Prototype quillwort (Isoetes prototypus) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

Assessment Summary – May 2005

Common name: Prototype Quillwort

Scientific name: Isoetes prototypus

Status: Special Concern

Reason for designation: A regional endemic with almost all of its global population in Canada. The species is an aquatic perennial with very specific habitat requirements limiting its occurrence in Canada to about 12 small, unconnected lakes in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The species is found in nutrient-poor, cold, spring-fed lakes. Although several sites have been shown to contain large numbers of plants, one half of the documented sites contain small populations. A wide range of potential limiting factors could impact the species, including changes in water quality, boating and shoreline development.

Occurrence: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia

Status history: Designated Special Concern in May 2005.  Assessment based on a new status report.