Consultation: amending terrestrial species list on Species at Risk Act, summary: December 2020


Carolina Mantleslug

Photo: © Annegret Nicolai

Scientific Name

Philomycus carolinianus

Taxon

Arthropods

COSEWIC Status

Threatened

Canadian Range

Ontario

Reason for designation

In Canada, this large terrestrial slug inhabits undisturbed older-growth forests and riparian areas in the Carolinian Forest Region of Ontario, near the northern limit of its global range. The earliest reliable records (1994, 1995) are from two mainland sites in southwestern Ontario and Pelee Island. Recent searches have confirmed only a small number of additional sites within this small range. Suitable habitat in Canada has experienced historical loss and degradation, and continuing habitat fragmentation is problematic because this species has low dispersal ability. The species is threatened by climate change (extreme temperatures, droughts, and flooding), prescribed burns, and invasive species.

Wildlife Species Description and Significance

Carolina Mantleslug is a large slug (adult body length of active animals averages about 7 cm) with a grey mantle covering the entire body. There are two central lines of black dots on its back. This species is part of the unique fauna of the Carolinian Forest in Canada and has significance for ecosystem functioning through nutrient cycling. The range edge population in Canada is important for the global conservation of this species.

Distribution

Carolina Mantleslug global distribution extends from as far north as northern Michigan southward to Florida in the east and Texas in the west. In Canada, the species is still extant on Pelee Island and in four mainland sites in Essex, Chatham-Kent, and Lambton counties, Ontario. The presence at two historical occurrences is uncertain, because they are privately owned and could not be accessed.

Canadian distribution of Carolina Mantleslug. 
Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Carolina Mantleslug Philomycus carolinianus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 54 pp.
Long description 

Map illustrating the Canadian distribution of the Carolina Mantleslug in southwestern Ontario, based on records compiled for this report.

Habitat

Carolina Mantleslug inhabits riparian or wet deciduous forests and can be found clustered under logs or in the leaf litter when humidity is high. The species relies on a diversity of fungi and lichen species for food. The habitat at all sites is surrounded by unsuitable arable land or water. The slug occurs in about 981 ha of protected habitat and 96 ha of privately owned forest.

Biology

Carolina Mantleslug is an egg-laying land slug. Reproduction probably occurs in spring and late-summer. Hibernation extends from early-October until April in temperate regions. Sexual maturity may be reached after one year and the species may live for 3-4 years. Depending on diet, Carolina Mantleslug lays 1-2 clutches of about 70 eggs. Hatching success varies with temperature and can be as high as about 75%. Active dispersal for colonization of new areas is extremely slow, because the species stays confined to sheltered micro-habitat (logs). Passive dispersal by flooding of rivers is possible but has not been documented. There is no evidence of transportation by humans.

Photo: © Annegret Nicolai

Population Sizes and Trends

The density of the species is most likely extremely low: <0.01 to 0.2 mature individuals/m2. Population size and trends are unknown.

Threats and Limiting Factors

Although Carolina Mantleslug is more resistant to drought than other slugs, low dispersal ability and low physiological resistance to fluctuating environmental factors such as cold temperature are limiting factors. The main threats for Carolina Mantleslug are climate change (flooding, changes in frost regimes, and droughts) as well as prescribed burns. Invasive species, such as earthworms which are destroying the leaf-litter and disturb plant-fungi associations, as well as pollution from agriculture are threats with unknown impact.

Protection, Status and Ranks

Carolina Mantleslug has no legal designations. It is ranked as globally secure and nationally secure in the US but critically imperilled in Canada as well as in Ontario.

Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Carolina Mantleslug

Philomycus carolinianus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 54 pp.

For more information, please visit
Species at risk public registry.

For information regarding reproduction rights, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Public Inquiries Centre at 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-997-2800 or email to ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca.


Chestnut-collared Longspur

Photo: @Christian Artuso

Scientific name

Calcarius ornatus

Taxon

Birds

COSEWIC status

Endangered

Canadian range

Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba

Reason for designation

This striking grassland songbird is only found on North America’s Great Plains. It has experienced a population decline of more than 50% over the past decade, and about 95% since 1970. The Canadian breeding range has contracted to the south and west since the 1970s. The primary threat is degradation and fragmentation of native grasslands, especially through conversion to agriculture. Ongoing loss of habitat in the core wintering region of northern Mexico is currently believed to be of greatest concern, but declines in habitat extent and quality are also an issue in Canada, where grassland parcels of at least 40 hectares are generally required for breeding.

Wildlife Species Description and Significance

Chestnut-collared Longspur is a medium-sized songbird. It is one of two longspurs (family Calcariidae) that nest in grassland. Breeding males are boldly marked, with a black breast, belly, crown, and eye-line contrasting with a buffy-yellow throat, whitish supercilium, and chestnut patch on the nape; in winter the pattern is heavily muted and more similar to the year-round overall buffy, streaked appearance of females. In all plumages, Chestnut-collared Longspur has an inverted dark triangle at the tip of its tail which distinguishes it from all other longspurs. Chestnut-collared Longspur is one of six passerine species endemic to the Great Plains of North America; five of them occur in Canada, and all have been assessed as at risk.

Distribution

Chestnut-collared Longspur breeds in the short- and mixed-grass prairie of the northern Great Plains of Canada and the United States. It overwinters in the short-grass and desert grassland of the southern United States and northern Mexico.

Summer distribution of Chestnut-collared Longspur. Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Chestnut-collared Longspur Calcarius ornatus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 46 pp.
Long description 

Map indicating the relative abundance of the Chestnut-collared Longspur on the breeding range during summer, based on data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), 2011 to 2015.

Habitat

Chestnut-collared Longspur is a grassland specialist, preferring short (<30 cm) vegetation structure, low levels of litter accumulation, and minimal cover from woody vegetation. It is area-sensitive, requiring a minimum patch size of 39 ha for breeding. Chestnut-collared Longspur does not commonly occur in cropland during the breeding season. Preferred wintering habitat includes areas with dense grass cover or tall grass, but Chestnut-collared Longspur avoids areas with tall shrubs (>1.2 m) or forbs (>30 cm), or where shrub cover exceeds 10%. The amount of native grassland on both the breeding and wintering grounds has declined due to ongoing conversion of the habitat to annual cropland.

Biology

Chestnut-collared Longspur is socially monogamous. Males establish breeding territories, which are often clumped together. Females excavate and build a nest on the ground and lay 3-5 eggs which are then incubated for 11-13 days. The chicks fledge after 11 days (range 7-15 days). Pairs will attempt multiple clutches in one season, with a new nest built for each clutch. Generation time is likely two to three years. Predation is the primary cause of egg and nestling mortality.

Photo: @Christian Artuso

Population Sizes and Trends

The Chestnut-collared Longspur population in Canada is estimated at 680,000 mature individuals (range 360,000 to 1.2 million). Analysis of Breeding Bird Survey trends indicate that the Canadian Chestnut-collared Longspur population declined by an average of -6.6% per year (95% CL -8.0% to -5.3%; n = 99 routes) between 1970 and 2017, amounting to a cumulative change of -96% (95% CL -98% to -92%). This is similar to the sustained long-term decline of -92% (95% CI -94% to -89%) across the Great Plains between 1967 and 2014 (Wilson et al. 2018). The short-term trend (2007-2017) in Canada is similarly steep, at an average of -7.3% per year (95% CL -10.5% to -4.6%; n = 84 routes), and a cumulative total of -53% (95% CL -67% to -37%; Smith et al. 2019).

Threats and Limiting Factors

Threats to Chestnut-collared Longspur include habitat loss and fragmentation as a result of conversion of grassland for annual crops, energy production and mining, transportation and service corridors, natural system modifications, invasive species, agricultural effluents, fire suppression, and extreme weather events. The greatest threat currently is likely the conversion of native grasslands to annual agriculture in the Chihuahuan Desert grasslands of northern Mexico, a particularly important wintering area for Chestnut-collared Longspur.

A key limiting factor for Chestnut-collared Longspur is that it is an area-sensitive, grassland specialist, which means that the persistence of the species is dependent on large remaining tracts of native grassland habitat. The most limiting stage of the life cycle to population growth of Chestnut-collared Longspur is first-year survival, followed by first-year reproduction, particularly by yearling females.

Protection, Status and Ranks

COSEWIC designated Chestnut-collared Longspur as Threatened in November 2009. Its COSEWIC status was re-examined and designated Endangered in November 2019. The species is listed as Threatened on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act and is protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. Provincially, the species is only protected in Manitoba where it is listed as Endangered under The Endangered Species and Ecosystems Act. NatureServe lists Chestnut-collared Longspur as ‘Secure’ globally (G5) and in the US (N5B, N5N), but ‘Vulnerable’ (N3B, N3M) in Canada. In Canada, the species is ranked as ‘Vulnerable to Apparently Secure’ (S3S4B) in Alberta, ‘Vulnerable’ (S3B) in Saskatchewan, and ‘Imperiled to Critically Imperiled’ (S1S2B) in Manitoba. Chestnut-collared Longspur is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and is a “D” Yellow Watch List species with Partners in Flight.

Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Chestnut-collared Longspur Calcarius ornatus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 46 pp.

For more information, please visit
Species at risk public registry.

For information regarding reproduction rights, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Public Inquiries Centre at 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-997-2800 or email to ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca.


Gillman’s Goldenrod

Photo: © John C. Semple

Scientific name

Solidago gillmanii

Taxon

Vascular Plants

COSEWIC status

Endangered

Canadian range

Ontario

Reason for designation

This perennial plant species is a Great Lakes endemic now found in Canada only on one island off the south shore of Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron. The species is threatened by habitat disturbance caused by invasive plants.

Wildlife Species Description and Significance

Gillman’s Goldenrod has been considered a variety or subspecies of many different goldenrod species. Recent genetic work supports recognition of the taxon as a distinct species called Solidago gillmanii. The Latin name is used in this document to prevent confusion with previous entities that have used the common name of Gillman’s Goldenrod. Solidago gillmanii is a perennial with a relatively large, wand-shaped inflorescence and stalked leaves that decrease noticeably in size going up the stem. The basal leaves have toothed margins. Solidago gillmanii is easily mistaken for Hairy Goldenrod and Bog Goldenrod, which can occur in the same habitats.

Distribution

Solidago gillmanii is only found on dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. In Canada, S. gillmanii currently occurs only on Great Duck Island in northern Lake Huron south of Manitoulin Island. There are two subpopulations 2.5 km apart. Solidago gillmanii is common in Michigan on dunes on the Lake Michigan shore but uncommon on Lake Huron. It is present but at risk in Wisconsin and Indiana. The species is reported but unconfirmed in Illinois. A collection from 1976 shows a subpopulation once occurred at Deans Bay on Manitoulin Island but was extirpated prior to 2000. It is unknown why S. gillmanii does not occur at any of the more than 30 apparently suitable dune sites across the south shores of Manitoulin and Cockburn islands.

Current range of S. gillmanii in Canada.
Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Gillman’s Goldenrod Solidago gillmanii in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 43 pp.
Long description 

Map of the current range of Solidago gillmanii in Canada, indicating the sites surveyed in 2018 and the extant subpopulations on Great Duck Island.

Habitat

Habitat for S. gillmanii consists exclusively of open sand dunes with sparse vegetation and patches of bare sand. The vegetation community type of the dune habitat, Little Bluestem – Long-leaved Reed Grass – Great Lakes Wheat Grass Dune Grassland, is considered of provincial conservation concern and ranked imperilled in Ontario. Dune habitats are maintained by dynamic forces (wind, wave-wash, ice movement, changes in lake levels, etc.) that move and pile up sand. In active dunes, these forces keep vegetation sparse and sand loose. Habitat sizes at Desert Point and Horseshoe Bay have remained more or less stable since 2004. Horseshoe Bay contains about 1.65 ha of habitat, while Desert Point contains about 27.3 ha. Habitat quality at Horseshoe Bay is being affected by the spread of the exotic Glandular Baby’s Breath.

Biology

Basal rosettes of S. gillmanii may occur singly or in a cluster on a very short rhizome. Each cluster is considered one individual although it may have multiple upright flowering stems. While in many other goldenrod species cross-pollination is required for seed set, and seed viability may decrease in a matter of months, there is no information on S. gillmanii. Goldenrods have wind-dispersed seeds, but long-distance dispersal (on the order of kilometres) is rare in the Asteraceae. There are many suitable dune habitats on Manitoulin Island within several kilometres of Great Duck Island. It is unknown whether dispersal limitations are involved in the restricted range of S. gillmanii.

Population Sizes and Trends

In 2018, there were approximately 5000 mature individuals at Desert Point and 1500 at Horseshoe Bay. Horseshoe Bay has more individuals per unit area, despite being a smaller dune area with denser vegetation cover and much less open sand. No decline in mature individuals has been documented. The Deans Bay subpopulation was extirpated between 1976 and 2000. The magnitude of the loss is unknown but it is presumed unlikely the species was ever abundant there due to the narrowness of the beaches that become submerged at higher lake levels, as well as to beach-clearing activities of adjacent landowners. Rescue is presumed to be unlikely.

Threats and Limiting Factors

Great Duck Island has no residents and no road access, and is a remote locality even for most boaters. A very small amount of recreational use occurs, but in 2018 there was no evidence of camping, erosion from foot traffic, or garbage. The main threats to S. gillmanii are invasive species (Glandular Baby’s Breath). The limiting factors that naturally affect dune species at some other sites (lack of habitat; lack of natural dune dynamics) do not seem to be affecting S. gillmanii. The overall calculated threat level is Low.

Protection, Status and Ranks

In both Wisconsin and Indiana, Gillman’s Goldenrod (as Solidago simplex var. gillmanii) is listed Threatened and ranked imperilled (S2). In Michigan, the level of conservation concern for S. gillmanii has not been ranked, but the species apparently does not warrant state listing. In Canada, the species is ranked critically imperilled (S1) in Ontario and nationally (N1). Solidago gillmanii is not currently listed at-risk and is not protected by the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) or the Ontario Endangered Species Act 2007. The Ontario Provincial Policy Statement restricts alteration of the habitat of rare species and of rare vegetation communities including dunes. However, the restrictions are rarely enforced in the Manitoulin District. Great Duck Island is privately owned as a single parcel.

Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Gillman’s Goldenrod Solidago gillmanii in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 43 pp.

For more information, please visit
Species at risk public registry.

For information regarding reproduction rights, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Public Inquiries Centre at 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-997-2800 or email to ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca.


Manitoba Oakworm Moth

Photo: © Don Henne

Scientific name

Anisota manitobensis

Taxon

Arthropods

COSEWIC status

Special Concern

Canadian range

Manitoba

Reason for designation

This large moth has a small global distribution, most of which is in Canada, and restricted to a small area in southern Manitoba and the adjacent United States. Localized population irruptions occurred irregularly through the 1900s, but their frequency declined and the last one was in 1997; no individuals have been detected since 2000. Threats are primarily related to declines of Bur Oak, its larval host plant. Bur Oak is susceptible to secondary diseases, especially when compounded with anthropogenic and environmental stress. Other threats include fire suppression, deer browsing and subsequent invasive plant incursion, and insecticides targeting pest moths, all of which contribute cumulatively to ongoing decline in Bur Oak health and subsequent loss or reduction of habitat. Bur Oak woodlands are fragmented throughout their range in Manitoba, and subpopulations of this moth are perhaps even more fragmented because of their limited dispersal ability, and its larval preference for younger Bur Oak. This species may actually be Threatened, but data are currently insufficient to assess whether it meets thresholds for status criteria.

Wildlife Species Description and Significance

Manitoba Oakworm Moth (Anisota manitobensis) is a medium-sized moth (forewing length 19-30 mm) in the family Saturniidae (silk worm moths). There are four life stages and the species grows through complete metamorphosis. Adults are brownish-orange, and females are typically pinker than darker males. The flattened, ovate eggs are smooth and yellow, turning to brownish with age. Larvae are typically dark brown to black with paler stripes (tending to pink in later instars) with spines and thoracic horns. Pupae are brown and approximately 3 cm long.

Distribution

The known global and Canadian range of Manitoba Oakworm Moth is restricted to southern Manitoba and extreme northern North Dakota and Minnesota. The majority of the global range is in Manitoba where it has been recorded from approximately 25 sites as far north as Riding Mountain National Park. The two sites in adjacent North Dakota and Minnesota are approximately 40 km and 65 km respectively from the nearest known Canadian sites. Its Canadian range is approximately 43,000 km2, including historical sites that may still be extant.

Canadian records of Manitoba Oakworm Moth.
Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Manitoba Oakworm Moth Anisota manitobensis in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 49 pp.
Long description 

Map of Canadian records of the Manitoba Oakworm Moth, including those within Winnipeg’s city limits. Also shown are the records from northwestern Minnesota and North Dakota.

Habitat

Manitoba Oakworm Moth is restricted to habitats where its larval food plant, Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa), is found. Currently, oak savannas and woodlands along river valleys and the Manitoba Escarpment comprise the most abundant potential habitat for this species. Manitoba Oakworm Moth was most recently found in riverine oak woodlands in Winnipeg and but also on smaller, younger oak trees in full sunlight along roadsides and rights-of-way near Fullers.

Biology

The biology of Manitoba Oakworm Moth is poorly known. Eggs of Manitoba Oakworm Moth are laid in clusters on leaves of Bur Oak in June to mid-summer. When first hatched, young caterpillars are gregarious but are less so in later instars. This species overwinters for at least eight months as a pupa in the soil. The adults have been observed from early June to late July, and mainly fly during the day.

Population Sizes and Trends

Population sizes and trends are poorly understood for Manitoba Oakworm Moth. Like many oakworm moth species, it may have periodic outbreaks with low numbers in intervening years.

Threats and Limiting Factors

Threats to Manitoba Oakworm Moth and its habitat are poorly understood. Non-target impacts from spraying of insecticide is a potential threat to this species, but likely limited to the city of Winnipeg. Residential and other urban development resulted in the loss of historical habitat and may continue to be a localized threat, as with roads and transmission line development. Soil compaction from recreational and other activities may affect oak health and indirectly impact Manitoba Oakworm Moths in Winnipeg and other urban areas. More broadly, fire suppression may reduce the quality of oak savanna habitat for Manitoba Oakworm Moth over the long term.

Manitoba Oakworm Moth is naturally limited by the abundance and distribution of Bur Oak in southern Manitoba, which has declined from historical abundance largely due to logging for wood and forest clearing for residential and other development in the 1800s and early 1900s. Adult moths do not have functional mouthparts and do not feed, instead relying on fat stored during larval development. Female moths are weak fliers, and do not likely disperse far, mainly because they are heavy with eggs. Dense vegetation may limit pheromone dispersal.

Photo: © Don Henne

Protection, Status and Ranks

Manitoba Oakworm Moth and its habitat have no direct legal protection in Canada or the United States. The species is globally ranked as Imperilled (G2). In Canada the species is ranked as Imperiled (N2) nationally and in Manitoba (S2). In the United States it is ranked Historical (NH) nationally and at the state level in Minnesota and North Dakota (SH).

Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Manitoba Oakworm Moth Anisota manitobensis in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 49 pp.

For more information, please visit
Species at risk public registry.

For information regarding reproduction rights, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Public Inquiries Centre at 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-997-2800 or email to ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca.


Plains Hog-nosed Snake

Photo: © Kristiina Ovaska

Scientific name

Heterodon nasicus

Taxon

Reptiles

COSEWIC status

Special Concern

Canadian range

Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba

Reason for designation

This large prairie snake, distinguished by its prominent upturned snout, belongs to a suite of grassland species restricted to the arid interior of North America. It has a widespread but patchy distribution in southern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Habitat loss is mostly historical, but conversion of grasslands to more intensive agricultural uses continues. The current population size is probably under 10,000 mature individuals, but robust estimates are lacking. Recent population trends are unknown, but continuing decline is suspected based on threats. These include ongoing habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation from agriculture, fire suppression, energy development, and road mortality. The species is near to meeting criteria for Threatened status and could continue to decline if threats are not effectively managed.

Wildlife Species Description and Significance

Plains Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus) is one of two species of hog-nosed snakes in Canada, the other being Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) in Ontario. Adults range from 45 cm to 75 cm snout-to-vent length and are stout bodied. Distinguishing features include an upturned scale at the tip of the snout, giving the snake its hog-nosed appearance. The defensive behaviours exhibited by Plains Hog-nosed Snake, such as flaring of the neck, hissing, and death feigning (playing dead), are some of the most interesting and bizarre behaviours documented for snakes. Although the species is mildly venomous, it poses negligible risk to humans.

Distribution

In Canada, Plains Hog-nosed Snake occurs in southern portions of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The global range extends south to New Mexico and Texas. The distribution of the species in Canada is poorly understood; this is partially because characteristics of the species’ ecology make it difficult to observe. Recent and historical records suggest that the distribution of the Plains Hog-nosed Snake in Canada is not continuous; instead, there are clusters of records that may demarcate isolated subpopulations.

Plains Hog-nosed Snake distribution in Canada in relation to ecoregions within the Prairies ecozone.
Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Plains Hog-nosed Snake Heterodon nasicus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 38 pp.
Long description 

Map showing Plains Hog-nosed Snake distribution in Canada in relation to ecoregions within the Prairies ecozone and outlining extent of occurrence (EOO; 142,428 square kilometres in 1991 to 2015).

Habitat

In Canada, Plains Hog-nosed Snake occurs in grasslands on soils with higher than average sand content. Within these grasslands, the snakes can be found in a variety of open-canopy communities, ranging from drier habitats to damp lowlands; the snakes are often found in close proximity to water. Plains Hog-nosed Snake is usually a solitary hibernator, unlike most other large snakes found in the southern prairie region of Canada that hibernate communally. It seems likely that the majority of hibernation sites are burrows, either excavated by the snakes or initially created by small mammals. Similarly, constructed burrows are also used for nesting and shelter.

Biology

Females lay a single clutch of 4 to 23 eggs, typically in an abandoned rodent burrow, and hatchlings emerge from nests from late July to mid-September. Females can reproduce annually, but biennial cycles also occur. The age at which the species reaches sexual maturity may be as early as two years, but some individuals may not reach sexual maturity until 3-4 years of age. Their lifespan is between 8 and 14 years, and generation time is deemed to be 5–8 years. Plains Hog-nosed Snake is primarily active during daytime. It feeds mainly on amphibians but also preys on small mammals, ground-nesting birds, turtle eggs, and lizards.

Population Sizes and Trends

The size of the Canadian population of Plains Hog-nosed Snake is unknown. There are insufficient data to document trends or fluctuations in population sizes, and while survey effort has increased in recent years, no systematic surveys across the range of the species have been conducted. The population may be declining due to habitat degradation and other threats.

Threats and Limiting Factors

Habitat degradation from agriculture and fire suppression, energy production, and road mortality are all considered low impact threats. Subpopulations in Alberta, primarily around Medicine Hat, experience the most significant impact from road mortality and from human intrusion and disturbance. All subpopulations may experience negative impacts of road mortality on gravel roads because of the high density of roads (0.74 km/km2) throughout the species’ range. Sites in Saskatchewan and Manitoba are mostly impacted by agriculture, croplands in particular.

Protection, Status and Ranks

COSEWIC assessed Plains Hog-nosed Snake as Special Concern in November 2019. It currently has no status under the Species at Risk Act. In national parks, the species is protected under the National Parks Act. Provincially, Plains Hog-nosed Snake and its hibernacula are protected under the wildlife acts of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. It is listed as Threatened under Manitoba’s Endangered Species and Ecosystems Act. Within provincial park boundaries, Plains Hog-nosed Snake is afforded protection through the Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba provincial parks acts. There is variable protection within the Suffield National Wildlife Area in Alberta, the Manitoba Wildlife Management Areas, and the National Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration pastures in Saskatchewan. Approximately 13% of all occurrences and 10% of the Canadian distribution are in protected areas.

Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Plains Hog-nosed Snake Heterodon nasicus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 38 pp.

For more information, please visit
Species at risk public registry.

For information regarding reproduction rights, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Public Inquiries Centre at 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-997-2800 or email to ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca.


Puvirnituq Mountain Draba

Photo: © Serge Payette

Scientific name

Draba puvirnituqii

Taxon

Vascular Plants

COSEWIC status

Special Concern

Canadian range

Quebec

Reason for designation

The entire global distribution of this small perennial mustard plant is restricted to two small sites on a rare type of igneous rock rubble on the tundra of Nunavik, in Northern Quebec. Its known range occupies less than 13 km2. Although there are too few data to determine trends, the population size is undoubtedly very small, estimated to be less than 1000 individuals. Habitat changes associated with climate change are potential threats.

Wildlife Species Description and Significance

Puvirnituq Mountain Draba is a tiny perennial plant no taller than 6 cm with a dense cluster of leaves at the base. It forms a leafless flowering stalk with clusters of small white flowers. All portions of the plant have crisped simple hairs, an unusual trait that distinguishes the plant from all other Draba species in Canada, except for Taylor’s Draba (Draba taylori), a yellow-flowered species endemic to British Columbia.

Distribution

The global distribution of Puvirnituq Mountain Draba consists of a single localized occurrence in Northern Quebec (Nunavik) where individuals grow sporadically in two closely spaced sites. The species occurs on extremely rare substrate, on oxidized peridotite rubble overlying fine loamy materials within the exposed Arctic tundra, at an elevation of about 450 m.

Distribution of Puvirnituq Mountain Draba in Canada.
Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Puvirnituq Mountain Draba Draba puvirnituqii in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 31 pp.
Long description 

Map showing the distribution of the Puvirnituq Mountain Draba in northern Quebec.

Habitat

Puvirnituq Draba occurs on the Arctic tundra with a zone of essentially denuded rubble consisting of oxidized peridotite. These are generally mesic habitats, and are located at an elevation of about 450 m in open spaces exposed to high winds.

Biology

Judging from the number of dead, but still attached leaves from previous years, found on available dried specimens, the plant appears to have a fairly long lifespan. Flowering occurs early in the season. Mature seeds are dispersed by the wind. While the species is probably apomictic (asexual reproduction), the apparent presence of hybrids at one of the sites nonetheless indicates some degree of interspecies fertility. The species is serpentine tolerant and therefore likely has certain adaptations enabling it to colonize these peculiar ultramafic (highly basic) environments where growing conditions are both unusual and harsh.

Population Sizes and Trends

According to the current state of knowledge, the Canadian (and global) population comprises only about 25 individuals (excluding herbarium specimens) occurring at two sites spaced 2.3 km apart and considered as a single subpopulation. However, given the small proportion of habitat searched, the available demographic data must be considered very incomplete.

Threats and Limiting Factors

There are few tangible threats in the short or medium term. Climate change could pose a threat to the integrity of the species’ habitat. However, it is difficult to predict how climate change will affect Puvirnituq Mountain Draba habitat.

Protection, Status and Ranks

At present, Puvirnituq Mountain Draba has no international legal conservation status. In Quebec, the process for granting it legal status as a threatened species under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species is underway. NatureServe has ranked the species as Critically Imperilled both globally (G1) and nationally (N1) in Canada. In Quebec, the Centre de données sur le patrimoine naturel has assigned the species the rank of S1. Its habitat along the upper Déception River is located entirely on public lands and is not subject to mining titles.

Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Puvirnituq Mountain Draba Draba puvirnituqii in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 31 pp.

For more information, please visit
Species at risk public registry.

For information regarding reproduction rights, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Public Inquiries Centre at 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-997-2800 or email to ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca.


Reversed Haploa Moth

Janvier 2021

Photo: @Mary Gartshore

Scientific name

Haploa reversa

Taxon

Arthropods

COSEWIC status

Endangered

Canadian range

Ontario

Reason for designation

This rare moth is restricted to four areas of southwestern Ontario, which are considered separate subpopulations (Lambton County, Norfolk County, London, and Essex County). It has only been detected in proximity to oak savanna, oak woodland and dunes. In Ontario, up to 98% of oak savanna has been lost and remaining oak woodlands are small and fragmented. The quality of remaining habitat continues to decline as a result of fire suppression and invasive plants. Other potential threats include insecticide spraying during Gypsy Moth outbreaks which kills both the pest and the caterpillars of this moth.

Wildlife Species Description and Significance

Reversed Haploa Moth (Haploa reversa) is medium-sized (wingspan of 33 – 48mm) and with a dorsal wing pattern of brown bands and white patches, including a distinctive white triangular basal patch extending from the thorax through to the forewings; and three similarly sized, distinctive white costal patches (patches on the leading edge of the forewing). The larvae are black with yellow to orange longitudinal stripes and an orangish to reddish dorsal stripe; and are covered in bristly spines.

In Canada, Reversed Haploa Moth is associated with oak savanna, oak woodland and dune habitats within the Carolinian zone of southwestern Ontario. These habitats are among the most endangered habitats in Canada; approximately 98% have been lost and 2256ha is all that remains. The decline and extirpation of several rare lepidoptera, which occurred in the same geographic areas as Reversed Haploa Moth, has been attributed to the loss of these oak savanna habitats.

Distribution

Reversed Haploa Moth ranges in North America from southeast Minnesota to Texas and western Arizona, east to portions of southwestern Ontario, Ohio and North Carolina.

In Canada, Reversed Haploa Moth is restricted to four geographically separated areas of southwestern Ontario which are considered four separate subpopulations: Lambton County, Norfolk County, Essex County and the London area. The dispersal between known subpopulations is unlikely. However the subpopulation in the London area may be connected to known subpopulations in Michigan, which have records approximately 11-21km away and rescue may be possible.

Reversed Haploa Moth (Haploa reversa) subpopulations in Canada.
Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Reversed Haploa Moth Haploa reversa in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 40 pp.
Long description 

Map of Reversed Haploa Moth subpopulations in Canada, indicating the four subpopulations and five locations.

Habitat

The habitat requirements of Reversed Haploa Moth are not fully understood. Haploa moth larvae are polyphagous (able to feed on many plant species), and early instars are commonly associated with Eupatorium species (bonesets, thoroughworts or snakeworts), a genus native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and occurring in mesic habitats. To date, there have been two larvae observed in Canada: one larva feeding on Hairy Puccoon (Lithospermum caroliniense) and the other not feeding.

Biology

Reversed Haploa Moth has one generation per year and adults fly from late June to late July and peak in mid-July. Mating, oviposition and larval feeding behaviour is undescribed but in other Haploa species, courtship is initiated when the female releases sex attractant pheromones and females oviposit directly on host plants. Pupation occurs in the spring. Larvae may not be dependent on a unique host plant for feeding and observations in other Haploa species suggest that different larval instars may feed on different plant species. Reversed Haploa Moth is non-migratory and its dispersal abilities are unknown.

Photo: © Brad Bolduan

Population Sizes and Trends

In Canada, search effort has included capturing adults in light traps and/or flushing them from vegetation during general insect net sweeping in wet meadow habitat (within an oak woodland/savanna and sand dune landscape), larval searches and photographs posted to online naturalist forums.

No population estimates are available for Reversed Haploa Moth. The species is known from four extant subpopulations and has only been regularly recorded at the Lambton County subpopulation (sites in Grand Bend, Port Franks, and Ipperwash). There are two records for Walsingham (Norfolk County), two records for Ojibway Prairie (Windsor, Essex County), and one record from London (The Coves). Individuals were confirmed at all four subpopulations during 2018 and 2019.

Threats and Limiting Factors

Threats to Reversed Haploa Moth are associated with the historical decline in the oak woodland and savanna habitats (including dunes within these habitats) in which the moth has been recorded, and the resulting impacts associated with this historical habitat fragmentation. Wide-scale pesticide spraying of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control the non-native European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) is ongoing within the local municipalities where this moth occurs, and is considered the highest threat to Reversed Haploa Moth subpopulations. Recreational activities and inappropriate habitat management, leading to competition with invasive plant species and/or canopy closure, are possible at all subpopulations. It is unknown how climate change will affect Reverse Haploa Moth subpopulations, which may make the timing of emergence of larvae asynchronous with the availability of their larval host plants.

Protection, Status and Ranks

Reversed Haploa Moth is not listed under the Canada Species at Risk Act or the Ontario Endangered Species Act. It is not protected by any federal or state legislation in the United States. The species is globally ranked as Secure (G5) and nationally in Canada as Vulnerable to Imperiled (N2N3). In Ontario, it is also considered Vulnerable to Imperiled (S2S3) and its status is not ranked subnationally in the United States.

Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Reversed Haploa Moth Haploa reversa in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 40 pp.

For more information, please visit
Species at risk public registry.

For information regarding reproduction rights, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Public Inquiries Centre at 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-997-2800 or email to ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca.


Shagreen

Photo: © Annegret Nicolai

Scientific name

Inflectarius inflectus

Taxon

Molluscs

COSEWIC status

Endangered

Canadian range

Ontario

Reason for designation

This medium-sized terrestrial snail occurs in the Carolinian zone of southwestern Ontario, where it exists near the northern extremity of its global range. Historically, it was known from two sites in mainland Ontario and five islands in Lake Erie. It is currently known to persist only on two islands, where it inhabits rocky or open woods and can be found clustering under logs or rocks, and in leaf litter. Suitable Canadian habitat has experienced historical loss and degradation, and continuing habitat fragmentation is problematic for this species due to its low dispersal ability. The species is threatened by climate change (extreme temperatures, droughts, and flooding), prescribed burns, and invasive species. Wildlife Species Description and Significance

Shagreen is a medium-sized land snail (adult shell width about 1 cm) with a shell that is imperforate (no hole in middle of shell where whorls come together), depressed, and yellow to brown in colour, with three tooth-like denticles in the shell opening. This species is part of the unique fauna of the Carolinian Forest in Canada and has significance for ecosystem functioning through nutrient cycling. The range edge population in Canada is important for the global conservation of this species.

Distribution

Shagreen’s global distribution extends from southern Ontario, Michigan, and New York southward to Florida in the east and Texas in the west. In Canada, the species is still extant in Essex County on two Lake Erie islands: Middle and Pelee. The species appears to have been extirpated from southwestern Ontario mainland sites and two other islands in Lake Erie.

Canadian distribution of Shagreen (Inflectarius inflectus) in Ontario.
Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Shagreen Inflectarius inflectus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 51 pp.
Long description 

Map showing the Canadian distribution of the Shagreen in Ontario based on records compiled for this report.

Habitat

Shagreen inhabits rocky or open woods and can be found clustered under logs, rocks, and in the leaf litter. The habitat at all sites is surrounded by unsuitable arable land or water. There is in total about 480 ha of protected habitat on Pelee and Middle islands.

Biology

Shagreen is an egg-laying land snail. Reproduction probably occurs in spring and late-summer. Hibernation extends from early October until April in temperate regions. Aestivation in summer may occur only during prolonged drought / heat waves. Sexual maturity may be reached at 1 year and individuals may live 2-3 years. The species may mainly feed on decaying wood or fungi in forest floor litter. Active dispersal for colonization of new areas is extremely slow, because the species stays confined to sheltering micro-habitat (logs, rocks). Passive dispersal by flooding of rivers or transportation by birds is possible but has not been documented. There is no evidence of transportation by humans.

Photo: © Annegret Nicolai

Population Sizes and Trends

The species seems to be extirpated from six historical occurrences; the status at three additional sites is uncertain, because they are privately owned and were not searched. Measured density of the species may be extremely low, <0.1 mature individuals/m2, because it lives in colonies under big logs. Total population size is unknown.

Threats and Limiting Factors

Low dispersal ability and low physiological resistance to fluctuating environmental factors such as temperature and humidity are limiting factors. The main threats for Shagreen are climate change (droughts, changes in frost regimes), prescribed burns, and habitat modifications due to invasive species such as earthworms which are destroying the leaf litter, and Double-crested Cormorants which are changing litter conditions.

Protection, Status and Ranks

Shagreen has no legal designations. It is ranked as globally secure and nationally secure in the US but critically imperilled in Canada and Ontario.

Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Shagreen Inflectarius inflectus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 51 pp.

For more information, please visit
Species at risk public registry.

For information regarding reproduction rights, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Public Inquiries Centre at 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-997-2800 or email to ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca.


Slender Yoke-moss

Photo: © Wynne Miles

Scientific name

Zygodon gracilis

Taxon

Mosses

COSEWIC status

Endangered

Canadian range

British Columbia

Reason for designation

In North America, this moss is confined to a single location on Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. The extremely small population occurs on a one square-metre patch of limestone cliff face near the ocean. Imminent threats to the species are the proliferation of young, dense woody vegetation adjacent to the cliff, exerting both direct (increased shade and moisture) and indirect (overgrowth by cyanobacteria) effects on the population. Other important threats include altered precipitation patterns, droughts and temperature extremes associated with climate change, quarrying of the high-quality Sadler limestone on which the species grows, and stochastic events such as inundation by tsunamis.

Wildlife Species Description and Significance

Slender Yoke-moss (Zygodon gracilis) is a small to medium-sized, yellowish- to brownish-green moss that grows on dry vertical rock surfaces. The lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate leaves are spreading and recurved (bent backward) when wet and contorted and incurved when dry. The leaf margins are sharply toothed near the leaf apex and untoothed near the base. The prominent costa or “midrib” of the leaf extends to the leaf apex or just beyond. Spore-producing capsules have not been observed in Canada and have seldom been seen elsewhere.

The species is significant for its global rarity. The Canadian population is thought to have persisted in a coastal refugium during the last glaciation.

Distribution

Slender Yoke-moss is extremely rare. Its pattern of distribution has been characterized as “Western European-Western North American”. In North America the species is known from a single location on Moresby Island on the archipelago of Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands) in British Columbia, Canada. Elsewhere it has been collected from one location in northern England, one in Poland, a few in the Alps (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland) and a few in the western Carpathian Mountains (Poland, Romania, and Slovakia).

Canadian distribution of Slender Yoke-moss (Zygodon gracilis) (black dot), collection sites on limestone (green dots) and Sadler Limestone (orange), the only type of limestone with very high calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content on the archipelago.

Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Slender Yoke-moss Zygodon gracilis in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 28 pp.

Long description 

Map indicating the Canadian distribution of the Slender Yoke-moss (single occurrence) and bryophyte collection sites on limestone and Sadler Limestone on Haida Gwaii.

Habitat

Slender Yoke-moss is a lithophyte (i.e., it grows only on rock). It typically colonizes dry limestone cliff faces in humid areas, but in England it occupies rock walls constructed of Carboniferous limestone.

Biology

Slender Yoke-moss has been observed in the same location for multiple decades in several countries. Male and female reproductive structures occur on separate plants, but sporophytes (spore-producing structures) have rarely been seen. Although specialized asexual reproductive structures have been induced in culture, they have not been found on plants in the wild. Therefore, it is unlikely that the Canadian population could increase by dispersal of spores. Rather, it persists through long-term clonal growth.

As a habitat-specialist occurring on dry vertical surfaces of very pure limestone in areas with high humidity, it is unlikely that Slender Yoke-moss could survive or successfully compete against other species if habitat conditions such as light, moisture, and air flow change.

Population Sizes and Trends

The population of Slender Yoke-moss in Canada consists of several small colonies (maximum 2 cm2) scattered in an area of <1 m2 on a vertical cliff face. The species was first discovered in 1961 and last observed 2018. The number of colonies was not documented in 1961, 1966, 1994, or when it was rediscovered in 2018. Based on the concept of ‘an individual-equivalent’, which has been adopted by the IUCN, the size of the population of Slender Yoke-moss is Canada is one, based on the single cliff face occupied by the species.

Threats and Limiting Factors

The most significant threats to Slender Yoke-moss are quarrying; impacts to the moss’s habitat caused by young native trees; stochastic events like tsunamis; and the effects of climate change such as droughts and increased temperatures. The species could also be threatened by over-collecting for scientific study.

The main factors limiting Slender Yoke-moss are its apparent lack of reproduction; small populations throughout much of its range; a disjunct pattern of global distribution; and highly restricted habitat.

Protection, Status and Ranks

The global conservation status of Slender Yoke-moss is “Imperiled”. It has been identified as a candidate for the IUCN Red List of European Bryophytes based on the following conservation ranks (by country): Austria (“Risk Assumed”), Switzerland (“Vulnerable”), Germany (“Extremely Rare”), Great Britain, Italy, and Poland (“Endangered”), and Slovakia (“Critically Endangered”). The species is confirmed from France and present in Romania but its conservation status in those countries has not been assessed.

In Canada, Slender Yoke-moss has been designated as “Critically Imperiled” at the national level. It is also “Critically Imperiled” in British Columbia and is included in the province’s Red List. It is not currently protected under the federal Species at Risk Act or the British Columbia Wildlife Act, or by any other legislation in Canada.

Source: COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Slender Yoke-moss Zygodon gracilis in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 28 pp.

For more information, please visit
Species at risk public registry.

For information regarding reproduction rights, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Public Inquiries Centre at 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-997-2800 or email to ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca.


Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee

Photo: © Cory Sheffield

Scientific Name

Bombus suckleyi

Taxon

Arthropods

COSEWIC Status

Threatened

Canadian Range

Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland (Island only, no species confirmed in Labrador)

Reason for designation

This bumble bee is a nest parasite of other bumble bees and depends on its hosts to rear its young. It is found in all provinces and territories except Nunavut. It is more frequent in the west than in the east and always much less frequent than its hosts. Despite significantly increased search effort for bumble bees in Canada over the last two decades, fewer individuals of this species have been encountered than in the past. There has been a decline of more than 30% in relative abundance compared to all bumble bees (indicating a population decline) and a decline in area of occupancy. The decline has been particularly severe in areas where the species was historically more frequent, in British Columbia and Alberta. The primary threat is the steep decline of the host bumble bee species, again in British Columbia and Alberta. The major threats to the hosts are the escape of pathogen-infected bumble bees from managed colonies in commercial greenhouses, pesticide use (particularly neonicotinoids), and climate change.

Wildlife Species Descriptions and Significance

Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee is one of six true cuckoo bumble bee species occurring in North America. Both sexes are medium-sized (15–25 mm length). Females are slightly larger than males and have an abdomen with shiny black terga (dorsal abdominal segments) and yellow hairs near the tip; males have a similar colour pattern, but with more yellow hair on the abdomen. Unlike nest-building bumble bees, female cuckoo bumble bees do not possess a corbicula (pollen basket) on the hind leg as they do not collect pollen for their offspring.

Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee can be distinguished from the similar Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee by the prominent triangular ridges on the underside of the last segment of the abdomen. Males also typically have more yellow hairs on the body than Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee.

Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee is an obligate social parasite of nest-building bumble bees of the subgenus Bombus. Of the four species in this subgenus in Canada, Western Bumble Bee is the only confirmed host in western Canada, while Yellow-banded Bumble Bee is the suspected host in eastern Canada due to co-occurrence of the two species in much of its eastern range of Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee. Additional suspected hosts include Rusty-patched Bumble Bee (Ontario and Québec) and Cryptic Bumble Bee (northwestern Canada) because they are also in subgenus Bombus (like the confirmed host) and co-occur in the range of Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee. However, there is no direct evidence that either of these are hosts.

Three of the host and probable host species have been assessed at risk in Canada by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC): Western Bumble Bee occidentalis subspecies (Threatened) and mckayi subspecies (Special Concern), Yellow-banded Bumble Bee (Special Concern) and Rusty-patched Bumble Bee (Endangered). Cryptic Bumble Bee, a Holarctic species and potential host, has not been assessed by COSEWIC and has a conservation status of Secure.

Distribution

Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee has an extensive distribution from the southern United States to the subarctic regions of Canada (Yukon) and east to the island of Newfoundland (not confirmed from Labrador). In Canada, the species has been recorded in all provinces and territories except Nunavut. The species is more abundant in western Canada, and most collection sites are from west of Manitoba.

Canadian records of Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee date from 1897 (British Columbia) and 1901 (Ontario) to 2019 (Saskatchewan and Yukon). Additional records within the last ten years are from Alberta (2018), British Columbia (2013) and the island of Newfoundland (2010). The distribution of Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee is limited by the distribution, and presumably abundance, of its host bumble bee species, although other factors appear to be important because it has not been collected evenly throughout its hosts’ range.

Spatial distribution of Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus suckleyi) databased records in Canada.
Source : COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee Bombus suckleyi in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 70 pp.
Long description 

Map illustrating the Canadian distributions of the Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee and two host species: the Western Bumble Bee (southern subspecies and northern subspecies) and the Yellow-banded Bumble Bee (a presumed host).

Habitat

Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee occurs in diverse habitats including open meadows and prairies, farms and croplands, urban areas, boreal forest, and montane meadows. Records are from sea level to 1200 m although the species could potentially occur at higher elevations where its host(s) occur. In the early spring, hosts typically establish nests in abandoned underground rodent burrows or other dry natural hollows; because Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee is a nest parasite these same host residence sites also serve as its habitat. Adults have been recorded feeding on pollen and nectar from many flowers.

Biology

Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee is an obligatory social parasite of nest-building bumble bees, and therefore does not produce a eusocial colony with distinct castes (i.e. no workers). The species has an annual life cycle. Mated females emerge in the spring, slightly later than host nest-building species (e.g., hosts emerge March – April and cuckoos emerge April – June, sometimes later in higher latitudes and/or elevations) and begin to search for potential host nests. Successful nest parasitism by female cuckoos occurs after hosts have established colonies with some workers, but only if the host nest is not so large that the host workers can defend the colony and drive out the cuckoo. Once a host nest is found, the female cuckoo subdues (or kills) the host queen, and ultimately takes over egg laying in the nest; the workers of the original host queen care for the cuckoo’s offspring. Cuckoos emerge throughout the summer and with higher numbers produced in late summer and early autumn. New female and male cuckoos produced in the host nest emerge to feed on nectar, and then mate. Mated females ultimately select an overwintering site, presumably near nest-building host species. Males and the original egg-laying female die at the onset of cold weather.

Population Sizes and Trends

Limited information on the Canadian on global population size and trends for Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee is available. Most bumble bee surveys target all Bombus and do not specifically target cuckoo bumble bees. Historically, surveys have included all bumble bees and have mostly been conducted haphazardly or by wandering transects through suitable habitat, and have focused on recording new subpopulations, natural history and habitat information of bumble bees in general. Within the past 20 years, there have been extensive bumble bee surveys and academic research focused on pollinators, including bumble bees, and Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee has been recorded during this work. The species is inherently less abundant than other bumble bees because it does not produce a worker caste and is less common than its hosts.

Historical data show Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee appears to have always been more common in western Canada than in eastern Canada. The species has not been recorded from southern Ontario since the 1970s despite extensive search effort in the past twenty years. However, throughout other parts of its range the species remains present, albeit uncommon, where hosts occur.

Threats and Limiting Factors

The major threat to Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee is the decline of its host species: Western Bumble Bee, in western Canada, and likely Yellow-banded Bumble Bee in eastern Canada. Both Western Bumble Bee and Yellow-banded Bumble Bee were once more common and widespread, and subpopulations have been declining through much of their range, likely due to pesticide use (including neonicotinoids), pathogen spillover (specifically within high intensity agricultural areas), and floral resource and habitat loss from agricultural intensification and natural systems modifications (e.g., fire suppression, natural shrub encroachment into open areas).

Protection, Status and Ranks

Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee has no legal status and is not protected in Canada by any federal or provincial legislation. The species is globally ranked as Critically Imperilled (G1) and nationally in Canada as Vulnerable (N3) (NatureServe 2018). The species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Western Bumble Bee occidentalis (Threatened) and mckayi subspecies (Special Concern) have been assessed by COSEWIC but not listed under SARA. Yellow-banded Bumble Bee (Special Concern) has been assessed by COSEWIC and listed under SARA. Rusty-patched Bumble Bee has been assessed as Endangered by COSEWIC and listed under SARA.

Source : COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee Bombus suckleyi in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 70 pp.

For more information, please visit
Species at risk public registry.

For information regarding reproduction rights, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Public Inquiries Centre at 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-997-2800 or email to ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca.


Toothed Globe

Photo: © @UMMZ Mollusk Division

Scientific Name

Mesodon zaletus

Taxon

Molluscs

COSEWIC Status

Endangered

Canadian Range

Ontario

Reason for designation

In Canada, this large terrestrial snail is near the northernmost extent of its global range in southern Ontario. The species is known from islands in Lake Erie and from Essex and Middlesex counties on the mainland. It is likely extirpated from six of nine known sites. Although the species has not been observed alive since 1994, it may still occur at three inaccessible sites where suitable habitat still exists. Main threats include increased droughts and flooding associated with climate change, invasive species, and pollution.

Wildlife Species Description and Significance

Toothed Globe is a large land snail (adult shell width 2.4-3.1 cm) with a globose-depressed (flattened sphere), yellow, solid shell that has a tooth-like denticle in the opening. This species is part of the unique fauna of the Carolinian Forest in Canada and, similar to other terrestrial snails, may have significance for ecosystem function through nutrient cycling. A Canadian range-edge population would be important for the global conservation of this species as are other range-edge species.

Distribution

If Toothed Globe is still extant in Canada, its global distribution extends from southern Ontario southward to South Carolina in the east and Texas in the west. In Canada, the species may currently still occur on private and First Nations land in Essex and Middlesex counties. The species appears to have been extirpated from most southwestern Ontario sites, mainly Lake Erie islands.

Distribution of Toothed Globe (Mesodon zaletus) in Canada.
Source : COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Toothed Globe Mesodon zaletus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 38 pp.
Long description 

Map showing the Canadian distribution of the Toothed Globe based on uncertain occurrences and historical records compiled for this report.

Habitat

Toothed Globe inhabits cool, deciduous forests and may be found mainly in the litter of old-growth oak forests. The remaining habitat where the species may still occur is private, not protected, or managed by First Nations communities. The habitat at all sites is surrounded by unsuitable arable land or water.

Biology

Toothed Globe is an egg-laying land snail. Reproduction probably occurs in spring and late summer. Hibernation extends from early October until April in temperate regions. Aestivation in summer may occur only during prolonged drought. Sexual maturity is probably reached at 2–3 years and the species may reach an age of 8–10 years. The species may mainly feed on decaying plants or fungi in the litter. Active dispersal for colonization of new areas is on the order of tens of metres over several years. Passive dispersal by flooding of rivers or transportation by birds is possible but has not been documented. There is no evidence of transport by humans.

Population Sizes and Trends

The species is likely extirpated from at least six out of nine historically known occurrences. The presence of the species in the three remaining sites could not be confirmed.

Threats and Limiting Factors

Low dispersal ability and low physiological resistance to fluctuating environmental factors such as temperature and humidity are limiting factors. General threats to gastropods in Ontario are climate change (droughts, changes in frost regimes), pollution, and invasive species in addition to any direct and indirect impact by humans specific to each of the remaining three sites; these site-specific threats remain uncertain because the presence of the snail could not be confirmed.

Protection, Status and Ranks

Toothed Globe has no legal designations. It is ranked as globally secure and nationally secure in the US but critically imperilled in Canada as well as in Ontario.

Source : COSEWIC. 2019. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Toothed Globe Mesodon zaletus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 38 pp.

For more information, please visit
Species at risk public registry.

For information regarding reproduction rights, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Public Inquiries Centre at 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-997-2800 or email to ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca.


Western Harvest Mouse megalotis subspecies

Photo: © Andy Teucher, Government of British Columbia

Scientific name

Reithrodontomys megalotis megalotis

Taxon

Mammals

COSEWIC status

Endangered

Canadian range

British Columbia

Reason for designation

This tiny mouse occurs at the northern edge of its distribution within the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys of British Columbia, and is one of two designatable units of the species in Canada. It is among Canada’s shortest-lived mammals. This species demonstrates extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals over time, increasing vulnerability to disturbances when populations are at a low in spring and early summer. The species’ limited distribution, extreme fluctuations, and habitat loss are the reasons for designation. Change in status from Special Concern to Endangered is the result of inclusion of extreme fluctuations in the latest assessment. Continued urban and agricultural expansion threaten the persistence of this mouse.

Wildlife Species Description and Significance

Western Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) has a body mass of approximately 11 g and averages 136 mm in total length, half of which is its tail. This brownish mouse has a faint dark dorsal stripe which runs the length of its body from head to tail, and has whitish fur on its belly. Western Harvest Mouse has prominent naked ears, a tail that is sparsely furred and white feet. It is similar in appearance to the larger and more common Deer Mouse and House Mouse; however, the juvenile Deer Mouse is most often grey in colour and the House Mouse has a tail that is completely naked.

Distribution

Western Harvest Mouse is widely distributed in central and western US, as well as in parts of Mexico. In Canada, the species occurs as two subspecies, with R. m. megalotis in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys, and R. m. dychei in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. These subspecies are geographically disjunct in the US and Canada. Each subspecies is considered a designatable unit.

Distribution of the megalotis subspecies of Western Harvest Mouse in British Columbia.
Source : COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Western Harvest Mouse Reithrodontomys megalotis, megalotis subspecies and dychei subspecies, in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xv + 37 pp.
Long description 

Distribution map for the megalotis subspecies of the Western Harvest Mouse in British Columbia, showing extant and historical (1942 to 1956) records, extent of occurrence (EOO) and index of area of occupancy (IAO).

Habitat

The megalotis subspecies is found in dry gullies with dense shrub cover as well as shrub-steppe rangelands, old fields, ponderosa pine forests, and both grazed and ungrazed Sagebrush and Antelope Bitterbrush habitats. The dychei subspecies is associated with low relief, flat or gently undulating grasslands with sandy soils and vegetation cover. The highest densities of this subspecies are trapped in areas with highly complex plant structure, particularly tall, dense grass.

Biology

Western Harvest Mouse is omnivorous, mainly eating seeds, new plant growth, and invertebrates such as caterpillars and moths. This mouse generally builds small grass nests on the ground or up to 1 m above ground in shrubs. Females can breed at the age of four months and may have up to five litters per season (March through November) with an average litter size of three. Although they can live for 18 months, most mice do not live past six months. Western Harvest Mouse appears to be able to enter torpor to cope with cold temperatures. In Canada, owls, Western Rattlesnake and Gophersnake are the only confirmed predators, but other likely predators include Prairie Rattlesnake, hawks, jays, shrikes, Raccoon, foxes, weasels, skunks, American Badger and Coyote. The recorded dispersal distance of Western Harvest Mouse is generally < 300 m but movements of 3 km have been recorded along road rights-of-way. However, roads appear to be avoided and may limit dispersal.

Population Sizes and Trends

In the US, Western Harvest Mouse is a prominent member of grassland communities. In Canada, this species is naturally rare and occurs at low densities, typically comprising less than 10% of the small-mammal community. Western Harvest Mouse populations appear to peak in late fall or early winter and decline to low levels in midsummer. There is no comprehensive sampling of the distribution and abundance of either subspecies, thus, population size and trends are unknown.

Threats and Limiting Factors

Western Harvest Mouse is susceptible to habitat change resulting from fire, but populations can increase quickly, provided there is suitable unburned habitat nearby. Habitat fragmentation and loss caused by urban development, roads and agriculture are the most significant threats to the megalotis subspecies. The future effects of climate change, including drought and fire, are threats to the dychei subspecies.

Western Harvest Mouse is known to fluctuate in abundance. Populations in Canada are small and isolated, and the species has a moderate dispersal distance.

Protection, Status and Ranks

The megalotis subspecies of Western Harvest Mouse is found within several protected areas in British Columbia. The dychei subspecies is found within the Canadian Forces Base Suffield National Wildlife Area in Alberta. The megalotis subspecies is listed as Special Concern and the dychei subspecies is listed as Endangered on Schedule 1 of Canada’s Species at Risk Act.

The species is ranked by NatureServe (2018) as Secure globally and as Vulnerable to Imperilled in Canada. It is ranked as Vulnerable to Imperilled in British Columbia and as Critically Imperilled in Alberta. Western Harvest Mouse is on the Blue List in British Columbia, and has a status of Undetermined in Alberta.

Source: COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Western Harvest Mouse Reithrodontomys megalotis, megalotis subspecies and dychei subspecies, in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xv + 37 pp.

For more information, please visit
Species at risk public registry.

For information regarding reproduction rights, please contact Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Public Inquiries Centre at 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-997-2800 or email to ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca.

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