Sonora skipper (Polites sonora) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

COSEWIC Assessment Summary

Assessment Summary – April 2006

Common name : Sonora Skipper

Scientific name : Polites sonora

Status : Special Concern

Reason for designation : This skipper occurs in some moist grassy openings in a forested landscape. It is known from only six locations in a small, restricted area of Canada where its distribution is very patchy and it does not occupy all apparently suitable available habitats. The ability of Canadian populations to benefit from immigration from other Canadian populations or from populations in adjacent Washington State is likely limited at best. The skipper is threatened by intensive grazing and habitat loss due to natural habitat change and road construction. However, it shows some ability to make use of some man-made habitats, such as grassy roadside areas, agricultural meadows and small clearcuts, but only if these habitats are moist or mesic.

Occurrence : British Columbia

Status history : Designated Special Concern in April 2006.  Assessment based on a new status report.

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