslands National Park Annual Report Vol. 1:27-34 Kissner, K.J. 1996. Factors affecting antipredator behaviour in the Western Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix haydeni) and the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis. Unpub. MSc. thesis, Univ. Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan. 72 pp. Macartney, J. M. and B. Weichel. 1989. Prairie rattlesnake survey and management plan. Unpubl. report to Sask. Nat. Hist. Soc., April 1989. 44 pp + app. Macartney, J. M. and B. Weichel. 1992. Prairie rattlesnake and western racers in Saskatchewan: a recovery and management plan. Unpubl. report to Sask. Nat. Hist. Soc. 29 pp + app. Macartney, J. M. and B. Weichel. 1993. Status of the prairie rattlesnake and the eastern yellow-bellied racer in Saskatchewan. pp. 291-299 IN G. Holroyd, H. Dickson, M. Regnier and H. Smith, eds. Proc. Third Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Workshop. Prov. Mus. Alberta Nat. Hist. Occas. Paper No. 19. 384 pp. Pendlebury, G.B. 1977. Distribution and abundance of the Prairie Rattlesnake, Crotalus viridis viridis, in Canada. The Canadian Field-Naturalist 91(2):122-129. Powell, L., A. Russell, H. Hill, N. O’Brien and J. Skilnick. 1998. A preliminary investigation of movements, habitat use, and population trends in the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) in a multiple-use rural landscape in southeastern Alberta. Report to Alberta Sports, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation. 20 pp. Watson, SM. and AP. Russell. 1997. Status of the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis) in Alberta.
Vascular Plants
Rhynchospora macrostachya ** Tall Beakrush NS	Rhynchospora macrostachya is a large sedge of the American Atlantic Coastal Plain. A single Canadian population was recently discovered in southern Nova Scotia, disjunct by 470 km across the Gulf of Maine from the next nearest known population in southern Maine. About 300 individuals are known to occur over 1.5 km of peaty lakeshore, all of which are on private land. The lakeshore is presently undeveloped but is within a region of intense cottage development, has good road access, and is within 10 km of a major regional highway, making future development very likely. Numerous nearby lakes with high potential for its occurrence were flooded with the creation of the Lake Rossignol reservoir about 75 years ago, and most other high potential lakes within 25 km of the known site have already been thoroughly surveyed. The species is showy and distinctive enough that it would have been found elsewhere in southern Nova Scotia during extensive investigations of the suite of rare, disjunct Atlantic Coastal Plain flora if it were at all widespread. i. Taxonomic level: Species; very distinct, with no taxonomic issues ii. Proportion of global range in Canada: <1% iii. Existing global conservation status: GRANK: G5 NRANK: N1 SRANK: S1 iv. Canadian population size and trends: ~300 individuals; population likely stable but potentially threatened by future development v. Threats: Shoreline cottage development causing direct loss of individuals or alterations of habitat vi. Small extent of occurrence or area of occupancy: Very small extent of occurrence and area of occupancy – all within one 2 x 2 km square vii. Limiting biological factors: Extensive unoccupied suitable habitat exists in southern Nova Scotia and its limited range in Canada is probably a consequence of colonization events having been very infrequent, perhaps in combination with loss of other nearby populations through historic water level alterations associated with hydroelectric power development.
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
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.
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.

February 3, 2012

The Species Specialist Subcommittees’ Candidate Lists

The COSEWIC Candidate List

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