Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi): recovery strategy 2019

Official title: Recovery Strategy for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in Canada [Proposed]

Species at Risk Act
Recovery strategy series
Adopted under Section 44 of SARA

Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle
Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle
Document Information

Recommended citation: Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2019. Recovery Strategy for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in Canada [Proposed]. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa. 3 parts, 28 pp. + vi + 34 pp. + 5 pp.

For copies of the recovery strategy, or for additional information on species at risk, including the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) Status Reports, residence descriptions, action plans, and other related recovery documents, please visit the Species at Risk (SAR) Public Registry.

Cover illustration: Photograph provided by Dr. S. A. Marshall, University of Guelph

Également disponible en français sous le titre « Programme de rétablissement de l'haliplide de Hungerford (Brychius hungerfordi) au Canada [Proposition] »

Content (excluding the illustrations) may be used without permission, with appropriate credit to the source.

Under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996), the federal, provincial, and territorial governments agreed to work together on legislation, programs, and policies to protect wildlife species at risk throughout Canada.

In the spirit of cooperation of the Accord, the Government of Ontario has given permission to the Government of Canada to adopt the Recovery Strategy for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in Ontario (Part 2) and the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle – Government Response Statement (Part 3) under Section 44 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Environment and Climate Change Canada has included a federal addition (Part 1) which completes the SARA requirements for this recovery strategy.

The federal recovery strategy for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle in Canada consists of three parts:

Part 1 – Federal Addition to the Recovery Strategy for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in Ontario, prepared by Environment and Climate Change Canada

Part 2 – Recovery Strategy for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in Ontario, prepared by Kirk (2013) for the Ontario Ministry of Natural ResourcesFootnote 1

Part 3 – Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle – Ontario Government Response Statement, prepared by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Part 1 – Federal Addition to the Recovery Strategy for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in Ontario, prepared by Environment and Climate Change Canada

Preface

The federal, provincial, and territorial government signatories under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996) agreed to establish complementary legislation and programs that provide for effective protection of species at risk throughout Canada. Under the Species at Risk Act (S.C. 2002, c.29) (SARA), the federal competent ministers are responsible for the preparation of recovery strategies for listed Extirpated, Endangered, and Threatened species and are required to report on progress within five years after the publication of the final document on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change is the competent minister under SARA for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle and has prepared the federal component of this recovery strategy (Part 1), as per section 37 of SARA. To the extent possible, it has been prepared in cooperation with the Province of Ontario (Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry) as per section 39(1) of SARA. SARA section 44 allows the Minister to adopt all or part of an existing plan for the species if it meets the requirements under SARA for content (sub-sections 41(1) or (2)). The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (now the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry) led the development of the attached recovery strategy for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Part 2) in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Province of Ontario also led the development of the attached Government Response Statement (Part 3), which is the Ontario Government's policy response to its provincial recovery strategy and summarizes the prioritized actions that the Ontario government intends to take and support.

Success in the recovery of this species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the directions set out in this strategy and will not be achieved by Environment and Climate Change Canada, or any other jurisdiction alone. All Canadians are invited to join in supporting and implementing this strategy for the benefit of the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle and Canadian society as a whole.

This recovery strategy will be followed by one or more action plans that will provide information on recovery measures to be taken by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and other jurisdictions and/or organizations involved in the conservation of the species. Implementation of this strategy is subject to appropriations, priorities, and budgetary constraints of the participating jurisdictions and organizations.

The recovery strategy sets the strategic direction to arrest or reverse the decline of the species, including identification of critical habitat to the extent possible. It provides all Canadians with information to help take action on species conservation. When critical habitat is identified, either in a recovery strategy or an action plan, SARA requires that critical habitat then be protected.

In the case of critical habitat identified for terrestrial species including migratory birds, SARA requires that critical habitat identified in a federally protected areaFootnote 2 be described in the Canada Gazette within 90 days after the recovery strategy or action plan that identified the critical habitat is included in the public registry. A prohibition against destruction of critical habitat under ss. 58(1) will apply 90 days after the description of the critical habitat is published in the Canada Gazette.

For critical habitat located on other federal lands, the competent minister must either make a statement on existing legal protection or make an order so that the prohibition against destruction of critical habitat applies.

If the critical habitat for a migratory bird is not within a federal protected area and is not on federal land, within the exclusive economic zone or on the continental shelf of Canada, the prohibition against destruction can only apply to those portions of the critical habitat that are habitat to which the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 applies as per SARA ss. 58(5.1) and ss. 58(5.2).

For any part of critical habitat located on non-federal lands, if the competent minister forms the opinion that any portion of critical habitat is not protected by provisions in or measures under SARA or other Acts of Parliament, or the laws of the province or territory, SARA requires that the Minister recommend that the Governor in Council make an order to prohibit destruction of critical habitat. The discretion to protect critical habitat on non-federal lands that is not otherwise protected rests with the Governor in Council.

Acknowledgments

This federal addition was prepared by Allison Foran, Kristina Fitzgerald (ECCC, Canadian Wildlife Service – Ontario) and Jessica Linton (Natural Resource Solutions Inc.). Krista Holmes, Angela Darwin and Judith Girard (ECCC, Canadian Wildlife Service – Ontario), and staff from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry reviewed and provided comments and advice during the development of this document. An earlier draft of this federal addition was prepared by Talena Kraus (Artemis Eco-works).

Acknowledgement and thanks is given to all other parties that provided advice and input used to help inform the development of this recovery strategy.

Additions and modifications to the adopted document

The following sections have been included to address specific requirements of the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) that are not addressed in the Recovery Strategy for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in Ontario (Part 2 of this document, referred to henceforth as “the provincial recovery strategy”) and/or to provide updated or additional information.

ECCC is adopting the Ontario recovery strategy (Part 2) with the exception of section 2.0, Recovery. In place of section 2.0, ECCC has established a population and distribution objective and performance indicators, and is adopting the Government of Ontario's government-led and government-supported actions of the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle – Ontario Government Response Statement(Part 3) as the broad strategies and general approaches to meet the population and distribution objective.

Under SARA, there are specific requirements and processes set out regarding the protection of critical habitat. Therefore, statements in the provincial recovery strategy referring to protection of the species’ habitat may not directly correspond to federal requirements. Recovery measures dealing with the protection of habitat are adopted; however, whether these measures will result in protection of critical habitat under SARA will be assessed following publication of the final federal recovery strategy.

Recovery feasibility summary

Recently, the Government of Canada published the proposed "Species at Risk Policies - Policy on Survival and Recovery" (2016) to guide consistent interpretation of major concepts applicable under the federal Species at Risk Act. Recovery feasibility for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle was assessed following this new guidance. If new information becomes available or if required due to amendments to the Policy of Survival and Recovery, recovery feasibility may be re-assessed in an amendment to this recovery strategy

Based on the best available information, the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle was probably never particularly widespread or abundant within Canada and is considered to be historically precariousFootnote 3in Canada (see Appendix A for details). For species with this historical context, the Government of Canada uses the criteria in Table 1 below to determine whether recovery for this species is technically and biologically feasible.

For a species that is determined to be historically precarious, recovery will be considered feasible if the extent of irreversible changeFootnote 4 is such that under the best achievable scenarioFootnote 5 the condition of the species can be improved to a point that it is approaching the historical conditionFootnote 6. The main instance of irreversible change that must be considered for this species is the permanent loss and degradation of quality suitable habitat (see Appendix A for further details).

There are unknowns regarding the feasibility of recovery for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle. In keeping with the precautionary principle, a recovery strategy has been prepared as per section 41(1) of SARA, as would be done when recovery is determined to be technically and biologically feasible. This recovery strategy attempts to address the unknowns surrounding the feasibility of recovery. A more thorough discussion of the recovery feasibility assessment for Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle can be found in Appendix A.

Assessing Recovery Feasibility

To determine whether recovery is technically and biologically feasible in Canada for a historically precarious species, such as the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle, any information that is known or estimated about the historical condition of the species should be used to understand the appropriate context of each fundamental species characteristic in question (Table 1) (GOC 2016; Appendix A).

Table 1. Determination of recovery feasibility for historically precarious species
Fundamental Species Characteristic Recovery Threshold Technically and Biologically Feasible to Achieve Recovery Threshold Quickly Enough to Help the Species? (Y/N/Unknown)
Population Trend Approximating historical condition Unknown
Resilience
(Population size)
Approximating historical condition Unknown
Redundancy
(Population # / Distribution)
Approximating historical condition Unknown
Population Connectivity Approximating historical condition Unknown
Mitigation of Human-caused Threats Significant threats avoided or mitigated to the extent that they no longer threaten the species Unknown
Species Conditiona Improved since first assessed as at risk Unknown
Representation
(Species presence in appropriate ecological communities)
Approximating historical condition at a coarse scale Unknown
Independent of Connectivity with populations outside of Canada Connectivity okay if necessary Yes
Independent of Species Interventions Yes Unknown

a The condition of the species refers to the combination of the level of redundancy, resilience, representation, population and distribution, trend, threats, ecological role and any other factors that together determine the risk of extinction or extirpation of the species in Canada (GOC 2016).

Summary of Recovery Feasibility

Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle is a globally rare species, only found in Michigan and Ontario (Kirk 2013). The species' historical distribution in Canada is not known but is presumed to be naturally rare. Mousseau and Roughley (2007) proposed that the species is a glacial relict, which survived the Wisconsin glaciation in a refugium south of the Great Lakes and was subsequently restricted to cool streams as the glaciers retreated. The species was only discovered in Canada in 1986 and since then has been observed in three watercourses in Ontario; the Saugeen, North Saugeen, and Rankin Rivers (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013). It is possible that the species may have been historically more widely distributed but overlooked by insect collectors and observers in the region, given its small size and aquatic habitat. However, since the precise habitat requirements of the species are uncertain, and the habitat requirements and distribution of the proposed larval food plant Dichotomosiphon tuberosus are unknown (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013), it is difficult to speculate what the distribution may have been prior to human influence in the region.

The three known local populationsFootnote 7 of Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle in Canada occur within a small geographic area, have a low abundance, and are relatively isolated (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013). It is not possible to determine the trend of the Canadian population, but there is evidence to suggest that the local population at North Saugeen River may be extirpated (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013). The major threats to the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle are likely to include activities that degrade water quality, alter stream flow or disrupt the riffle and pool environment in which the species is found (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013).

Based on the assessment of recovery feasibility above (i.e., a large number of unknowns, but the absence of any answers to suggest that recovery is not technically or biologically feasible), the recovery feasibility of the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle in Canada is considered unknown. It is likely that the species was never widespread globally or in Canada, and will likely continue to be considered rare in Canada despite recovery actions to mitigate threats and fill knowledge gaps.

1 Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada species assessment information

Date of Assessment: May 2011

Common Name (population): Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle

Scientific Name: Brychius hungerfordi

COSEWIC Status: Endangered

Reason for Designation: A probable early postglacial relict, this water beetle is endemic to the upper Great Lakes and is Endangered in the U.S. In Canada, it is restricted to a small area and is known from only 3 locations in Ontario. This species has declined and may be extirpated at the North Saugeen River. It is threatened by further planned developments at the North Saugeen and Saugeen River locations, by hydrological alterations at the Rankin River location, and by continuing declines in water quality due to events associated with increasing human population at all locations.

Canadian Occurrence: Ontario

COSEWIC Status History: Designated Endangered in May 2011

2 Species status information

The Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle is listed as EndangeredFootnote 8 on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) (S.C. 2002, c. 29). In Ontario, the species is listed as EndangeredFootnote 9 under the Ontario Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) (S.O. 2007, c. 6) and receives species and habitat protection under the ESA.

Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle is only known from three watercourses in Ontario and eight watercourses in Michigan (Kirk 2013), and has a global conservation rank of Critically ImperiledFootnote 10 (G1). In both Canada and the United States, the species has national and subnational (Ontario and Michigan) ranks of Critically Imperilled (N1 and S1, respectively) (NatureServe 2017). The local populations of the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle that occur in Canada are estimated to represent approximately 30% of the species' global distribution (Kirk 2013).

3 Population and distribution objectives

Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle species was assessed as Endangered by COSEWIC due to its small distribution range in Canada, small number of known locationsFootnote 11 and declining habitat quality (COSEWIC 2011). In addition, it faces threats from future development, hydrological alteration and continuing declines in water quality (COSEWIC 2011). Due to its likely historical context, restricted distribution, small population size and threats to habitat quality, it is probable that Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle will always be considered Endangered or Threatened under SARA.

The population and distribution objective established by ECCC for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle is:

  • To maintain the existing local populations of the species in Canada, including any newly discovered local populations

Given the species' naturally limited distribution, and apparent rarity in Canada, it would be inappropriate to focus recovery efforts on expanding the species beyond the known historical context. Nevertheless, if the species naturally expands, or if previously established populations are discovered, they are specifically included in the population and distribution objective. As the population size and trends for this species in Canada are unknown (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013), setting a quantitative objective is not possible for this species at present. However, maintaining functional local populations over the long-term is likely to require stabilizing or increasing population sizes at each local population. In Ontario, the three existing local populations of the beetle are found in the North Saugeen, Saugeen, and Rankin Rivers.  Surveys suggest that the North Saugeen local population has either faced a recent decline or has become extirpated (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013), so recovery efforts should include surveys to confirm the status of the North Saugeen local population.

Maintaining the existing local populations of the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle in Canada will require protection and management, including the identification of threats at a watershed scale, and the mitigation or removal of threats to the species, especially those related to water quality and water level management. Recovery efforts focus on working with partners and landowners to implement best management practices within watersheds, promoting the maintenance of healthy aquatic ecosystems, and conducting surveys to improve knowledge on the distribution and abundance of the species. The impacts of some potential threats to this species, such as changes in water chemistry due to agricultural run-off, are not well understood because of a lack of knowledge of the species' biology and ecology, including the role of natural and human-made water control structures in providing habitat for Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle. Addressing such knowledge gaps will be an important part of achieving the population and distribution objectives. Confirmation of the specific habitat requirements of Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle, including the distribution and role of the larval food plant (i.e., D. tuberosus), water quality and flow requirements, tolerance to sediment loads, habitat for reproduction and hibernation, and dispersal ability may also be important to achieving the population and distribution objectives. Provided that other threats to stream habitat (e.g., reduction of water quality) are managed and mitigated, stable or increasing local populations would be expected to persist within the species' current range.

This federal population and distribution objective is consistent with the province of Ontario's Government Response Statement developed under the provincial Endangered Species Act, which outlines the provincial government's goal for the recovery of the species and summarizes the prioritized actions the government intends to take and support (see Part 3 for more information). The government of Ontario's goal for the recovery of the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle is to maintain or improve the viability of existing populations in Ontario.

4 Broad strategies and general approaches to meet objectives

The government-led and government-supported actions tables from Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle – Ontario Government Response Statement(Part 3) are adopted as the broad strategies and general approaches to meet the population and distribution objective. ECCC is not adopting the approaches identified in section 2 of the Recovery Strategy for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in Ontario (Part 2).

5 Critical habitat

5.1 Identification of the species' critical habitat

Section 41(1)(c) of SARA requires that recovery strategies include an identification of the species' critical habitat, to the extent possible, as well as examples of activities that are likely to result in its destruction. Under section 2(1) of SARA, critical habitat is “the habitat that is necessary for the survival or recovery of a listed wildlife species and that is identified as the species' critical habitat in the recovery strategy or in an action plan for the species”.

Identification of critical habitat is not a component of provincial recovery strategies under the Province of Ontario's ESA. Following the completion of the provincial recovery strategy for this species, a provincial habitat regulation was developed for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle in Ontario, effective January 1, 2015 (section 27.4 of Ontario Regulation 242/08). A habitat regulation is a legal instrument that prescribes an area that will be protectedFootnote 12 as the habitat of the species by the Province of Ontario. The habitat regulation identifies the geographic area within which the habitat regulation may apply and explains how the boundaries of regulated habitat are determined (based on biophysical and other attributes). The regulation is dynamic and automatically in effect wherever and whenever the description(s) of the regulation are met. Refer to the Habitat Protection Summary for Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (OMNRF 2014) for further details on the provincial habitat regulation and its application. The identification of critical habitat for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle is based on components of the habitat regulation to promote consistency between the federal SARA and the provincial ESA in protecting habitat on federal and non-federal lands.

Critical habitat for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle in Canada is identified as the extent of biophysical attributes (see Section 5.1.2) wherever they occur within areas described in Section 5.1.1, below. Areas containing critical habitat for Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle are presented in Figure 1. The UTM grid squares (Figure 1, Table 2) are part of a standardized grid system that indicates the general geographic areas containing critical habitat, which can be used for land use planning and/or environmental assessment purposes. Critical habitat is identified for the three known local populations of Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle in Canada (i.e., North Saugeen, Saugeen, and Rankin Rivers), and is considered sufficient to achieve the population and distribution objectives; therefore, no schedule of studies has been developed. If new or additional information becomes available, refinements to, or additional critical habitat may be identified in an amendment to this recovery strategy. For more information on critical habitat identification, contact Environment and Climate Change Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service at ec.planificationduretablissement-recoveryplanning.ec@canada.ca.

5.1.1 Areas containing critical habitat

In Canada, the presence and persistence of the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle depends on an area greater than that occupied by individuals of the species. It requires ecological or landscape features that promote and maintain suitable habitatFootnote 13 for the beetle and allow for natural processes related to population dynamics and reproduction to occur.

The areas containing critical habitat have been delineatedFootnote 14 as follows:

  1. The portion of a river, stream or other watercourse 400 meters upstream and downstream of a known observation of a Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle; AND
  2. Any adjacent area within 30 meters of the portion of a river, stream or other watercourse described in 1) that is in a natural or semi-natural state such as forest, woodland, thicket, wetland, old field, pasture or meadow

The portion of a river, stream, or other watercourse within 400 m of a known observation of a Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle and adjacent area within 30 m are included to support all activities and life stages including egg laying, pupationFootnote 15, and overwintering (Kirk 2013). The 400 m distance protects the aquatic habitat surrounding a local population, in order to reduce negative impacts to water quality and also to allow for movement of the species into adjacent suitable areas (OMNRF 2014). The 30 m riparian buffer is included to reduce potential degradation of suitable aquatic habitat as a result of pollution and sedimentation from adjacent terrestrial areas (OMNRF 2014). Areas that do not possess the biophysical attributes of suitable habitat (e.g., mowed lawns, agricultural cropland) and areas that do not assist in the maintenance of natural processes are not identified as critical habitat.

5.1.2 Biophysical attributes of critical habitat

The biophysical attributes of critical habitat are typically characterized as follows:

  • Small to medium sized rivers and streams typically characterized by the following:
    • Cool (i.e., water temperatures of 15-25°CFootnote 16), moderate to fast flowing water with good stream aeration and alkaline (i.e., high pH) water conditions (COSEWIC 2011)
    • Inorganic mixed substrate composed of coarse gravel, and/or cobble, and/or silt and/or sand (COSEWIC 2011)
    • The presence of the filamentous algae D. tuberosus (Kirk 2013)
  • Adjacent riparian areas usually consist primarily of natural or semi-natural vegetation such as forest, woodland, thicket, wetland, old field, pasture or meadow typically characterized by moist, sandy soil edge (Strand and Spangler 1994)
Figure 1
Figure 1. Overview map of critical habitat locations for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle in Canada.
Long Description

Figure 1 shows the three units containing critical habitat for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle in the Bruce Peninsula region of Ontario

Figure 1.1
Figure 1.1. Critical habitat for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle at Rankin River, Canada is represented by the yellow shaded polygons and occurs where the biophysical attributes described in section 5.1.2 are found. The 1 x 1 km standardized UTM grid overlay (red outline) shown on this figure is part of a standardized national grid system used to indicate the general geographic area within which critical habitat is found
Long Description

Figure 1.1 shows four 1 km x 1 km standardized UTM grid squares containing two areas of critical habitat for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle at Rankin River, mainly northeast of Sauble Falls

Figure 1.2
Figure 1.2. Critical habitat for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle at North Saugeen River, Canada is represented by the yellow shaded polygons and occurs where the biophysical attributes described in section 5.1.2 are found. The 1 x 1 km standardized UTM grid overlay (red outline) shown on this figure is part of a standardized national grid system used to indicate the general geographic area within which critical habitat is found
Long Description

Figure 1.2 shows four 1 km x 1 km standardized UTM grid squares containing one area of critical habitat for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle at North Saugeen River, northeast of Chesley

Figure 1.3
Figure 1.3. Critical habitat for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle at Saugeen River, Canada is represented by the yellow shaded polygons and occurs where the biophysical attributes described in section 5.1.2 are found. The 1 x 1 km standardized UTM grid overlay (red outline) shown on this figure is part of a standardized national grid system used to indicate the general geographic area within which critical habitat is found
Long Description

Figure 1.3 shows two 1 km x 1 km standardized UTM grid squares containing one area of critical habitat for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle at Saugeen River, southeast of Lake Rosalind

Table 2. Grid squares that contain critical habitat for Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle in Canada. Critical habitat for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle occurs within these 1 x 1 km standardized UTM grid squares where the description of critical habitat is met
Population 1 x 1 km Standardized UTM Grid Square IDb Province/
Territory
Easting - UTM Grid Square Coordinatesc Northing - UTM Grid Square Coordinatesc Land Tenured
Saugeen River 17TMJ9869 Ontario 496000 4889000 Non-Federal Land
Saugeen River 17TMJ9879 Ontario 497000 4889000 Non-Federal Land
Rankin River 17TMK8407 Ontario 480000 4947000 Non-Federal Land
Rankin River 17TMK8417 Ontario 481000 4947000 Non-Federal Land
Rankin River 17TMK8418 Ontario 481000 4948000 Non-Federal Land
Rankin River 17TMK8419 Ontario 481000 4949000 Non-Federal Land
North Saugeen River 17TMK9035 Ontario 493000 4905000 Non-Federal Land
North Saugeen River 17TMK9036 Ontario 493000 4906000 Non-Federal Land
North Saugeen River 17TMK9045 Ontario 494000 4905000 Non-Federal Land
North Saugeen River 17TMK9046 Ontario 494000 4906000 Non-Federal Land

b Based on the standard UTM Military Grid Reference System, where the first 2 digits represent the UTM Zone, followed by a letter representing the UTM Band, the following 2 letters indicate the 100 x 100 km standardized UTM grid, followed by 2 digits to represent the 10 x 10 km standardized UTM grid. The last 2 digits represent the 1 x 1 km standardized UTM grid containing all or a portion of the area within which critical habitat is found. This unique alphanumeric code is based on the methodology produced from the Breeding Bird Atlases of Canada.

c The listed coordinates are a cartographic representation of where critical habitat can be found, presented as the southwest corner of the 1 x 1 km standardized UTM grid square containing all or a portion of the critical habitat unit. The coordinates may not fall within critical habitat and are provided as a general location only.

d Land tenure is provided as an approximation of the types of land ownership that exist at the critical habitat units and should be used for guidance purposes only. Accurate land tenure will require cross referencing critical habitat boundaries with surveyed land parcel information.

5.2 Activities likely to result in destruction of critical habitat

Understanding what constitutes destruction of critical habitat is necessary for the protection and management of critical habitat. Destruction is determined on a case by case basis. Destruction would result if part of the critical habitat was degraded, either permanently or temporarily, such that it would not serve its function when needed by the species. Destruction may result from a single activity or multiple activities at one point in time or from the cumulative effects of one or more activities over time. It should be noted that not all activities that occur in or near habitat are likely to cause its destruction. Activities described in Table 3 are examples of those likely to cause destruction of critical habitat for the species; however, destructive activities are not necessarily limited to those listed.

Table 3. Activities likely to result in the destruction of critical habitat
Description of Activity Description of effect in relation to function loss Details of effect
Hydrological alterations that result in changes to water quality, flows, levels or the streambed (e.g., channelization, dredging, bank stabilization, erosion control, construction or removal of upstream water control structures, dismantlement of beaver dams, residential pool discharge) Physical changes could alter the rate of flow of water in the stream / river, which could change the riffle and pool habitat on which this species depends, as well as removing or affecting the suitability of pupation sites (e.g., removal of vegetation along the banks). Changes could also increase the amount of sediment or other pollutants in the water, reducing water quality and reducing the availability of gravel and cobble substrates. If this activity occurs within or upstream of critical habitat, it is likely to result in critical habitat destruction as the activities negatively change the habitat on which the species relies.
Construction, removal, alteration or maintenance of roads and associated infrastructure (e.g., bridges, culverts, dams or weirs) These activities may result in the degradation of habitat due to an increase in surface run-off of chemicals leading to reduced water quality (i.e., changes to biophysical attributes such as water temperature, alkalinity and flow rate). Road infrastructure, such as culverts, may present barriers to dispersal as well as providing conduits for pollutant run-off from roads and roadside ditches. If this activity occurs within or upstream of critical habitat, it may result in its destruction. The effects may be direct (e.g. through habitat loss) or indirect (e.g. through increased run-off resulting in the reduction of water quality).
Activities that lead to contamination or large amounts of sediments entering watercourses (e.g., pesticide runoff associated with agriculture or increased sedimentation levels due to logging activities, road or infrastructure maintenance) These activities may result in run-off of pollutants, such as pesticides and sediments, which may contaminate the riverine systems in which the species occurs, and may detrimentally affect growth and/or survival at all life stages. If this activity occurs within or upstream of critical habitat, it is likely to result in its destruction.
Clearing of shoreline vegetation (other than agricultural crops), and removal of refuge habitat (e.g., woody debris) in aquatic habitat. Loss of natural or semi-natural shoreline vegetation may alter bank stability, and increase both water temperature and sedimentation rates making habitat unsuitable for the species. Removal of refuge habitat results in direct loss of habitat for the species. These changes to habitat could lead to the loss of part or all of a local population. When clearing occurs within critical habitat, at any time of the year, it is likely to result in destruction by removing foraging habitat or refuge habitat for a significant proportion of individuals in a local population. Thresholds for this activity are not known at this time, but it's likely that removal of small amounts of vegetation (e.g. pruning), will not result in critical habitat destruction.

6 Measuring progress

The performance indicators presented below provide a way to define and measure progress towards achieving the population and distribution objectives. Every five years, success of recovery strategy implementation will be measured against the following performance indicators:

  • The existing local populations of the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle in Canada have been maintained, including any newly discovered local populations

7 Statement on action plans

One or more action plans will be completed for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle and posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry by December 31, 2026.

8 References

Allan, J. D. 2004. Landscapes and riverscapes: the influence of land use on stream ecosystems. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 35:257-284.

Bittorf, J., pers. comm. 2017. Electronic correspondence February and March 2017. Water Resources Coordinator, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, Owen Sound, Ontario.

COSEWIC. 2011. COSEWIC status report on Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 44 pp.

COSEWIC. 2015. Instructions for the preparation of COSEWIC status reports. [accessed July 2018].

Elphick, C.S., J.M. Reed and J.M. Bonta. 2001. Correlates of population recovery goals in endangered birds. Conservation Biology 15(5): 1285-1291.

Government of Canada (GOC). 2016. Policy on survival and recovery [Proposed]. Species at Risk Act: Policies and Guidelines Series (PDF). Government of Canada, Ottawa. 8pp. [Accessed July 2018].

Kelly, N. E., E. M. O'Connor, R. F. Wilson, J. D. Young, J. G. Winter, and L. A. Molot. 2016. Multiple stressor effects on stream health in the Lake Simcoe Watershed. Journal of Great Lakes Research 42:953-964.

Kirk, D.A. 2013. Recovery Strategy for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in Ontario. Ontario Recovery Strategy Series. Prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario. vi + 34 pp.

Master, L. L., D. Faber-Langendoen, R. Bittman, G. A. Hammerson, B. Heidel, L. Ramsay, K. Snow, A. Teucher, and A. Tomaino. 2012. NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments: Factors for Evaluating Species and Ecosystem Risk (PDF). NatureServe, Arlington, VA. Web site: [accessed July 2017].

McGowan, C.P., D.H. Catlin, T.L. Shaffer, C.L. Gratto-Trevor and C. Aron. 2014. Establishing endangered species recovery criteria using predictive simulation modeling. Biological Conservation 177: 220-229.

Mousseau, T. 2004. Taxonomy, classification, reconstructed phylogeny, biogeography, and natural history of Nearctic species of Brychius Thomson (Coleoptera: Haliplidae), Thesis, University of Manitoba.

Mousseau, T. and R.E. Roughley. 2007. Taxonomy, Classification, Reconstructed Phylogeny and Biogeography of Nearctic Species of Brychius Thomson (Coleoptera: Haliplidae). The Coleopterists Bulletin 61(3): 351-397.

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Strand, R.M. and P.J. Spangler. 1994. The natural history, distribution, and larval description of Brychius hungerfordi Spangler (Coleoptera: Haliplidae). Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 96:208-213.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2006. Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Snelling, MN. vii + 82 pp.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2009. Hungerford's crawling water beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) 5-year review: Summary and evaluation. Page i + 18 pp. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, East Lansing Field Office, East Lansing, MI.

White, D.S. 1986. The status of Brychius hungerfordii and Stenelmis douglasensis in Michigan. The Nature Conservancy Michigan Field Office, Unpub. Rept.

Appendix A: Recovery feasibility

Historical context

The first step in determining the recovery feasibility of the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle is to establish the historical context (whether the species' existence in Canada is historically precarious or not precarious). To make this determination, ECCC uses the four criteria outlined below. A species is considered historically precarious if any of the following are known or likely to have been true in Canada, prior to significant effects from human activity:

1. The species was undergoing a long-term natural decline;

  • Unknown. The species was only discovered in Canada in 1986 and despite targeted survey effort, it is only known to have occurred at three locations. The species is believed to be globally rare, found only in the Great Lakes region in Ontario and Michigan (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013). There is insufficient evidence to assess whether the species was historically undergoing long-term natural declines in population size or distribution

2. The species consisted of fewer than 1,000 mature individuals;

  • Unknown. The species is only known from three locations in Canada, one of which is likely extirpated. Historical or current local population sizes at these locations are not known, but the total number of adults observed in Canada since its discovery in 1986 is fewer than 100 (COSEWIC 2011). The species is considered globally rare and is believed to be a glacial relict (Mousseau and Roughley 2007; COSEWIC 2011).  It is unknown if the species historically existed in higher numbers prior to the formation of the Great Lakes

3. The species existed at five or fewer locations or less than 20 km2 index of area of occupancyFootnote 17 (IAO);

  • Unknown. Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle is only known from three locations in Canada despite survey efforts at other potentially suitable locations (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013). Although there has been extensive land use change in the Great Lakes region resulting in the degradation of many streams, the species is not known to have historically existed at more than three locations. It is possible that the species may have been historically more widely distributed but overlooked by insect collectors and observers in the region, given its small size and aquatic habitat. The species has a maximum IAO of 12 km2 (COSEWIC 2011)

4. The species was dependent on connectivity with populations outside Canada for its long-term presence in Canada.

  • No. There is no evidence to suggest that historic or current Canadian local populations were connected to local populations in the United States or that adults could disperse far enough to exchange individuals or genes with these local populations. Dispersal through downstream drift, upstream swimming and flight are possible but considered rare for this species (COSEWIC 2011)

Based on this assessment, Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle was never particularly widespread or abundant within Canada and is therefore considered to have been historically precarious.

Extent of irreversible change

The precise habitat needs of the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle are unknown, but suitable habitats seem to include cool, well aerated, moderate-fast flowing streams with high water quality, gravel or cobble substrate, and a population of the filamentous alga (i.e., D. tuberosus) that the larvae feed on (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013). The species is often found downstream of natural and human-constructed stream impoundments such as beaver dams and culverts (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013). While the distribution of D. tuberosus in Ontario is not known, sites with the other characteristics of suitable habitat described above are not considered rare in the region, although cool streams have become less common (J. Bittorf pers. comm. 2017). However, given that so little is known about the habitat requirements of Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle and D. tuberosus, it is likely that one or both species have more specific requirements than is currently understood for stream chemistry, temperature, hydrology, geomorphology, or some other factor.

The primary threats to survival and recovery of this species are believed to include changes in water flow or quality that alter or destroy habitat. Since the species appears to require cool, well aerated streams with high water quality (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013), run-off of sediment or pollution from areas adjacent to streams and within the watershed have the potential to impact the species' habitat. Land use change in southern Ontario such as construction of roads, industrial, urban and agricultural development has resulted in the degradation of many streams in the region over the past century, with common impacts including increased water temperatures, nutrient enrichment, and sedimentation (Allan 2004; Kelly et al. 2016). Since Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle was not discovered in Canada until 1986 (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013), well after much of this change had already taken place, it is possible that habitat for the species has already been affected by this degradation before it was discovered. Furthermore, beaver trapping and human conflicts with beaver in settled areas across North America resulted in the removal of many natural dams (Naiman et al. 1988), potentially altering habitat availability for Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle. However, given that the species frequently occurs downstream of human-constructed impoundments, it is not clear how significant the removal of beaver dams may be to the species. Predation from introduced species (such as Brown Trout, Salmo trutta) has also been identified as a potential threat (Kirk 2013).

Narrative to support recovery feasibility

Population trend

For the purposes of determining recovery feasibility, the population trend refers to whether a species population can become stable or increase over a biologically relevant timeline. In Canada, observations have ranged from one to a few dozen adults observed at a given location at one time, but generally fewer than 10 adults are observed (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013). Without population estimates it is not possible to determine the Canadian population trend (COSEWIC 2011). Evidence indicates that the population at the North Saugeen site in Ontario may be extirpated (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013); however, it is unknown when exactly this may have occurred or what may have caused it.

Resilience (population size)

Resilience is the species' ability to recover after a disturbance and is critical to the survival of a species that is historically precarious. Although a larger population size does not protect against all threats, it is a strong predictor of resilience against increasing rates of decline due to inbreeding or chance events (Elphick et al. 2001; McGowan et al. 2014). The minimum viable population sizeFootnote 18 for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle is not known; however, establishing this will provide necessary information on the number of individuals needed to maintain a self-sustaining population that is resilient against chance events (e.g., weather), and will aid in determining if recovery of the species is technically and biologically feasible.

Redundancy (population size and distribution)

Redundancy refers to the number of local populations and their distribution. If one local population is damaged or destroyed, others can act as a source to restore this missing local population. The local populations of Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle in Canada occur within a small geographic area, have a low abundance, and are relatively isolated (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013). The species is therefore at high risk of extinction due to disturbance and demographic stochasticity. These local populations may also be genetically isolated and at risk of inbreeding and decreased fitness.

The Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle historical population distribution in Canada is not known but presumed naturally rare. The species was only discovered in Canada in 1986 and since then has been observed at three known sites in Ontario; the Saugeen, North Saugeen, and Rankin Rivers (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013). It is possible that the species may have been historically more widely distributed but overlooked by insect collectors and observers in the region, given its small size and aquatic habitat. However, since so little is known about the habitat requirements of the species or the habitat requirements and distribution of D. tuberosus, it is difficult to speculate what the distribution may have been prior to human influence in the region. A number of locations (30-40) across southern Ontario were searched for Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle between 1978 and 1989, and only the North Saugeen local population was found (COSEWIC 2011).

Population connectivity

Connectivity among local populations can be important in naturally restoring depleted populations. If connectivity between local populations is decreased (e.g., through habitat loss or population declines), remaining local populations may be too small to be viable on their own, or may become inbred due to a lack of gene dispersal. In determining the appropriate level of population connectivity required to ensure survival or recovery of the species in Canada, it is important to consider the historical level of connectivity to which the species is adapted.

There is no information on the historical or current connectivity of Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle local populations in either Canada or the U.S., and it is unknown how or how often individuals disperse from existing local populations. Flight has been observed in an adult of this species only once, and very rarely in other water beetles of the family Haliplidae (Mousseau 2004, USFWS 2006). However, it is possible that they may fly more readily under certain conditions (e.g., weather) or at certain times of year that have not been observed. Within a site, Brychius adults (a species of beetles in the same genus as Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle), are considered strong swimmers and can walk both along the bottom of streams and on land (White 1986, Mousseau 2004). Larvae do not swim, but crawl along algae and substrate (USFWS 2006).

There is no information on Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle metapopulations or metapopulation dynamics, and no information on population genetics. Mousseau and Roughley (2007), proposed that the species is a glacial relict, having survived the Wisconsin glaciation in a refugium south of the Great Lakes and then becoming restricted to cool streams as the glaciers retreated. They note that populations of all three North American species of Brychius are disjunct, and suggest that this may be either because of limited dispersal capabilities or because of local factors that prevent populations from expanding (e.g., stream barriers and water levels).

Mitigation of human-caused threats

This criterion refers specifically to those threats, as a result of human activity, that significantly increase risk to the species. The biology of Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle is not fully understood, however, the threats to the species are likely to include activities that degrade water quality, alter stream flow or disrupt the riffle and pool environment in which the species is found (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013). Some of these threats may be easily prevented or mitigated, including the most important threats related to dams and water management such as the construction to or alteration of impoundment structures upstream of Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle local populations. However, other threats are more pervasive and difficult to manage, such as those related to land use impacts (e.g., degradation of water quality due to incompatible agricultural practices and increasing human population) on the stream environment. Future planned developments including those at the North Saugeen and Saugeen River locations, and hydrological alterations at the Rankin River location further threaten the species' persistence (COSEWIC 2011).

Representation in appropriate ecological communities

The distribution of Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle across its range is extremely localized with preference for cool, well aerated, moderate-fast flowing streams with high water quality (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013). In Canada, this species is known from only three locations, one of which may be extripated (COSEWIC 2011; Kirk 2013). It is unclear if threats can be mitigated to ensure persistence at existing locations.

Independent of connectivity with populations outside of Canada

While the dispersal capabilities of Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle are unknown, it is unlikely that Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle was historically dependent on connectivity with local populations outside of Canada. Flight in adult Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle is considered rare (USFWS 2009), and existing local populations in Canada and the U.S. are separated by several hundreds of kilometres and a large expanse of water (i.e., Lake Huron). It is hypothesised that populations are glacial relicts that became fragmented as glaciers retreated (Mousseau and Roughley 2007).

Independent of species interventions

Given that the existing Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle local populations in Canada exist in areas potentially threatened by future development (COSEWIC 2011), it may be necessary to the species survival in the future to intervene to protect water quality and quantity, or even protect individuals, although this is not recommended at this time. For example, a study in Michigan was successful in capturing and relocating individual Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetles downstream to avoid impacts to the individuals during culvert reconstruction (USFWS 2009). Given that local populations are often found downstream of human created impoundments, it may also be necessary to maintain these structures in a manner that ensures the persistence of local populations at these sites. Finally, if it becomes clear that Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle is threatened by invasive species (e.g. Brown Trout, Kirk 2013), management of these species may become necessary.

Should additional Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle local populations in Ontario be discovered or established, it is likely that they will also require continued monitoring and intervention to protect water quality and quantity, and to maintain upstream structures such as beaver dams and culverts that appear to create the habitat conditions required by the species.

Appendix B: Effects on the environment and other species

A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is conducted on all SARA recovery planning documents, in accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. The purpose of a SEA is to incorporate environmental considerations into the development of public policies, plans, and program proposals to support environmentally sound decision-making and to evaluate whether the outcomes of a recovery planning document could affect any component of the environment or any of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy's (FSDS) goals and targets.

Recovery planning is intended to benefit species at risk and biodiversity in general. However, it is recognized that strategies may also inadvertently lead to environmental effects beyond the intended benefits. The planning process based on national guidelines directly incorporates consideration of all environmental effects, with a particular focus on possible impacts upon non-target species or habitats. The results of the SEA are incorporated directly into the strategy itself, but are also summarized below in this statement.

This federal recovery strategy will clearly benefit the environment by promoting the recovery of the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle. In general, protecting the habitat of this species will benefit other native plant and animal species through maintenance of healthy aquatic ecosystems, and increasing natural cover and encouraging best management practices in inhabited watersheds (Action 2 in the Government Response Statement).  Several species at risk occur in the area occupied by the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle, including: Rainbow (Villosa iris), Northern Brook Lamprey (Ichthyomyzon fossor), Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus), and Pugnose Shiner (Notropis anogenus). Measures recommended in the Government Response Statement for the Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle in Ontario and adopted by Environment and Climate Change Canada will benefit the watersheds in their entirety through the development of watershed strategies, and development and implementation of best management practices for dealing with watershed threats (Actions 1 and 2 in the Government Response Statement).

The potential for the strategy to inadvertently lead to adverse effects on other species was considered. None of the management activities proposed include activities that would negatively affect other species. Because of the potential benefit of watershed conservation and management to several other species, including some species at risk, the SEA concluded that this strategy will clearly benefit the environment and will not entail significant adverse effects.

Part 2 – Recovery Strategy for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in Ontario, prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Recommended citation

Kirk, D. A. 2013. Recovery Strategy for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in Ontario. Ontario Recovery Strategy Series. Prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario. vi + 34 pp.

Cover illustration: Photograph provided by Steve Marshall, University of Guelph

Authors

David Anthony Kirk, Aquila Conservation & Environment Consulting

Acknowledgments

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources funded the preparation of this recovery strategy. I would like to thank the following individuals who provided information on the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle or the locations where it occurs in Ontario: Colin Jones (Natural Heritage Information Centre, NHIC, Peterborough), Chris Jones (Ministry of Environment, Ontario); John Bittorf (Water Resources Coordinator - Grey Sauble Conservation Authority), Nathan Garland (Regulations Officer, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority), Jo-Anne Harbinson (Manager Water Resources and Stewardship Services, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority), Dave Pybus (Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority), Andrew Sorensen (Environmental Planning Coordinator - Grey Sauble Conservation Authority), and Shannon Wood (Manager, Communications, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority).

Barbara Hosler (United States Fish and Wildlife Service, USFWS East Lansing) sent me contacts for the United States. Bob Vande Kopple (University of Michigan Biological Station) provided extremely helpful comments on an earlier draft and information on the species in Michigan and Mac Strand provided comments on how to mitigate impacts to the species during surveys.  Amelia Argue, Colin Jones, Leanne Jennings, Kathryn Markham, Suzanne Robinson (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, OMNR); Rachel deCatanzaro, Meghan Gerson, Krista Holmes, Tania Morais, Kathy St. Laurent (Environment Canada, EC), Dave Balint (Department of Fisheries and Oceans, DFO), Brian Scholtens (College of Charleston, South Carolina), Mac Strand (Northern Michigan University), Joanna James (consulting biologist, Ottawa) and Anneka Osmun (consulting biologist, Windsor) commented on earlier drafts.

Declaration

The recovery strategy for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle was developed in accordance with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA). This recovery strategy has been prepared as advice to the Government of Ontario, other responsible jurisdictions and the many different constituencies that may be involved in recovering the species.

The recovery strategy does not necessarily represent the views of all of the individuals who provided advice or contributed to its preparation, nor the official positions of the organizations with which the individuals are associated.

The goals, objectives and recovery approaches identified in the strategy are based on the best available knowledge and are subject to revision as new information becomes available. Implementation of this strategy is subject to appropriations, priorities and budgetary constraints of the participating jurisdictions and organizations.

Success in the recovery of this species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the directions set out in this strategy.

Responsible jurisdictions

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Environment Canada - Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario

Executive summary

The Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) is a small beetle (Family Haliplidae) occurring in Canada only in the Great Lakes region of Ontario. Believed to be a postglacial relict, it is listed as endangered under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA). Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle has also been designated as endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) but is not currently listed under Schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). In Canada, the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is restricted to three rivers in Bruce County in Ontario (the Rankin, the Saugeen and the North Saugeen). Little is known about the current status of the species at the Rankin or Saugeen sites; the most recent surveys on the Rankin showed that the species was present in 2011 and this is believed to be the most important site in Ontario. Declines have occurred over the last 10 years in the North Saugeen population in Ontario and the population may be extirpated. In the United States, Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle occurs in eight streams in four counties in northern Michigan; three new populations have been discovered since the United States Fish and Wildlife Service five-year review (2009).

Small to medium-sized streams with moderate to fast flowing water provide habitat for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle. Such streams have good aeration, cool water temperatures, an inorganic substrate and high pH. Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles seem to concentrate downstream of culverts and human-made impoundments, but they may be more generally distributed throughout streams, albeit at lower density, at least in Michigan and possibly in Ontario. An essential habitat component during breeding is an algae, Dichotomosiphon tuberosus, which is eaten by beetle larvae.

The main threats to the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle come from stream embankment and channelization, removal or modification of dams, weirs and culverts, and road construction which could influence water quantity and quality. Land use in areas adjacent to streams and within the entire watershed may also impact the species, since this affects hydrology. Farming activities on agricultural land could increase sediment load and/or pollutant run-off (50% of the Saugeen and North Saugeen are in agricultural land), as could urban and industrial development (including aggregate extraction).

The recovery goal is to enhance long-term population viability by maintaining at least three self-sustaining populations of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle in Ontario. This should be achieved by actively protecting and managing suitable habitat for this species and its ecosystem in southern Ontario. Protection and recovery objectives are as follows.

  • Protect existing populations and habitat where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is found
  • Determine the distribution and abundance of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle outside the existing known sites
  • Investigate the habitat requirements of the species and in particular determine the role of human-made impoundments
  • Identify, quantify and seek to mitigate or remove threats to existing populations
  • Promote ongoing measures to protect vegetation adjacent to the extant occurrences of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle and watershed vegetation cover
  • Investigate the possibility of translocation from a thriving population to the North Saugeen population, if required

Some of the above recovery and protection objectives would benefit from promotion of existing voluntary programs that encourage landowners to protect streamside vegetation from erosion and run-off through planting of native trees and shrubs. Liaising with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, conservation authorities, municipalities and water-based conservation organizations (e.g., Trout Unlimited) about channelization projects that could impact streams with Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle would also be beneficial. It is likely that recovery efforts for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle would benefit other aquatic species and could be addressed as part of an ecosystem recovery plan.

The area described in a habitat regulation should include the locations where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles have been surveyed and detected on the Rankin River, the Saugeen River and the North Saugeen River (if the species still occurs there). This should include a distance of 400 metres upstream and downstream of known occurrences including at least a 30 m band extending into riparian areas adjacent to the stream.

Ensuring that best management practices are carried out at the watershed level is also critical; this involves retaining as much permanent native vegetation cover as possible, such as forest cover, riparian areas and permanent grassland. Best management practices should be required for management activities both at the occupied site and immediately upstream.

1 Background information

1.1 Species assessment and classification

Common name: Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle

Scientific name: Brychius hungerfordi

SARO list classification: Endangered

SARO list history: Endangered (2011)

COSEWIC assessment history: Endangered (2011)

SARA schedule 1: No schedule, No status

Conservation status rankings:

GRANK: G1
NRANK: N1
SRANK: S1

The glossary provides definitions for technical terms, including the abbreviations above.

1.2 Species Description and Biology

Species Description

The Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) is a small aquatic beetle belonging to the family Haliplidae. Beetles from this family (i.e., haliplids) are distinguished from other small beetles by the disproportionately large coxal plates at the base of their hind legs (Roughley 2001). Three genera of haliplids occur in North America (Brychius, Haliplus and Peltodytes). Brychius is distinguished from the other genera by its body shape (elongated and torpedo shaped) and the shape of the sides of the dorsal plate between the head and base of its wings (Roughley 2001). At the larval stage, Brychius can be identified by the unique elongate and curved appendage (the urogomphus) on the last abdominal segment (Mousseau and Roughley 2007).

There are three species of Brychius in North America (five globally): B. hungerfordi is the only species found in the Great Lakes region and has three distinctive features: (1) the finely toothed (denticulate) margins of the wing cover (elytra); (2) a thick black band on the basal margin of the dorsal plate between the head and wings (pronotum); and (3) its large size relative to the other Brychius species (3.7 to 4.4 mm long). Appendix 1 provides information on generalized beetle anatomy.

Species Biology

Since little information exists about the biology of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles (Grant and Vande Kopple 2009), it has been assumed that their life history traits are similar to those of other haliplid water beetles (COSEWIC 2011). Mating likely occurs in June based on an anecdotal observation of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle mating during this month (Scholtens 2002), and on the fact that the closely related Brychius hornii also mates at this time (Mousseau and Roughley 2003). Preliminary information from Michigan suggests that two generations of adults per year are possible (Grant et al. 2000).

There are four stages of complete metamorphosis in the species: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Although the egg or egg-laying stages have not been described in the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle or other Brychius species (United States Fish and Wildlife Service 2006), in other Haliplidae eggs are laid in spring and early summer and possibly again in the autumn (Roughley 2001). In Haliplus and Peltodytes,the eggs are laid in cavities chewed in algae or aquatic vascular plants, and on the surface of aquatic plants, respectively (Roughley 2001). Following oviposition, larvae hatch in 8 to 14 days (United States Fish and Wildlife Service 2006) and are herbivorous throughout their three instars. Stable isotope analyses demonstrate that larval B. hungerfordi specialize on the alga Dichotomosiphon tuberosus (Grant and Vande Kopple 2009). Observations of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle (Strand and Spangler 1994) and studies of Brychius hornii indicate that mature larvae pupate in the moist soil of river banks (Mousseau 2004). As in other haliplids they are generally thought to overwinter as larvae and pupate in the spring (United States Fish and Wildlife Service 2006). Undoubtedly some adults survive the winter, as adults have been collected in December and February (Grant et al. 2000). Lasting up to two weeks in other haliplids, the length of the pupal stage is probably dependent on the temperature of the substrate (Roughley 2001). Adult Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles emerge from the moist soil of river banks, re-enter the river and the cycle begins again. Like many water beetles, Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle swims underwater with an air bubble. This, and the fact that they are weak swimmers and have to swim to the surface often to replenish their air supply, may make them more susceptible to predation by some insectivorous fish species (M. Strand, pers. comm. 2012). Fish are believed to be the most important predators of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle and other species of Brychius (Hickman 1931); other predators of haliplids generally are waterfowl, amphibians and other aquatic invertebrates (Hickman 1931). Invertebrate predators may be important, especially in the egg, larval or pupal stages (M. Strand, pers. comm. 2012). It has been suggested that both bottom-feeding fish and fish species that feed at the surface and water column may prey on Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle (White 1986, Strand 1989, Wilsmann and Strand 1990).

It is not known how long adult Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles live, but captive haliplids survive up to 18 months (Hickman 1931). While flight is believed to be very rare in this species, it has been observed and is one means by which individuals could potentially disperse.

1.3 Distribution, Abundance and Population Trends

Endemic to the Great Lakes region of North America, the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle occurs in only three rivers in Bruce County, Ontario and eight streams in four counties (Emmet, Montmorency, Charlevoix and Oscoda) of the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan (Figure 1). The rivers in Ontario are the Rankin, the Saugeen and the North Saugeen (Figure 2). In surveys for Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle in the Rankin River in 2008, a total of 10 adults and three larvae were found with only four kicks of a D-net (0.5 hours of sampling effort). Moreover, in 2009, eight adults and one larva were sampled (three hours search effort; COSEWIC 2011); more Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles were found in 2011, 1.5 km from the site below the Rankin River dam where individuals were originally captured (sampling effort was not recorded; S. Robinson, pers. comm. 2012). The relatively large numbers of adults and larvae found at this site with minimal survey effort suggest that the Rankin River site is an extremely important location for this species in Ontario (C. Jones, pers. comm. 2012). In the Saugeen River in 2008, one adult was found (one hour search effort), and on two other occasions (also in 2008) adults were present but not collected (COSEWIC 2011). It is believed that the North Saugeen population may have been extirpated over the last 10 years since numbers apparently declined from 42 adults in 1986 to one adult in 2001, and none were found in 2002, 2008 and 2009 (COSEWIC 2011). It is possible that the decline of this population is due to warming of the water temperature or other changes brought about by bridge construction at this site in the 1980s (COSEWIC 2011). About 40 percent of the global range was estimated in Canada by COSEWIC (2011) but this is less now that more populations have been discovered in Michigan (Figure 1). Three out of 11 populations (27.2% of the rivers) of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle occur in Ontario.

In Michigan, the best studied and largest population of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle occurs on the East Branch of the Maple River. Estimated at 200 to 500 individuals prior to listing, the population is believed to have remained stable since then (United States Fish and Wildlife Service 2009). A mark-recapture study carried out in 2001 in another pool of the East Branch estimated the population at 1,052 individuals (Grant et al. 2002). Little is known about the other populations; the four populations mentioned in the recovery plan are believed to be small, as are the three recently discovered ones (B. Vande Kopple, pers. comm. 2012). In the five-year review in the United States, it was stated that two of the six populations were thought to be stable (United States Fish and Wildlife Service 2009).

Figure 2
Figure 2. Distribution of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle in Ontario (orange dots show current locations - including new locations in Michigan, blue star is probably extirpated location on North Saugeen; polygons show area of occurrence in Michigan and Ontario; Map updated from COSEWIC 2011, used with permission)
Long Description

Figure 2 shows the extirpated location off the eastern coast of Lake Huron. There are also two current locations nearby. On the other side of Lake Huron, in the areas surrounding the State Forest Areas, there are approximately 8 current locations

Figure 3
Figure 3. Distribution of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle in Canada. Map shows two extant populations (black dots), a probably extirpated population (open square) and locations where beetles were surveyed for but not observed (grey dots); map from COSEWIC 2011, used with permission
Long Description

Figure 3 shows the two extant populations; one near Rankin River and the other is further inland near Beatty Saugeen River. The areas that were surveyed for but nothing was observed are scattered throughout the rivers. The one area where no beetles have been found since 2001 is in North Saugeen River

1.4 Habitat Needs

Local habitat at specific Ontario locations

At all Ontario locations, Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles have been found within 1.5 km downstream of human-made structures (e.g., weirs or dams). Despite sampling at varying distances downstream from these locations, no more Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles have been found (Appendix 2). However, this could be because of detectability biases; because Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles are very small and occur at very low density it is possible that sampling has not been sufficiently intensive to detect them away from dam sites.

Possibly the functioning of the human-made structures creates suitable ecological conditions and is important for the continued existence of the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle populations. However, the specifics of the effects of drawdown and other dam operations are unknown at this time.

The three Ontario locations differ in their habitat features suggesting that the habitat requirements of the species are poorly understood. The specific sites are discussed below.

The Rankin River location is downstream of a dam with an epilimnion outlet. During surveys for Hungerford’s Water Beetle, individuals were collected in both open cobble and gravel patches and areas with more abundant vegetation and silt/sand substrate (COSEWIC 2011). More than half of the 20 kicks used for sampling were done downstream of the original capture location; no beetles were captured up to 75 m downstream of the original site where individuals were recorded. In 2011, beetles were also captured 1.5 km downstream (direct distance) of the original capture location below the Rankin Dam during ongoing inventory and monitoring for this species on the Rankin River (S. Robinson, pers. comm. 2012).

This dam was built in 1961, originally to allow the development of agricultural land in the subwatershed (Grey Sauble Conservation Authority 2007). Usually stop logs are installed in the spring after Rainbow Trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) have spawned. Because of the large capacity of the lakes downstream, there is a lengthy draw down period every fall, the timing of which depends on summer and fall water levels (Grey Sauble Conservation Authority 2007, J. Bittorf, pers. comm. 2012).

At the location below the Rankin dam where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles were found the presence of riffles depends on water levels; on some occasions no riffles are present but they have been observed at other times (C. Jones, pers. comm. 2012). Moreover, riffles are present elsewhere on the Rankin River, (S. Robinson, pers. comm. 2012). One location where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles were detected in 2011, 1.5 km downstream of the Rankin dam site, has pools and riffles as well as limestone outcropping, sandy substrates and submerged aquatic vegetation (S. Robinson, pers. comm. 2012).

The Rankin River has only moderate flow and ranged in depth from 15 to 60 cm in August of 2008 and 2009. The stream substrate is mixed, coarse gravel and cobble stones and there are substantial areas of silt and sand. Moderate to heavy patches of aquatic vegetation (including abundant algae) occur in the river. The river is highly alkaline with a pH of 8.09 measured on 5 October, 2005 and 7.91 measured on 4 October, 2008 (S. Robinson in pers. comm. to C. Jones 2009).

On the Saugeen River near Hanover, Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles are found a few hundred metres downstream from a weir (COSEWIC 2011). Built in the early 1900s to service the settlers in the area, this dam was rehabilitated in 1985 to provide a barrier to migratory fish species (D. Pybus, pers. comm. 2012).

Historically this weir was a mill race but has been filled in for several years. It is a large concrete weir and there is a high flow channel to the north of the dam. Rehabilitation work was completed on this dam in 1990. The Town of Hanover owns the dam, and the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority provides an annual inspection report (J. Harbinson, pers. comm. 2012).

Water flow at this site is moderate [the lowest mean flow for seven consecutive days with a 10 year recurrence interval or 20 year recurrence interval is 4.36 cubic metres per second or 3.92 cubic metres per second, respectively (Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority 2008a)], there are no riffles and depth ranges from 30 to 90 cm (in August 2008, 2009). Gravel and fine sediments line the stream bed and there are few macrophytes, except at the water’s edge where the current is slower. Substrates are covered in filamentous algae.

The Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle population at Scone on the North Saugeen River may have been extirpated as no individuals have been found since 2001. The water at this location has warm temperatures because of the surface outlet from the dam with the epilimnion outlet upstream; this may mean that it provides suboptimal habitat since Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles prefer cool water temperatures (United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 2006). The Scone dam is privately owned and generates 70 kilowatts per hour. This dam is one of the oldest hydro-electric dams in Canada (built in 1850) and is in need of repairs (Saugeen Times 2008, Owen Sound Sun Times 2008).

On the North Saugeen River, the lowest mean flow for seven consecutive days within a 10 year recurrence interval was 0.82 cubic metres per second (Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority 2008a). The river bed is described as having substantial deposits of a marl-like substance on rocks and stones (COSEWIC 2011). Marl is a calcium or lime deposit and it is not clear what the origin of these deposits is, and whether they have any effect on Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle populations. Presumably they are indicative of alkaline conditions. While the North Saugeen River provided apparently suitable habitat for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle in 1986 (and as recently as 2001), it may no longer do so (COSEWIC 2011). It is also possible that the population was very small and was extirpated due to stochastic events.

As well as local site conditions, land cover and land use adjacent to the sites and within the watershed influence water flow and water quality. Forest cover is particularly important since trees moderate infiltration rates and reduce run-off. All three watersheds where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle occurs in Ontario have greater than 30 percent forest cover; the Rankin River watershed (221.8 km2) occurs within a region that has greater than 35 percent forest cover (Grey Sauble Conservation Authority 2011, 2012) the Upper Main Saugeen watershed (782 km2) has 35 percent forest cover (Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority 2008 a,b) and the North Saugeen (269 km2) has 41 percent forest cover. The type of forest is also important. Riparian forest (linear buffers of trees growing along streams and around water bodies) is particularly critical, and there is evidence that the more complex riparian forests are, the more effective they are in their ecological benefits. Well-established riparian vegetation reduces water flow velocity and the fine root systems associated with trees bind soil, prevent erosion and stabilize stream banks (McKergow et al. 2003, Boothroyd et al. 2004). Moreover, the organic matter associated with trees improves the physical and chemical properties of soil, as well as infiltration and thus reduces run-off. Among the non-point source pollutants intercepted by trees are pesticides (Muscutt et al. 1993, Borin et al. 2004, Sweeney et al. 2004), phosphates and nitrates from fertilizers (Mayer et al. 2007) and heavy metals (Schnoor 1997). Riparian vegetation also provides shade and thus moderates water temperatures; cool temperatures are a key feature of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle habitat. According to the watershed report cards, both the North Saugeen and Upper Main Saugeen have only 43 percent of forested habitat in riparian buffer strips of 30 m width (75% is recommended by Environment Canada), while riparian cover in the Rankin River subwatershed is described as good to fair (25-50%; Grey Sauble Conservation Authority 2011,2012).

Wetlands are also important for the ecological integrity of watersheds and could be important to the existence of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle; 10 percent is the minimum recommended by Environment Canada for a healthy watershed. While the Rankin River subwatershed is above this threshold at 13.1 percent (29.08 km2 - Grey Sauble Conservation Authority 2011, 2012), both the North Saugeen River watershed (5.9%) and the Upper Main Saugeen (5.7%) are well below the threshold (Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority 2008 a,b).

Local habitat in Michigan

In Michigan, Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles are found downstream of dams, culverts or weirs. They have been found to concentrate at culverts, where they scrape algae from clean gravel (M. Strand, pers. comm. 2012). Where culverts are ‘hanging’ they may present a barrier to Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles moving upstream. However, in most cases Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles appear to be adept at crawling upstream of culverts (M. Strand, pers. comm., 2012). They have been found to be more widely dispersed along extensive stretches of stream (B. Vande Kopple, pers. comm. 2012). For example, on the East Branch of the Maple River in Michigan they are found throughout the stream (along several kilometres). During egg-laying, 10 to 20 Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles can occur in one very small area within a stream (B. Vande Kopple, pers. comm. 2012).

According to M. Strand (pers. comm. 2012), it is also possible that populations of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle have typically always been small and scattered, as is the case in the Maple River. However, under specific ecological conditions, numbers may build to larger levels. If the historical distribution and abundance of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle was dependent on the presence of dams built by American Beavers (Castor canadensis), then this life history strategy could pre-adapt the species to colonizing ephemeral habitat created by beavers (M. Strand, pers. comm. 2012).

All of the streams known to be occupied by Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles are small to medium-sized with moderate to fast-flowing water. Water volume usually ranges from 0.14 to 0.71 cubic metres per second in summer (B. Vande Kopple, pers. comm. 2012). However, this varies from river to river, and in the smallest stream (Stewart Creek) may be only 0.06 to 0.14 cubic metres per second. During peak run-off in the spring, water volume may be much higher, up to 2.83 cubic metres per second.

These streams are typically well oxygenated with cool (but not too cold) water temperatures (15-25° C), a high pH (alkaline) and an inorganic substrate (cobble gravel or sand; Wilsmann and Strand 1990). Water supply in the streams is a mix of surface lake run-off and groundwater (hard water). Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles are almost never found in pure groundwater streams (e.g., in the north branch of the Boyne River in Charlevoix County, Michigan, only one larva and no adults were found; B. Vande Kopple, pers. comm. 2012). The streams are also characterized by seasonally fluctuating water levels, with spring and early summer highs and late summer and autumn lows. During low water levels, exposed damp sand along the shoreline is thought to provide pupation sites for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle (Strand and Spangler 1994).

It is possible that various algae play a critical role in determining the distribution and abundance of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle both in Michigan and Ontario (M. Strand, pers. comm. 2012). Larvae depend on the algae Dichotomosiphon tuberosus for their development. Dichotomosiphon has a restricted distribution in streams and appears to be more typical of lakes (for example, it was discovered in Lake Simcoe, Ontario in 1983 – Neil and Robinson 1985). It is possible that human-made structures or beaver dams create suitable habitat conditions (pools below dams or weirs) for Dichotomosiphon. This may explain why Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles congregate at specific locations in streams to breed and lay their eggs.

Adult beetles are less restrictive (polyphagous) in their choices of algae and thus are able to disperse more widely throughout streams. For example, Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles have been captured clinging to Chara spp. (a genus of green algae) holdfasts below the waterline (M. Strand, pers. comm. 2012).

1.5 Limiting Factors

Believed to be a post-glacial relict isolated by the formation of the Great Lakes, the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle may have once been much more widespread (USFWS 2006). An alternative explanation is that populations of this species have always been small. Their disjunct distribution, small populations and limited dispersal potential via flight makes them inherently vulnerable to stochastic events including local and watershed-level changes in habitat quality.

1.6 Threats to Survival and Recovery

A wide range of potential threats could impact the stream habitat of the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle, which requires relatively pristine conditions. This is because many activities in watersheds can influence chemical and physical stream characteristics such as water quality and flow volume.

The main threats (categorized by activity) to the species in Ontario include the following:

Changes in water flow or quality due to local (instream) habitat alteration or degradation
Stream embankment and channelization

One of the main potential threats to Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle in Ontario and Michigan is physical alteration to stream beds, adjacent banks and edge vegetation through channellization, dredging, bank stabilization, erosion control and some kinds of impoundment (Wilsmann and Strand 1990, USFWS 1994, Hyde and Smar 2000). Logging of trees in the riparian zone could cause changes in stream-bank characteristics, as well as run-off from non-point source (NPS) pollutants and changes in hydrology and ground water quality (Strand 1989). At the North Saugeen site at Scone, Ontario, at least 50 trees were felled along the shoreline within 30 m of the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle site (Saugeen Times 2007). The above activities could potentially impact the riffle and pool habitat preferred by Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle as well as remove or affect the suitability of bank-side pupation sites. Some management activities could also be beneficial, such as bank stabilization. However, although perhaps temporary depending on the type of material, artificial impervious covers used for stabilization could destroy potential pupation habitat. It is also important to consider that some erosion control measures may have temporary adverse effects, but in the long-term may provide overall benefit.

Removal or modification of human-made structures

Waterpower development and associated water management regimes have the potential to impact Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles, since individuals typically concentrate or only occur downstream of dams, weirs or culverts. Physical alteration, removal or changes to the operation of these human-made structures could pose a threat to the continued existence of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles.

Nothing is known of the effects of dam operations on Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles at the Rankin River Dam. Without further information it must be assumed that the normal operation of the dam does not interfere with Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle populations, if they continue to exist at this site. Changes in ownership of the dam on the North Saugeen (if the dam is sold) or repairs, could have implications for Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle, should the species be found to still occur at this location. In 2011, a mass wash-out occurred at this dam because of an extreme stormwater event, and adjacent terrain (a driveway) was washed away because the stop logs in front of the dam could not be removed in time (N. Garland, pers. comm. 2012). It is not known what impacts this may have on water quality and the habitat of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle. No operations occur at the Saugeen River dam at Hanover: there is no control structure, no hydro-electric equipment, no boards taken in or out and no gate (J. Harbinson, pers. comm. 2012).

Removal of old dams could have negative impacts on Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles. This is because water quality in streams below old dams may have reached a steady state and demolishing a dam could alter this by releasing sediments or other materials. Installment of new, small hydroelectric dams could also be a potential threat (Imhof 2007). It is possible that a relatively new micro-hydroelectric facility operating immediately upstream of the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle site on the North Saugeen River changed water flow or quality in some way. The fact that an environmentally-sensitive mayfly genus (Baetisca spp.) occurred previously at this site but has not been recorded in recent years (S. Marshall pers. comm. to C. Jones, COSEWIC 2011) may indicate that stream conditions have changed for other invertebrates as well, including the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle. Despite this, the Family Biotic Index (FBI), based on sampling of benthic macroinvertebrates for the North Saugeen, scored an A (3.76 on a scale of 1 (healthy) to 10 (degraded); Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority 2008a)). The Upper Main Saugeen also scored an A for the FBI (4.09; Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority 2008b).

Natural dams built by beavers may play a role in maintaining habitat for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle. Because beaver impoundments could maintain habitat for Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles downstream (Wilsmann and Strand 1990), removal of either dams or individual beavers by humans could pose a threat. Conversely, new beaver activity could flood Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle habitat and render it unsuitable (B. Vande Kopple, pers. comm. to USFWS 2004; B. Ebbers, pers. comm. to USFWS 2004). It is thought by some that beavers created Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle habitat and perhaps had a greater role in the past when beavers were more common in some areas (M. Strand, pers. comm., 2012).

Road construction operations

In Michigan, many Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle populations are located downstream of road crossings or culverts (USFWS 2006). While culverts seem to contribute to provision of suitable habitat, they also have negative effects in that they present barriers to upstream dispersal (Vaughan 2002), and they serve as a conduit for pollutant run-off from roads and roadside ditches.

Road construction can contribute to increased surface run-off, allowing gasoline or other chemicals and sediments to enter stream systems, thereby affecting habitat conditions for the species. Moreover, road crossings that are poorly designed or deteriorating can cause erosion and release of sediments into streams. A bridge constructed in the 1980s upstream of the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle site on the North Saugeen River may have caused changes in habitat quality (R. Roughley, pers. comm. to L. A. Wilsmann, COSEWIC 2011). Clearance of ditches can impact water quality and stream attributes if not carried out using best management practices (Hyde and Smar 2000).

Removal of water

Removal of surface water (e.g., for bottled water) or removal of groundwater that feeds surface streams could potentially threaten the survival of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle. This is because continuous stream water flow is an essential habitat attribute for the species.

Changes in water flow or quality due to landscape (watershed) habitat alteration or climate change
Agricultural and logging activities

Non-point source (NPS) pollution from run-off of nutrients, pesticides and sediment from land within the watershed has the potential to threaten the survival of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle, but the specific direct or indirect effects (e.g., on beetles or their algal food supply) are unknown. The extent to which NPS pollution impacts aquatic ecosystems depends on land cover and land use within the watershed.

Agricultural activities associated with cropping, such as tillage, pesticide and fertilizer use, cause run-off of NPS pollutants which enter streams and other water bodies. The percentage of cropped agricultural land influences run-off of NPS pollutants and ground water contamination. Of the three watersheds, the Upper Main Saugeen River has the highest percentage of agricultural land (58%), followed by the North Saugeen (51% - Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority 2008 a,b). Most land use in the Rankin River subwatershed is ‘rural’ or ‘other’ and not agricultural, although there is a large area of agricultural land to the east of the subwatershed (Grey Sauble Conservation Authority 2011, 2012). 

In terms of water quality, the North Saugeen scored B for phosphorus (0.03 mg/L, which is the provincial standard) and A for nitrate and nitrites (0.16 mg/L – the standard for drinking water is 10 mg/L). By comparison, the Upper Main Saugeen had lower phosphorus levels (0.02 mg/L) but higher nitrates/nitrite levels (0.26 mg/L – Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority 2008 a,b). Water quality conditions in the Sauble River watershed, which includes the Rankin River, have scored poorly: approximately 76 percent of the samples being fair to very poor (Grey Sauble Conservation Authority 2011, 2012).

Increased water temperatures or reduced basal water flow produced by off-channel ponds created by landowners for fish-rearing or ornamental purposes (Imhof 2007) may have a negative effect on water beetles. These ponds intercept run-off reducing basal flow rates in coldwater streams; when water is added back into the system it is at much higher temperatures. According to Imhof (2007), pond development is apparently increasing in the Saugeen watershed.

Urban and Industrial activities

Changes in hydrology and groundwater quality and quantity as a result of urban and industrial development can negatively impact benthic invertebrate and algal communities (Dewson et al. 2007, Hancock 2002, Stevenson et al. 1996) and thus potentially the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle. While the total land area covered by urban or industrial use may be low, it is important to consider that the influences of this human footprint may extend over a much larger area. For example, the percentage of urban land in the Upper Main Saugeen and North Saugeen watersheds is low (1.4% in each) but may influence a wider area. Similarly, pits and quarries for aggregate extraction cover a small area (17.7 km2 on the Main Saugeen, and 3.25 km2 on the North Saugeen, or 1.04% and 1.21% of these watersheds, respectively). However, their specific locations and spatial distribution within a watershed are important. Once reserves in the Greater Toronto Area are depleted and transportation methods improved, aggregate extraction is predicted to increase in some watersheds such as the Saugeen (Imhof 2007), which could affect groundwater discharge, storage and movement as well as elevated sedimentation levels in the rivers. Sedimentation is a significant threat for Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle because it limits the availability of silt-free gravel.

At the Saugeen River site, expansion of an adjacent landfill (Pryde Schropp McComb Ltd and Stantec Consulting Ltd. 2010) could have a negative impact on Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle through leaching of chemicals and waste products which could affect groundwater quality and thus alter algal communities and benthic invertebrates (Hancock 2002, Dewson et al. 2007, S. Robinson, pers. comm. to COSEWIC 2009).

Predation by introduced or other species

The distribution and abundance of many aquatic invertebrates is strongly influenced by predation and Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles are no exception (Arnott et al. 2006). Predation by introduced Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) was suggested by Strand (1989) as a threat to Michigan populations of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle. Because Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles swim underwater with an air bubble, they are highly visible and are presumably easily detected by predatory Brown Trout. It may not be fortuitous that the largest known population of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle occurs at the Maple River site in Michigan, where no Brown Trout are present. In Ontario, Brown Trout are established in the Saugeen River (OMNR 2002) and thus could be a potential threat there. More generally, other species of insectivorous fish may prey on Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle; in the state of Michigan these species are not stocked in waters where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles are known to occur (USFWS 2009).

Climate change

According to Monk et al. (2010), there was a significant decrease in the maximum river flow in natural rivers in watersheds sampled across southern Ontario between 1970 and 2005 (including those where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle occurs).  Maximum annual flow (spring freshet) occurs in late spring/early summer and is important for those species whose life cycles are synchronized with this event. For example, it provides rich foods from the flood plains. There has also been a non-significant decrease in the minimum annual flow over the period 1970-2005, which occurs in late summer and late winter. A number of factors are dependent on minimum annual flow, including the availability of aquatic features for species, water temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels (Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments of Canada 2010). These decreases in maximum and minimum annual flow could negatively influence water conditions for Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle and the availability of food and pupation sites.

1.7 Knowledge Gaps

There are numerous knowledge gaps that should be filled to effectively achieve recovery objectives for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle:

  1. distribution, abundance and population sizes beyond known populations on the Rankin and Saugeen Rivers, and in particular whether the North Saugeen population has been extirpated
  2. knowledge of habitat features required by the species including microhabitat requirements for each life stage (e.g., especially the distribution and role of Dichotomosiphon as well as microhabitat for pupation and overwintering stages), in particular water quality (including water chemistry) and physical parameters
  3. knowledge of landcover in the immediate vicinity of populations and in the watershed surrounding populations to predict potential future threats
  4. environmental tolerances and threshold levels for pollutants and sediment loads
  5. knowledge of the life history traits of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle (population dynamics, breeding biology)
  6. the ecology of algal food or epiphyton food supply
  7. knowledge of the aquatic macroinvertebrate communities at the sites where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle occurs, and at similar sites within the watersheds where it occurs
  8. Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle demographic information to determine its viability and parameters/threats associated with each life stage
  9. relatedness of Ontario and Michigan populations; and
  10.  dispersal modes and distances

1.8 Recovery Actions Completed or Underway

No recovery actions have been undertaken specifically for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle. However, some relevant actions have been undertaken which are pertinent to this recovery strategy. Extensive sampling of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Saugeen River has been undertaken by the Ministry of Environment in cooperation with the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA, Jones et al. 2008, Jones and Nicol 2011). About 95 sites have been surveyed over the last five years mainly in the tributaries of the Saugeen (Jones and Nicol 2011, Chris Jones, pers. comm., 2012).  The sampling was done using a stratified random sampling design and test sites have been compared with reference sites, using protocols developed by the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) and deploying a reference condition approach (RCA) (Jones et al. 2007).

In terms of outreach and education, a series of public information sessions have been hosted by the OMNR, as well as by the Grey County Stewardship Network, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority and the Bait Association of Ontario about species at risk in the Saugeen River watershed. These events provided an opportunity for landowners, agencies and contractors to become involved in land stewardship incentives to improve environment health and quality of life on the Saugeen River. Moreover, funding was provided to carry out stream-related conservation projects that could benefit aquatic species at risk, such as the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle (SVCA 2012).

Recent searches were conducted for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle in many streams within the Saugeen, Grey-Sauble and Owen Sound watersheds in preparation for the COSEWIC status report (44 locations, 16 streams) on the following dates: 25 to 26 August, 2008, 24 to 26 August, 2009 and 5 to 7 October, 2009, as well as in 2011. Only streams that were considered suitable habitat were surveyed. Surveys were done using kick-sampling within the stream current using an aquatic D-net (COSEWIC 2011). In this technique the substrate is disturbed by the feet of the human observer, thereby dislodging invertebrates which are then transported into the waiting net by the current. Further sampling should be done with extreme care, especially for the most susceptible life stages (eggs, larvae and pupae).

2 Recovery

2.1 Recovery goal

The recovery goal is to enhance long-term population viability by maintaining at least three self-sustaining populations of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle in Ontario. The species was probably never widespread and is possibly a glacial relict and so this is considered a reasonable recovery goal.

2.2 Protection and recovery objectives

Table 4. Protection and recovery objectives
No. Protection or Recovery Objective
1 Protect existing populations and habitat where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is found
2 Determine the distribution and abundance of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle outside the existing known sites
3 Investigate the habitat requirements of the species and in particular determine the role of human-made impoundments.
4 Identify, quantify and seek to mitigate or remove threats to existing populations.
5 Promote ongoing measures to protect vegetation adjacent to the extant occurrences of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle and watershed vegetation cover.
6 Investigate the possibility of translocation from a thriving population to the North Saugeen population, if required.

2.3 Approaches to recovery

Table 5. Approaches to recovery of the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle in Ontario
No. Relative Priority Relative Timeframe Recovery Theme Approach to Recovery Threats or Knowledge Gaps Addressed
1. Protect existing populations and habitat where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is found Critical Long-term Protection, Management 1.1 Use surveys of population distribution and abundance and habitat use to:
  • delineate stream water habitat
  • identify adjacent substrate and vegetation on stream banks that provides pupation sites
  • map adjacent substrate and vegetation cover to identify areas for protection
  • Distribution and abundance
  • Habitat loss or degradation
1. Protect existing populations and habitat where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is found Critical Long-term Protection, Management 1.2 Encourage landowners to protect streamside vegetation through planting native trees and shrubs to minimize erosion and run-off
  • Habitat loss or degradation
1. Protect existing populations and habitat where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is found Critical Long-term Protection, Management

1.3 Develop a habitat regulation to protect Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle habitat in Ontario

  • Habitat loss or degradation
2. Determine the distribution and abundance of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle outside the existing known sites Necessary Long-term Monitoring and Assessment 2.1 Conduct standardized surveys of adults using sweep sampling away from main locations to refine distribution and determine whether the pattern observed is due to habitat specialization or detectability biases
  • determine the population status (i.e., extant or extirpated) at North Saugeen River
  • map spatial distribution
  • increase effort on surveys downstream (or upstream if habitat appropriate) of the known sites
  • Distribution and abundance
2. Determine the distribution and abundance of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle outside the existing known sites Necessary Long-term Monitoring and Assessment 2.2 Conduct wider systematic surveys of suitable riverine sites
  • use specialized sampling for rare species to determine whether any other populations exist
  • Distribution and abundance
3. Investigate the habitat requirements of the species and in particular determine the role of human impoundments Beneficial Short-term Research 3.1 Quantify abiotic features of streams at local and landscape levels
  • collect water quality parameters (chemistry and biophysical) at sites where adults are found
  • Quantify habitat features required by the species and in particular water quality parameters (including water chemistry).
3. Investigate the habitat requirements of the species and in particular determine the role of human impoundments Beneficial Short-term Research

3.2 Use reference condition approach (RCAe) to compare sites that are relatively pristine to test sites which are already being exposed to human stressors

  • compare sites occupied by Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles with other sites (including reference)
  • Quantify habitat features required by the species and in particular water quality parameters (including water chemistry).
4. Identify, quantify and seek to mitigate or remove threats to existing populations Critical Ongoing Protection, Management, Monitoring and Assessment 4.1 Identify threats to existing populations
  • prioritize threats
  • map watershed features and cover in GIS to determine adjacent land use and potential non-point source pollution from agricultural fields
  • relate water chemistry and biophysical parameters to stressors
  • All threats
4. Identify, quantify and seek to mitigate or remove threats to existing populations Beneficial Ongoing Research 4.2 Develop models to evaluate significance of threats
  • All threats
4. Identify, quantify and seek to mitigate or remove threats to existing populations Critical Ongoing Protection, Management 4.3 Mitigate or remove threats
  • work with landowners to educate and assist in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems
  • work with farmers to reduce agricultural non-point source pollution
  • evaluate and address potential sources of habitat destruction
  • All threats
5. Promote ongoing measures to protect vegetation adjacent to the extant occurrences of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle and watershed vegetation cover Critical Ongoing Communications, or Stewardship 5.1 Inform landowners, municipalities and other stakeholders about the presence of the species in the river adjacent to their land and the critical importance of stewardship and best management practices for conservation
  • use Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle as a flagship species for river ecosystem protection
  • encourage landowners to liaise with MNR, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, municipalities
  • develop partnerships with First Nations (Saugeen First Nation, Chippewas of Nawash)
  • coordinate recovery actions with interested landowners, and the public
  • educate and assist private landowners with maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems
  • Run-off of NPS pollutants and sediment into river
  • Habitat loss or degradation
5. Promote ongoing measures to protect vegetation adjacent to the extant occurrences of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle and watershed vegetation cover Critical Ongoing Management 5.2 Identify and implement best management practices in watersheds that will benefit Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle
  • increase permanent semi-natural cover in watershed
  • implement strategic riparian buffer strips (native species) to reduce non-point source pollution
  • Run-off of non-point source pollutants and sediment into river
  • Habitat loss or degradation
6. Investigate the possibility of translocation from a thriving population to the North Saugeen population, if required Beneficial Ongoing Management 6.1 Determine the need and feasibility of translocation
  • Distribution and abundance
6. Investigate the possibility of translocation from a thriving population to the North Saugeen population, if required Beneficial Ongoing Management 6.2 Translocate Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle where feasible
  • investigate need to re-establish (if found to be extirpated) or improve (if still present) the population on the North Saugeen.
  • Distribution and abundance

e Bailey 2004, Bailey et al. 2007

Narrative to Support Approaches to Recovery

The critical first step in implementing a recovery strategy for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is to update information on the species’ distribution and abundance. This includes estimating population size (possibly using mark-recapture) on the Rankin River and Saugeen River (outside existing dam sites), and confirming whether or not the population still exists in the North Saugeen River. It is extremely important that the existing known locations not be disturbed by invasive sampling as this may pose a threat to the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle. However, this threat can be mitigated firstly, by focusing search effort on other reaches of the Rankin and Saugeen Rivers, where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles may also occur. Secondly, surveys should be modified to avoid disturbance to the most critical life stages – namely pupae and larvae (M. Strand, pers. comm. 2012). The greatest potential threat may be from accidental trampling of pupation sites when surveyors enter or exit streams, so great care needs to be exercised when entering streams. Because of their low motility, larvae may also be vulnerable when they are displaced and not able to relocate potential suitable habitat. Avoiding surveys at existing locations where larvae and pupae are known to occur is recommended. On other reaches of the Rankin and Saugeen River, surveys could be timed to mitigate any detrimental effects on these vulnerable life stages. Because they are highly mobile air breathers with tough exoskeletons, adult Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles are less sensitive to disturbance than pupae and larvae. For example, kick sampling has been used regularly to catch and release adult beetles at a site close to the University of Michigan Biological station with no apparent detrimental effect (M. Strand, pers. comm., 2012).

If survey protocols are used to carefully target adult Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles and avoid contact with sensitive microhabitats occupied by pupae and larvae then the threat to the species should be minimized. Sweep surveys should be used to sample adults as much as possible rather than kick sampling. Also surveys should only be carried out by personnel already familiar with the species and locations and limited in size (perhaps to three persons), as in Michigan (B. Vande Kopple, pers. comm. 2012). Detectability bias must also be accounted for since when small numbers of beetles are present they can be easily missed (V. Kopple in pers. comm. to C. Jones 2009, COSEWIC 2011).

Monitoring of water chemistry (e.g., dissolved oxygen, phosphorus etc.) and physical parameters (flow rates, water temperature, and depth) and adjacent land use at sites where the species occurs is necessary to inform the development of a habitat regulation. This is important for monitoring site conditions, particularly in relation to changes in water quality or stream flow characteristics that could impact Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles. This monitoring needs to be done carefully by experienced personnel who are familiar with the sites and the sensitivities of the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle.

Widespread declines have occurred in environmentally sensitive mayflies on trout streams throughout south-central Ontario (H. Frania, pers. comm. 2012). For example, the Green Drake Mayfly (Ephemera guttulata) was once widespread and abundant on the Saugeen river system as far downstream as Hanover (H. Frania, pers. comm., 2012). Today it is restricted to the upper parts of some of the branches of the Saugeen river such as the Rocky Saugeen (upstream of Markdale), and possibly the Beatty Saugeen (reputed to be a large population though not verified there), and isolated populations on some feeder streams (e.g., Camp Creek). Other mayflies such as Epeorus vitreus have also declined in these river systems (H. Frania, pers. comm., 2012).

Better understanding of the aquatic communities in which Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle lives could be gained by incorporating sites adjacent to where the species is found into a reference condition approach (Bailey et al. 2004, 2007; see also Yates and Bailey 2006, 2010, Yates et al. 2007). Although a reference condition approach is a multi-species, ecosystem approach, it could be very beneficial for Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle recovery since it would put the species in the context of the broader aquatic invertebrate community (its ecological niche), and quantitatively identify the influence of habitat, stressors, and changes in the biotic condition of sites over time. Sampling to support an RCA has already been done at many sites in the Saugeen River watershed (Jones and Nicol 2011) and sites adjacent to the main populations where Hungerford Crawling Water Beetle is found could easily be sampled in the future for other macroinvertebrates to see how they compare with these other sites within the watersheds (Chris Jones, pers. comm., 2012).

Determining whether the population on the North Saugeen is extirpated is an important objective. If it is extirpated then the possibility of translocation from a thriving population could be considered, providing that this does not in any way compromise populations at extant sites.

It is likely that recovery efforts for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle would benefit other species and could be addressed as part of a multi-species recovery strategy (ecosystem recovery plan). Recovery of many riverine aquatic species at risk has been integrated in ecosystem plans (e.g., Ausable River – Ausable River Recovery Team 2005, Grand River – Portt et al. 2007, Sydenham River - Dextrase et al. 2003, Thames River - Thames River Recovery Team 2005), which have many efficiencies (Kirk and Pearce in review). The spatial distribution of fish and mussel species at risk have already been mapped within the Grey Sauble and Saugeen Watersheds by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Conservation Ontario 2012). Some species that could benefit include rare mayflies (Baetisca spp.) which have disappeared from the North Saugeen.

Once this strategy is completed it should be integrated into a watershed or ecosystem plan that includes other species at risk. Finally it is important to collaborate and support efforts for Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle recovery with partners in the United States since many threats and recovery actions may be similar (USFWS 2006).

2.4 Performance Measures

Potential performance measures for Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle include the following.

  • No population declines, populations stable or increasing at the Rankin River and Saugeen sites
  • Potential threats to the Rankin River and Saugeen populations have been identified and mitigated
  • Threats to the North Saugeen population have been identified and mitigated; possibility of reestablishment/restoration of population evaluated
  • Improvements in water quality over time demonstrated and populations of sensitive aquatic macroinvertebrates increased
  • Habitat restoration initiated where feasible
  • Best management practices developed and being employed by landowners and municipalities

2.5 Area for Consideration in Developing a Habitat Regulation

Under the ESA, a recovery strategy must include a recommendation to the Minister of Natural Resources on the area that should be considered in developing a habitat regulation. A habitat regulation is a legal instrument that prescribes an area that will be protected as the habitat of the species. The recommendation provided below by the author will be one of many sources considered by the Minister when developing the habitat regulation for this species.

In Ontario, the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle occurs at three locations (one possibly extirpated though this needs to be confirmed); the total extent of occurrence is 36 km2 and the area of occupancy is only 12 km2 based on a 2 x 2 km grid (COSEWIC 2011). Although the areas in which the species has been found are limited to a few hundred metres below a dam or weir, it is important to also consider the influence of adjacent land cover in the vicinity of the site since this can affect water quality and quantity. This includes stream banks, adjacent vegetation such as trees, or structures such as bridges, dams, culverts, roads as well as agricultural fields or other land uses. Desired characteristics of adjacent landcover would be to retain or restore as much permanent natural or semi-natural vegetation cover as possible, especially riparian forest, wetlands and grassland. Riparian buffer strips act as biofilters of sediments and non-point pollutants (see above).

For the habitat regulation it is important to consider the immediate locations where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle are found on the Rankin and Saugeen Rivers, as well as adjacent riparian areas (which include potential pupation sites), and areas of algae within the water channel. In addition, protecting headwater areas upstream (both aquatic and terrestrial) is critical to ensure habitat suitability of the stream. Thus, it is recommended that an area 400 metres downstream of the area of occupancy as well as an area 400 metres upstream (the stream corridor) of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetles occurrences be protected as habitat such that all hydrologically-connected stream segments are included. This minimum distance was chosen because it would allow for silt to settle out from disturbances upstream. It would also allow for downstream dispersal if Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle uses drift for dispersal.

The habitat regulation should also include at least 30 metres of riparian or terrestrial vegetation that may be required to protect suitability within the stream. The distance should be measured from the high water mark of the stream and composed of native vegetation (Kiffney et al. 2003, Lee et al. 2004).

In the United States recovery plan it was recommended that 0.25 miles (about 400 m) of habitat upstream of the site where the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is found be protected (this would include habitat upstream of the weir, dam or culvert). This distance was probably chosen because of government right-of-way designation for habitat upstream and downstream from roads.

Because Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle may be more widely dispersed throughout streams in Ontario, as has been found in Michigan, it is important not to base the entire habitat regulation on a specific distance around known populations. The most critical factors are that the streams should remain in as natural and undisturbed state as possible, and that they have some groundwater input (i.e., they never completely dry up, B. Vande Kopple, pers. comm. 2012). Seasonal dynamics also need to be considered as it is important that lower summer water levels expose substrate for pupation sites. Additional hydrological studies are recommended to monitor seasonal changes in water levels.

It is recommended that sites with historical or potential habitat be included in the regulation where dispersal or translocation is deemed feasible. One such site is the North Saugeen River at Scone, provided that the factors which may have led to the potential extirpation of the species there are mitigated. Although Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle has rarely been observed in flight, it is possible that individuals disperse in this way. Translocations have been carried out successfully in Michigan on several occasions; from culvert/bridge project areas to other locations on the same stream (B. Vande Kopple, pers. comm. 2012). No information is available on survival of these individuals but it is believed to be successful. The fact that beetles survive in closed test tubes for 48 hours suggests that they are fairly robust to translocation.

It is important to emphasize that these suggestions provide interim guidance and future recommendations should consider any new information that becomes available on the biology, population dynamics or habitat needs of the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle.

Glossary

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC): The committee responsible for assessing and classifying species at risk in Canada.

Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO): The committee established under section 3 of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 that is responsible for assessing and classifying species at risk in Ontario.

Conservation status rank: A rank assigned to a species or ecological community that primarily conveys the degree of rarity of the species or community at the global (G), national (N) or subnational (S) level. These ranks, termed G-rank, N-rank and S-rank, are not legal designations. The conservation status of a species or ecosystem is designated by a number from 1 to 5, preceded by the letter G, N or S reflecting the appropriate geographic scale of the assessment. The numbers mean the following:

1 = critically imperilled
2 = imperilled
3 = vulnerable
4 = apparently secure
5 = secure

Coxa (pl. coxae): The basal or first leg segment, connected to the body wall.

Coxal plate: The hardened plate to which the coxa is attached.

Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA): The provincial legislation that provides protection to species at risk in Ontario.

Endemic: Unique to a defined geographic location.

Elytron (plural = elytra): The hard wing covers on the back of beetles.

Instar: The stage between moults.

Macrophytes: Aquatic plant that grows in or near water and is either emergent, submergent, or floating.

Oviposition: The process of laying eggs by oviparous animals.

Penultimate abdominal segments:  segments at rear end of body before tail.

Pronotum:  A dorsal plate between the head and base of wings.

Pupa: Life stage of some insects undergoing transformation.

Pupate: To become a pupa

Pupation: The non-feeding life cycle stage during which the insect transforms from larva to adult.

Species at Risk Act (SARA): The federal legislation that provides protection to species at risk in Canada. This act establishes Schedule 1 as the legal list of wildlife species at risk to which the SARA provisions apply. Schedules 2 and 3 contain lists of species that at the time the Act came into force needed to be reassessed. After species on Schedule 2 and 3 are reassessed and found to be at risk, they undergo the SARA listing process to be included in Schedule 1.

Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List: The regulation made under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 that provides the official status classification of species at risk in Ontario. This list was first published in 2004 as a policy and became a regulation in 2008.

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Appendix 1 - Generalized Water Beetle anatomy

Spikes/hairs on the first 2 pairs of legs (on some of the tarsi) of the males easily distinguish them from the females.

Figure A1
Figure credits: Left - Haliplus ruficollis (De Geer), dorsal view. Right - Haliplus flavicollis (Sturm), ventral view. Figures adapted from Holmen 1987; (permission from USFWS 2006 pending)
Long Description

Appendix 1 figure is a representation of dorsal view and ventral view of the beetle

Part 3 – Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle – Ontario Government Response Statement, prepared by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Protecting and recovering species at risk in Ontario

Species at risk recovery is a key part of protecting Ontario’s biodiversity. Biodiversity – the variety of living organisms on Earth – provides us with clean air and water, food, fibre, medicine and other resources that we need to survive.

The Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) is the Government of Ontario’s legislative commitment to protecting and recovering species at risk and their habitats. As soon as a species is listed as extirpated, endangered or threatened under the ESA, it is automatically protected from harm or harassment. Also, immediately upon listing, the habitats of endangered and threatened species are protected from damage or destruction.

Under the ESA, the Ministry of Natural Resources (the Ministry) must ensure that a recovery strategy is prepared for each species that is listed as endangered or threatened. A recovery strategy provides science-based advice to government on what is required to achieve recovery of a species.

Government response statements

Within nine months after a recovery strategy is prepared, the ESA requires the Ministry to publish a statement summarizing the government’s intended actions and priorities in response to the recovery strategy. The recovery strategy for Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) was completed on January 11, 2013.

The response statement is the government’s policy response to the scientific advice provided in the recovery strategy. All recommendations provided in the recovery strategy were considered and this response statement identifies those that are considered to be appropriate and necessary for the protection and recovery of the species. In addition to the strategy, the response statement is based on input from stakeholders, other jurisdictions, Aboriginal communities and members of the public. It reflects the best available traditional, local and scientific knowledge at this time and may be adapted if new information becomes available. In implementing the actions in the response statement, the ESA allows the Ministry to determine what is feasible, taking into account social and economic factors.

Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle

Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is a small aquatic beetle typically measuring less than five mm long. It lives in rivers and streams with good aeration and cool water temperatures. Individuals are often concentrated downstream of dams, weirs and culverts.

Moving forward to protect and recover Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle

Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is listed as an endangered species under the ESA, which protects both the animal and its habitat. The ESA prohibits harm or harassment of the species and damage or destruction of their habitat without authorization. Such authorization would require that conditions established by the Ministry be met.

Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is a globally rare species found only in the Great Lakes region in Ontario and Michigan. There are three rivers in Bruce County, Ontario where the species has been found: the Rankin, the Saugeen and the North Saugeen. Individuals have not been detected in the North Saugeen River since 2001 so it is possible that it has been extirpated from that location. Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is thought to be a glacial relict that may have been more widespread before the formation of the Great Lakes. Alternatively, the populations may have always been small and scattered. The species is generally found within 1.5 km downstream of human made structures such as dams, weirs or culverts. It is not known if the species was formerly adapted to colonizing similar habitat created by beavers, or if it is currently more widespread but harder to detect in other areas. In general, the habitat requirements of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle are poorly understood.

The main threats to the survival and recovery of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle are believed to include changes in water flow or quality that alter or destroy habitat and removal or modification of human-made water control structures. Since the species requires pristine conditions, run-off of sediment or pollution from areas adjacent to streams and within the watershed have the potential to impact the species. This run-off may occur as a result of road building, industrial, and agricultural development. Predation from introduced species (such as brown trout) has also been identified as a potential threat. Lack of knowledge of the species’ distribution and abundance in Ontario and its specific habitat needs are important information gaps that may affect the ability to recover the species.

The government’s goal for the recovery of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is to maintain or improve the viability of existing populations in Ontario

At this time, reintroduction or translocation of individuals are not considered appropriate recovery tools to contribute to this goal. Once better information is available regarding the species’ population levels, its specific habitat requirements and the causes of extirpation from the historic site, it may be possible to re-evaluate the potential contributions of these approaches.

Protecting and recovering species at risk is a shared responsibility. No single agency or organization has the knowledge, authority or financial resources to protect and recover all of Ontario’s species at risk. Successful recovery requires inter-governmental co-operation and the involvement of many individuals, organizations and communities.

In developing the government response statement, the Ministry considered what actions are feasible for the government to lead directly and what actions are feasible for the government to support its conservation partners to undertake.

Government-led actions

To help protect and recover Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle, the government will directly undertake the following actions:

  • Continue to research the role of natural lake outflows and human-made water control structures on downstream river ecology and rare species
  • Educate other agencies and authorities involved in planning and environmental assessment processes on the protection requirements under the ESA
  • Encourage the submission of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle data to the Ministry’s central repository at the Natural Heritage Information Centre
  • Undertake communications and outreach to increase public awareness of species at risk in Ontario
  • Protect Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle and its habitat through the ESA. Develop and enforce habitat protection provisions identifying the specific habitat of the species
  • Support conservation, agency, municipal and industry partners, and Aboriginal communities and organizations to undertake activities to protect and recover Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle. Support will be provided through funding, agreements, permits (including conditions) and/or advisory services
  • Establish and communicate annual priority actions for government support in order to encourage collaboration and reduce duplication of efforts
Government-supported actions

The government endorses the following actions as being necessary for the protection and recovery of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle. Actions identified as “high” will be given priority consideration for funding or for authorizations under the ESA. The government will focus its support on these high-priority actions over the next five years.

Focus Area: Protection and Management

Objective: Protect existing populations and habitat where Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle is found.

Actions:

1. (HIGH) Develop a strategy at a watershed scale that identifies threats that are a priority for actions. The strategy may include mapping watershed natural features, identifying the locations of dams, weirs and culverts, and determining adjacent land use, and potential non-point source pollution.

2. Mitigate or remove threats by working with partners to strategically implement best management practices (BMPs) on a watershed basis, including:

  • working with landowners to educate and assist in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems by increasing natural cover in the watershed and planting strategic native shoreline buffers; and
  • encouraging development and use of Environmental Farm Plans and Nutrient Management Plans to incorporate BMPs for rural streams and drains. These BMPs should include restoring a healthy riparian zone, reducing access by livestock, establishing manure-storage and runoff collection systems, encouraging conservation tillage and improving faulty septic systems

Focus Area: Inventory and Monitoring

Objective: Improve knowledge of the distribution and abundance of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle in Ontario.

Actions:

3. (HIGH) Conduct systematic surveys of adults using techniques appropriate for rare species that minimizes disturbance to habitat. Survey design should seek to better determine the distribution and abundance of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle by:

  • determining whether the North Saugeen River population is extirpated
  • estimating population size on the Rankin and Saugeen Rivers
  • increasing effort on surveys downstream (or upstream if habitat appropriate) of the known sites to determine whether the pattern observed is due to habitat specialization or detectability biases; and
  • conducting wider systematic surveys of suitable rivers to determine whether any other populations exist

4. Design and implement a monitoring protocol at the existing locations to track long-term trends in population size, adjacent land use, and water quality and quantity (including dissolved oxygen, nutrient levels, flow rate, water temperature, and seasonal water levels).

Focus Area: Research

Objective: Improve knowledge of the habitat requirements of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle.

Actions:

5. Research the specific habitat requirements of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle, including the distribution and role of food algae, water quality and flow requirements, tolerance to sediment loads, habitat for reproduction and hibernation, and dispersal ability.

6. Investigate the role of natural and human-made water control structures in providing habitat for Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle.

Implementing actions

Financial support for the implementation of actions may be available through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, Species at Risk Research Fund for Ontario, or the Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program. Conservation partners are encouraged to discuss project proposals related to the actions in this response statement with the Ministry. The Ministry can also advise if any authorizations under the ESA or other legislation may be required to undertake the project.

Implementation of the actions may be subject to changing priorities across the multitude of species at risk, available resources and the capacity of partners to undertake recovery activities. Where appropriate, the implementation of actions for multiple species will be co-ordinated across government response statements.

Reviewing progress

The ESA requires the Ministry to conduct a review of progress towards protecting and recovering a species not later than five years from the publication of this response statement. The review will help identify if adjustments are needed to achieve the protection and recovery of Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle.

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank all those who participated in the development of the “Recovery Strategy for the Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in Ontario” for their dedication to protecting and recovering species at risk.

For additional information:

Visit the species at risk website
Contact your MNR district office
Contact the Natural Resources Information Centre
1-800-667-1940
TTY 1-866-686-6072
mnr.nric.mnr@ontario.ca
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

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