Cryptic paw (Nephroma occultum) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 10

Existing Protection or Other Status Designations

Nephroma occultumis nationally ranked a species of Special Concern by COSEWIC (2004), based upon recommendations from the initial status report (Goward 1995a). In British Columbia, it is ranked S2S3 and is not protected by provincial legislation (NatureServe 2005).

Five Canadian localities for Nephroma occultum are situated within parks or protected areas; the remaining populations occur on Crown land and are not protected from forest harvesting or other disturbances. Even in protected areas, N. occultum habitat is threatened by climate change, fire and hemlock looper outbreaks. Prohibiting forest harvesting in N. occultum habitat is key for the conservation of this species; however, it will not provide absolute security for the long-term survival of every population. 

In Washington and Oregon, Nephroma occultum is protected under the Northwest Forest Plan (USDA and USDI 1994). It is not protected in Alaska.

NatureServe (2005) reports the following rankings for its global distribution:

  • Global Status: G3
  • Last Reviewed: June 17, 2004
  • British Columbia: S2/S3
  • Alaska: SNR (not ranked)
  • Washington: S1
  • Oregon: S3

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