Seaside centipede lichen (Heterodermia sitchensis) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

Assessment Summary – April 2006

Common name : Seaside centipede lichen

Scientific name : Heterodermia sitchensis

Status : Endangered

Reason for designation : This is a foliose lichen restricted to shoreline Sitka spruce trees on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It has been documented from only ten locations in Canada, 11 worldwide. It requires high levels of nitrogen, so is restricted to sites subject to nitrogen enrichment, for example, sea lion haul-out sites and bird nest sites. The species may have poor dispersal abilities. It is highly vulnerable to tsunamis, and intensified winter storm activity associated with global warming.

Occurrence : British Columbia

Status history : Designated Endangered in April 1996. Status re-examined and confirmed in May 2000 and in April 2006. Last assessment based on an update status report.