Species In British Columbia Research Articles

Protecting biodiversity in British Columbia: Recommendations for developing species at risk legislation

British Columbia has the greatest biological diversity of any province or territory in Canada. Yet increasing numbers of species in British Columbia are threatened with extinction. The current patchwork of provincial laws and regulations has not effectively prevented species declines. Recently, the Provincial Government has committed to enacting an endangered species law. Drawing upon our scientific and legal expertise, we offer recommendations for key features of endangered species legislation that build upon strengths and avoid weaknesses observed elsewhere. We recommend striking an independent Oversight Committee to provide recommendations about listing species, organize Recovery Teams, and monitor the efficacy of actions taken. Recovery Teams would evaluate and prioritize potential actions for individual species or groups of species that face common threats or live in a common area, based on best available evidence (including natural and social science and Indigenous Knowledge). Our recommendations focus on implementing an adaptive approach, with ongoing and transparent monitoring and reporting, to reduce delays between determining when a species is at risk and taking effective actions to save it. We urge lawmakers to include this strong evidentiary basis for species recovery as they tackle the scientific and socioeconomic challenges of building an effective species at risk Act.

Range Extensions and New Records from Alaska and British Columbia for Two Skates, Bathyraja Spinosissima and Bathyraja Microtrachys

Recent deep-water surveys of the continental slope in the Bering Sea and the eastern North Pacific, conducted by the US National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, have broadened our understanding of the ichthyofauna in the region. Herein, we report significant new records of 2 species of skates based on morphological and molecular data. For Bathyraja spinosissima, the White Skate, we describe 2 specimens: a neonate male that constitutes a northern range extension for the species to Alaska in the Bering Sea; and an adult male representing a new record for the species in British Columbia. For B. microtrachys, the Fine-spined Skate, we describe 5 males taken in a single haul that represent the 1st record of the species in British Columbia. These specimens had been previously misidentified as B. violacea, the Okhotsk Skate, a species known only from the western Aleutian Islands and the western North Pacific.

The managed decline of British Columbia's commercial salmon fishery

Commercial salmon harvests have declined dramatically for all Pacific salmon species in British Columbia, mainly over the period 1995–2000. Much of this decline is attributable to declining abundance, but some of it has been due to deliberate reduction in allowable exploitation rates. Various reasons have been given for this reduction, but the main rationale appears to have been concern about declines in a few relatively small and unproductive stocks that are intercepted in mixed-stock fisheries. Reductions in exploitation rate have generally not been followed by the increases in stock size that would be expected if overfishing had been the main cause of the declines. Current procedures for setting exploitation rate goals do not appear to involve explicit analysis of the risk-reward trade off relationship between mixed stock exploitation rates and yields.

Assessment of the order Rhodymeniales (Rhodophyta) from British Columbia using an integrative taxonomic approach reveals overlooked and cryptic species diversity

Molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy using COI-5P and rbcL-3P was employed to reassess species diversity for the Rhodymeniales (Rhodophyta) in British Columbia. A total of 563 collections from British Columbia were resolved as 16 genetic species groups, whereas 13 were previously reported. Collections attributed to Botryocladia pseudodichotoma from British Columbia were resolved as distinct from collections of that species from California (type locality) and were assigned to Botryocladia hawkesii sp. nov. DNA sequence data also resolved an additional species of Fryeella. Although two species of Gloiocladia were recognized, genetic analyses resolved three: G. fryeana, G. laciniata, and Gloiocladia vigneaultii sp. nov. Data also resolved Gloiocladia media comb. nov. from California. For the genus Rhodymenia, where two species were expected, DNA sequence data resolved four. Both R. californica and R. pacifica were confirmed in British Columbia, whereas some collections field-identified as R. californica were genetically distinct and assigned to the novel species, Rhodymenia bamfieldensis sp. nov. Some collections initially identified as R. pacifica were assigned to the resurrected species R. rhizoides. Anatomical development for the monospecific genus Minium was also reassessed owing to that taxon’s assignment to the Fryeellaceae. Our investigation clarified the number of rhodymenialean species in British Columbia and resolved taxonomic and distributional uncertainties associated with some of these taxa.

Estimating bobcat and Canada lynx distributions in British Columbia

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the distribution of a species is useful before undertaking management and conservation actions. Distribution estimates provide ecological insights about a species, and help frame the scope and scale of research questions. However, compiling reliable distribution information is a challenge for elusive mesocarnivores such as bobcats (Lynx rufus) and Canada lynx (L. canadensis). In British Columbia, Canada, bobcats and lynx are key mesocarnivores ecologically and are important furbearers, but their distributions are poorly understood. We compiled and compared 5 independent sources of bobcat and lynx records in British Columbia to gain a better understanding of their provincial distributions: trapping records, hunting records, vehicle‐kill records, trapper surveys, and images solicited from the public. Our objectives were to compare bobcat and lynx distributions derived from each of these data sources, and provide reliable estimates for the distribution of each species in British Columbia between 2008 and 2017. Although each method has unique advantages and limitations, all data sources indicated similar distributions, and each data source provided unique locations for the final distribution maps that we derived. Bobcats were restricted to the southern half of British Columbia, whereas lynx occurred across most of the interior of the province. Bobcat and lynx distributions broadly overlapped in southern British Columbia, but image detections generally occurred at higher elevations for lynx than bobcats. We demonstrate the utility of combining multiple data sources when estimating species distributions, and highlight the usefulness of citizen science in such studies. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.

A molecular-assisted investigation of diversity, biogeography and phylogenetic relationships for species of Neoptilota and Ptilota (Wrangeliaceae, Rhodophyta) reported along Canadian coasts

:Traditional morphology-based investigations of the red algal genera Neoptilota and Ptilota (Wrangeliaceae, Rhodophyta) have struggled to provide accurate accounts of diversity, distribution and evolutionary relationships for the species reported along Canadian coasts. Consequently, there is much disagreement and taxonomic uncertainty surrounding several species within these genera. To resolve these issues we conducted a molecular-assisted investigation that included both a DNA barcode survey (COI-5P), as well as the first multigene (COI-5P, psaA, rbcL) phylogenetic analyses for these genera. To compare our taxonomic results with a previous investigation we also sequenced psbA for select species. Our phylogenetic analyses indicated that current taxonomic perspectives among members of these genera were incorrect, as the generitypes for Neoptilota and Ptilota resolved together in a lineage that also included Psilothallia dentata, with the generitype for Plumaria weakly resolved as sister to all of the previous taxa. Synonymy of Neoptilota with Ptilota was proposed, as was the transfer of Psilothallia dentata to this genus. Additionally, our molecular analyses have indicated that diversity was previously underestimated for this complex. Whereas we uncovered no differences for the Atlantic flora relative to recent studies, in the northeast Pacific we considered Ptilota californica var. californica to be synonymous with P. densa and we expanded P. filicina to include specimens previously assigned to P. californica var. β concinna. We further failed to confirm the presence of P. serrata and recorded six additional species in British Columbia: reinstatement of P. tenuis; P. gwaiihaanasica sp. nov.; P. haidarum sp. nov.; P. pseudohypnoides sp. nov.; P. sloanii sp. nov.; and, P. subita sp. nov. The implications of the taxonomic changes proposed here are discussed.

Diet of Roadkilled Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) and Gophersnakes (Pituophis catenifer) in Southern British Columbia

Abstract A critical 1st step in understanding the basic ecology of any predator is to delineate their suite of prey species. In this paper we provide data on the diet of 2 threatened snake species in British Columbia, the Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) and the Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer). By dissecting the gastrointestinal tracts of roadkilled specimens, we identified a total of 11 different prey types. Unlike what has been previously reported elsewhere for the 2 species, we found a strikingly high degree of overlap between the diets, as shown through Morisita's similarity index (Ĉ = 0.98). The Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) was the most frequently identified prey type for both species, followed by shrews (Sorex spp.). Other prey species consumed by Western Rattlesnakes were approximately even in abundance and in low numbers. Gophersnakes had a wider range of prey consumed at moderate frequencies, including voles (Microtus spp.) and birds. We also detected prey in a relatively high per...

Morphology and Timing of Spawning of Umatilla Dace (<i>Rhinichthys umatilla</i>) in the Slocan River, British Columbia

Umatilla Dace (Rhinichthys umatilla, Cyprinidae) are endemic to the Columbia River Basin. In Canada, this species is assessed as “threatened”. Little is known about its life history, especially with respect to spawning in the wild. A total of 688 specimens were captured, including 39 mature males and females displaying spawning colouration and tubercles, during minnow trapping and electrofishing surveys conducted on the Slocan River in southern British Columbia, Canada. Fertilized eggs were not observed, but eggs and milt were expressed from ripe individuals. Spawning was estimated to occur from mid-July to mid-September. Aquatic macrophytes and flooded terrestrial vegetation were important habitat features for mature Umatilla Dace leading up to the spawning period on the Slocan River. To our knowledge this is the first time that Umatilla Dace have been captured in spawning condition and observed with spawning colouration and tubercles in the wild in Canada. Results of this study will aid the development of recovery plans and management for this species in British Columbia.

Truffle diversity (Tuber, Tuberaceae) in British Columbia.

To improve baseline data for the developing truffle industry in British Columbia, we compiled existing Tuber species sequences from published and unpublished studies and generated new ITS sequences for truffles belonging to Tuber collected in the province. In doing so, we obtained evidence that 13 species of Tuber occur in the province, including six introduced and seven native species, two of which are putative undescribed species. Of the native species, the Tuber anniae species complex is widely distributed in the province while Tuber beyerlei appears to be much more restricted in distribution. Four of the introduced species have commercial value (Tuber melanosporum, Tuber aestivum, Tuber brumale, and Tuber borchii) as do two of the native species (Tuber gibbosum and Tuber oregonense). Focused sampling on likely tree hosts, both hardwood and Pinaceae species, as well as in currently unexplored parts of the province seems likely to expand our knowledge of the diversity and distribution of Tuber species in British Columbia.

The potential of mixing timber assets to financially offset negative effects of deer browsing on western redcedar

Western redcedar (WRC) is a highly desirable species in British Columbia's Coastal Western Hemlock zone, both from a management and a conservation perspective. However, it is also highly palatable for ungulates. Existing countermeasures against browsing all have high costs and imperfect results in common. We used the portfolio method to display how diversification can help to lower investment risk. Using risk-return ratios of a WRC and Douglas-fir (DF), we derived species portfolios that yield maximum financial return per unit of risk. Financial indicators were calculated based on Monte Carlo simulations, which consider timber price fluctuation and browsing risk. Results show how economic risks of a forest investment could be reduced by creating a species portfolio. The optimum portfolio leading to most beneficial risk-return combination is 75% WRC and 25% DF if browsing is lowered using protective measures that double planting costs; and 30% WRC and 70% DF if no protective measures are applied. Accordingly, the most desirable risk-return combination is that of a mixed-species forest, whereas the 2 species don't have to be grown in intimate mixtures. Our research sketches a path forward that can help to ensure WRC will remain an important asset in BC's timber portfolio.

Taxonomic review of Hadromerida (Porifera, Demospongiae) from British Columbia, Canada, and adjacent waters, with the description of nine new species.

The history of sponge collecting and systematics in British Columbia is reviewed over the period 1878 to 1966. Recent additions and changes are provided in an on-line species list: www.mareco/org/kml/projects/NEsponges.asp. Hadromerids are the focus of this paper as eight of 19 species in British Columbia are considered new. An additional new species is described from southern California to clarify the status of Tethya californiana in BC. An update is timely for hadromerids in BC as there is new material and renewed interest, while existing descriptions are often inadequate. We describe new species and provide additions to previous descriptions for sponges of the order Hadromerida (Porifera: Demospongiae) in the cold temperate NE Pacific off British Columbia and adjacent waters. We propose one range extension and one new species in Clionaidae; two range extensions and five new species in Polymastiidae; one range extension, two name changes and two new species in Suberitidae; and one new species in Tethyidae. New species include Pione gibraltarensis n.sp., Polymastia piscesae n. sp., Radiella endeavourensis n. sp., Sphaerotylus raphidophora n. sp., Sphaerotylus verenae n. sp., Weberella perlucida n. sp., Prosuberites saanichensis n. sp., Suberites lambei n. sp., and Tethya vacua n. sp..

Stochastic models reveal conditions for cyclic dominance in sockeye salmon populations

The cause of population cycles is a common question in ecology, and one especially puzzling case is the cycles over the past century in populations of sockeye salmon, Oncorhyncus nerka. Some populations of this semelparous species in British Columbia, Canada, exhibit a phenomenon termed cyclic dominance: every four years there is a dominant cohort of primarily four‐year‐old spawners, orders of magnitude more abundant than other cohorts, producing a distinctive four‐year cycle. In some populations, these cycles stop, start, or shift phase. We used a stochastic age‐structured model to investigate the conditions allowing cycles and the events that could cause them to move in and out of cyclic dominance. We first defined cyclic dominance as high values of cyclicity, the fraction of time the population is cyclic, and dominance, the difference in abundance between the dominant cohort and the other three cohorts. We then used simulations to determine the values of (1) relative population persistence (i.e., proximity to collapse), (2) variability in survival, (3) variability in growth, and (4) spread in spawning age distribution that led to the observed levels of cyclic dominance in 18 stocks from the Fraser River, British Columbia, and nine stocks from Bristol Bay, Alaska, USA. Our simulations produced a range of dynamics similar to those observed in real stocks, from noncyclic to intermittent cycles to extremely consistent cyclic‐dominant cycles. We found that cyclicity and dominance were most likely to be high under conditions of low population persistence, high variability in survival, and narrow age structure. Populations could be driven into cyclic‐dominant behavior by unusually large perturbations in survival, but not in individual growth rate. Because this triggering mechanism is stochastic, populations may exist under conditions enabling cycles for a substantial time without displaying cyclic dominance, which is consistent with observations from real stocks. The association between cyclic dominance and low population persistence is of some concern for management. Also, the dependence of cyclic variability on intrinsic population dynamics (albeit stochastically driven) should be taken into account when assessing whether statistically independent fluctuations of stocks produce a biodiversity portfolio effect.

A comparison ofLobaria pulmonariapopulation structure between subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and mountain alder (Alnus incana) host-tree species in British Columbia’s inland temperate rainforest

In a study using dated branch segments, we determined the size class distribution and reproductive status of Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. growing on subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa Nutt.) and mountain alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) alongside small streams in British Columbia’s inland temperate rainforest (ITR). The number of thalli per branch segment did not significantly differ between Abies and Alnus, although mean L. pulmonaria biomass on entire branches was 71.03 g on fir and 12.31 g on alder. Branch diameter was a significant predictor for reproductive status of thalli on fir, whereas branch age was a better predictor for thalli on mountain alder. The presence of sorediate and (or) isidiate individuals on branch segments <10 years old suggests a rapid generation time for L. pulmonaria in the ITR. Annual growth rates of L. pulmonaria thalli reached up to 1.16 cm2·cm−2·yr−1on branch segments less than 15 years in age. Specific thallus mass (STM) was significantly higher for thalli on alder. STM was strongly dependent on thallus size on both host-tree species, with values from above 10 mg.cm−2in large thalli (>100 cm2), to <3 mg.cm−2in small thalli (<0.1 cm2). These differences between host-tree species can be interpreted in context of both adjacent canopy structure and the differences in tree growth form between these two host-tree species, both of which factors lead to greater light availability at the surface of mountain alder branches. The fast growth rates and short generation time observed in L. pulmonaria thalli growing on both alder and fir highlights the favorable conditions riparian habitats create for lichen growth in British Columbia’s ITR.

A New Subspecies ofLimnanthes(Limnanthaceae) from San Mateo County, California

Limnanthes douglasii R. Br. subsp. ornduffii E. G. Buxton (Limnanthaceae), a narrowly endemic meadowfoam from Moss Beach (Half Moon Bay) in San Mateo County, California, is described. Though it shares the morphological trait of being tetramerous with Limnanthes macounii Trel., an endemic species in British Columbia, Canada, it is not a sister taxon to L. macounii based on molecular sequence evidence. L. douglasii subsp. ornduffii appears in an unresolved group with other L. douglasii populations/subspecies. Molecular data coupled with morphological distinctiveness and geographical endemism provide a credible basis for recognizing the Moss Beach population as a L. douglasii subspecies. Data suggest that tetramerism in the genus has arisen more than once.

First Specimens of the Marine Eels <em>Venefica ocella</em> and <em>V. tentaculata</em> (Nettastomatidae) from British Columbia

Until recently, only the following seven species of marine eels were known to exist in waters off British Columbia (based on literature sources and museum records): Nemichthys scolopaceus, and Avocettina infans (Nemichthyidae, snipe eels), Xenomystax atrarius (Congridae, conger eels), Serrivomer jesperseni (Serrivomeridae, sawtooth eels), Cyema atrum (Cyematidae, bobtail eels), Synaphobranchus affinis (Synaphobranchidae, cutthroat eels), and Thalassenchelys coheni (Colocongridae, worm eels). Histiobranchus bathybius (also in the Synaphobranchidae) is expected to occur in British Columbia, since its range extends from Mexico to Alaska. Recent surveys to determine the viability of crab fisheries facilitated the collection of non-game fishes from by-catch in bottom-trawl samples. Several eels were collected between 2004 and 2006, and they were originally identified as Serrivomer jesperseni (Serrivomeridae). Re-examination of these specimens indicates that they all are duckbill eels (Nettastomatidae), the first records of this family north of 45°39'N along the North American Pacific coast. Both Venefica ocella and V. tentaculata are represented, with V. ocella found farther north than V. tentaculata. All British Columbia specimens are housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum. The collection of new deep-water species in British Columbia reinforces the value of survey sampling to improve our knowledge of biodiversity.

Impact of Biological Control on Two Knapweed Species in British Columbia

Diffuse and spotted knapweed (Centaurea diffusa Lam and C. stoebe L.) are two closely related invasives found in many parts of British Columbia’s Southern Interior, causing substantial economic losses in rangelands. Beginning in 1970, the provincial government initiated a long-term biological control effort against the knapweeds, introducing 10 different insect agents from 1970 to 1987. In an effort to evaluate the efficacy of the program, archival (1983–2008) data was amassed from 19 vegetation monitoring sites that contained knapweed. In 2010, these sites were relocated and re-monitored and cover values were analyzed. Diffuse knapweed showed significant declines at 14 of 15 sites; spotted knapweed declined at three of four sites. Possible alternative explanations for the decline are discussed. Evidence strongly points to a suite of biocontrol agents (seed feeders and root feeders) as the primary drivers of knapweed decline in British Columbia’s Southern Interior.

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Commercial Mechanical Trap to Reduce Abundance of Adult Nuisance Mosquito Populations

In this study, we explore the potential of a commercially available mechanical mosquito control device, the Liberty Plus Mosquito Magnet (hereafter referred to as Mosquito Magnet), to reduce the abundance of adult nuisance mosquito populations in public recreational areas. Mosquitoes were trapped on 2 replicate sites close to a campground at Brae Island Regional Park near Fort Langley, British Columbia, Canada. Each site comprised a treatment (Mosquito Magnets used) and control subsection (Mosquito Magnets not used). Mosquito numbers were assessed before and after the treatment period in both subsections at each site with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) black light traps. Although nearly 200,000 mosquitoes from 14 different species were collected over 366 trap-nights from May 31 to July 31, 2008, the majority of those identified were Aedes sticticus (68%) and Ae. vexans (22%)-2 of the most notorious nuisance mosquito species in British Columbia. The number of mosquitoes captured by CDC black light traps increased overall during the study period due to natural seasonal variation. Nevertheless, a significant treatment effect (P = 0.0389) was associated with an average decrease of about 32% in the average number of adult mosquitoes collected per day. These results strongly suggest that Mosquito Magnets can reduce the abundance of nuisance mosquitoes, potentially reducing the biting pressure on the public, and providing another tool in mosquito control operations.

Assessing the Conservation Significance of a State Park System, New York, USA

ABSTRACT: Bunnell et al. (2009) introduced the concept of Stewardship Responsibility (SR) rankings as a tool for conservation planning, using global rankings of rare species in British Columbia. I applied a version of their tool to assess biodiversity distributions in New York State Parks, using records collected by the N.Y. Natural Heritage Program. Comprehensive surveys were conducted among 150 parks over a decade, leading to a database of 1074 records for 312 rare species and 98 significant ecological communities. I applied SR ranks in a nested design — agency-wide — among regions within the agency and across the state (comparisons with other management entities). Subsets of parks and regions ranked more highly than others, but most parks contain at least one rare species and significant ecological community, indicating a broad distribution of important biological resources. Statewide, the agency maintains a very high SR rank profile in proportion to its land area (< 1% of the state), with 43% of all N...

Fruit infection and postharvest decay of greenhouse tomatoes caused by Penicillium species in British Columbia

A previously undescribed spotting of tomato fruit was observed in the packinghouse and storage facility of a commercial organic grower in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia during 2009–2011. Symptoms initially appeared as small black spots on the tomato fruit, barely visible after harvest. The black spots expanded to form larger grey-black lesions with evidence of mycelial growth in the centre after 5–10 days of storage at 12 °C or after tomatoes were shipped to retail outlets. Isolations from symptomatic skin and pericarp tissues from early and expanded lesions primarily yielded species of Penicillium. Healthy tomato fruit inoculated with conidia of Penicillium isolates developed black spots which progressed to form larger grey lesions, typical of symptoms observed in the commercial greenhouse. Several Penicillium species were identified using morphological characteristics and DNA sequencing of the ITS region and partial β-tubulin gene. Isolates identified as P. olsonii produced the characteristic spotting of fruit followed by expanding lesions, while other isolates identified as P. solitum and P. polonicum caused a rapid soft rot and decay. Ripe fruit inoculated with P. olsonii had a significantly higher disease severity index compared with those that were inoculated at the breaker or flush stages. Inoculations on the tomato shoulder resulted in significantly higher disease severity than inoculations at the middle or base of the fruit. Swabs of tomato fruit surfaces and calyx tissues taken while fruit were still on the vine followed by plating onto PDA revealed that high populations (>40 CFU) of resident P. olsonii were present on the fruit. Similar populations were detected when calyx tissues were plated directly onto PDA. The mode of entry of P. olsonii is likely through naturally occurring cracks or russeting of the fruit cuticle from resident populations. Wounding of the skin did not significantly enhance disease severity compared with unwounded treatments. Disease severity increased significantly when tomatoes were incubated at 12 °C compared with 22 °C following inoculation. This appears to be the first report of a fruit spotting and post-harvest decay of tomato fruit caused by P. olsonii.

Spring bud phenology of 18 Betula papyrifera populations in British Columbia

Paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) is an ecologically valuable and suitable new reforestation species in British Columbia (BC). An understanding of birch's genecology is important to deploy it successfully. Eighteen paper birch populations (49–55°N) were collected from five distinct geographic regions in BC to determine whether observed variability in spring bud phenology was due to genetics, the growing environment or their interaction. Seedlings were grown at three common gardens in Prince George (53°45′N), Salmon Arm (50°47′N) and Victoria (48°29′N) to observe the bud break. Further a controlled photoperiod, a root zone temperature and a translocation experiment from the northern to central garden were conducted to investigate the effect of photoperiod and root temperature on birch bud break. Results revealed that timing of spring bud phenology in paper birch is under genetic and environmental control, following climatic clines based on latitude from south to north. Bud flush at the southern common garden was on an average 25 days earlier and required 177 more growing degree day than the northern common garden. Conversely, our controlled experiments and seed source translocation experiment showed that the signal for the onset of spring bud flush is controlled by air temperature, soil temperature, and photoperiod. These results allow us to characterize spring budburst phenology of paper birch and begin to consider seed zones and seed zone transfer guidelines for BC.