Frosted glass-whiskers (Sclerophora peronella) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 12

Technical Summary (British Columbia)

Sclerophora peronella

Frosted glass-whiskers (British Columbia population) – sclérophore givré (population de la Colombie-Britannique)

Range of Occurrence in Canada:

British Columbia

Extent and Area information

extent of occurrence (EO) (km²)
<1 km²
specify trend (decline, stable, increasing, unknown)
Not known
are there extreme fluctuations in EO (>1 order of magnitude)?
Unlikely
area of occupancy (AO) (km²)
<1 m²
specify trend (decline, stable, increasing, unknown)
Unknown
are there extreme fluctuations in AO (>1 order magnitude)?
Unknown
number of extant locations
3
specify trend in # locations (decline, stable, increasing, unknown)
Stable
are there extreme fluctuations in # locations (>1 order of magnitude)?
No
habitat trend: specify declining, stable, increasing or unknown trend in area, extent or quality of habitat
Unknown

Population information

generation time (average age of parents in the population) (indicate years, months, days, etc.)
Unknown
number of mature individuals (capable of reproduction) in the Canadian population (or, specify a range of plausible values)
Approx. 75% of apothecia were mature
total population trend: specify declining, stable, increasing or unknown trend in number of mature individuals
Unknown
if decline, % decline over the last/next 10 years or 3 generations, whichever is greater (or specify if for shorter time period)
are there extreme fluctuations in number of mature individuals (>1 order of magnitude)?
Unknown
is the total population severely fragmented (most individuals found within small and relatively isolated (geographically or otherwise) populations between which there is little exchange, i.e., <1 successful migrant / year)?
Total worldwide population is severely fragmented
list each population and the number of mature individuals in each
British Columbia, Skeena River Basin, Kitsumkalum Lake
specify trend in number of populations (decline, stable, increasing, unknown)
Unknown
are there extreme fluctuations in number of populations (>1 order of magnitude)?
Unlikely

Threats (actual or imminent threats to populations or habitats

  • Given the available data, Sclerophora peronella seems to prefer the ecological stability associated with mature and old-growth forests.  These ecosystems are under threat worldwide from habitat loss and degradation. No specific threats in this regard were noted for the collection localities.
  • Like certain other groups of lichens, this species is sensitive to acid rain and other atmospheric pollutants that affect lichens generally.

Rescue Effect (immigration from an outside source)

Unlikely

does species exist elsewhere (in Canada or outside)?
Several small populations exist in Oregon and others in Europe.
status of the outside population(s)?
Unknown.
is immigration known or possible?
Immigration is possible but unlikely.
would immigrants be adapted to survive here?
Possibly.
is there sufficient habitat for immigrants here?
Yes, but it is declining.

Quantitative Analysis

Not applicable

Status and Reasons for Designation

Status: Data Deficient

Alpha-numeric code: Not applicable

Reasons for Designation: This tiny cryptic stubble lichen is very rare or threatened over much of its global range. The species is known from only one site in the north-central part of the province where it was found once on a large cottonwood. Although search effort for stubble lichens has been extensive in regions farther south within the province, search effort in the northern region where the species was found was inadequate.

Applicability of Criteria

  • Criterion A (Declining Total Population): Population decline not documented.
  • Criterion B (Small Distribution, and Decline or Fluctuation): Not applicable.
  • Criterion C (Small Total Population Size and Decline): Not applicable since the number of individuals is not known.
  • Criterion D (Very Small Population or Restricted Distribution): Not applicable.
  • Criterion E (Quantitative Analysis): Not applicable.

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