Blue-grey taildropper (Prophysaon coeruleum) proposed recovery strategy 2016: part 2

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Part 2 – Recovery Plan for Blue-grey Taildropper (Prophysaon coeruleum) in British Columbia, prepared by the Blue-grey Taildropper Recovery Team for the British Columbia Ministry of Environment.

Document Information

About the British Columbia Recovery Strategy Series

This series presents the recovery strategies or recovery plans that are prepared as advice to the Province of British Columbia on the general strategic approach required to recover species at risk. Recovery strategies or recovery plans are prepared in accordance with the priorities and management actions assigned under the British Columbia Conservation Framework. The Province prepares recovery strategies to ensure coordinated conservation actions and meet its commitments to recover species at risk under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk in Canada, and the Canada – British Columbia Agreement on Species at Risk.

What is recovery?

Species at risk recovery is the process by which the decline of an endangered, threatened, or extirpated species is arrested or reversed, and threats are removed or reduced to improve the likelihood of a species’ persistence in the wild.

What is a recovery strategy?

A recovery strategy summarizes the best available science-based knowledge of a species or ecosystem to identify goals, objectives, and strategic approaches that provide a coordinated direction for recovery. These documents outline what is and what is not known about a species or ecosystem, identify threats to the species or ecosystem and explain what should be done to mitigate those threats, as well as provide information on habitat needed for survival and recovery of the species (if available). The Province of British Columbia accepts the information in these documents as advice to inform implementation of recovery measures, including decisions regarding measures to protect habitat for the species. When sufficient information to guide implementation for the species can be included, the document is referred to as a recovery plan, and a separate action plan is not required.

For more information

To learn more about species at risk recovery in British Columbia, please visit the Ministry of Environment Recovery Planning

Recommended citation

Blue-grey Taildropper Recovery Team. 2012. Recovery plan for Blue-grey Taildropper (Prophysaon coeruleum) in British Columbia. Prepared for the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Victoria, BC. 36 pp.

Cover illustration/photograph
Kristiina Ovaska, Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd., Sidney, B.C.

Additional copies
Additional copies can be downloaded from the B.C. Ministry of Environment Recovery Planning

Publication information
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

Blue-grey Taildropper Recovery Team (Canada)
Recovery plan for blue-grey taildropper (Prophysaon coeruleum) in British Columbia [electronic resource] / prepared by Blue-grey Taildropper Recovery Team.

(British Columbia recovery strategy series)
Includes bibliographical references.
Electronic monograph in PDF format.
ISBN 978-0-7726-6567-6

1. Arionidae--Conservation--British Columbia. 2. Rare invertebrates--British Columbia. I. British Columbia. Ministry of Environment II. Title. III. Series: British Columbia recovery strategy series

QL430.5 A7 B58 2012
333.95'54838
C2012-980066-X

Disclaimer

This recovery plan has been prepared by the Blue-grey Taildropper Recovery Team, as advice to the responsible jurisdictions and organizations that may be involved in recovering the species. The British Columbia Ministry of Environment has received this advice as part of fulfilling its commitments under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk in Canada, and the Canada – British Columbia Agreement on Species at Risk.

This document identifies the recovery strategies that are deemed necessary, based on the best available scientific and traditional information, to recover Blue-grey Taildropper populations in British Columbia. Recovery actions to achieve the goals and objectives identified herein are subject to the priorities and budgetary constraints of participatory agencies and organizations. These goals, objectives, and recovery approaches may be modified in the future to accommodate new objectives and findings.

The responsible jurisdictions and all members of the Blue-grey Taildropper Recovery Team have had an opportunity to review this document. However, this document does not necessarily represent the official positions of the agencies or the personal views of all individuals on the recovery team.

Success in the recovery of this species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that may be involved in implementing the directions set out in this plan. The B.C. Ministry of Environment encourages all British Columbians to participate in the recovery of Blue-grey Taildropper.

Recovery Team Members

Trudy Chatwin, Ministry of Natural Resource Operations, Nanaimo, BC
Tracy Cornforth, National Defence, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, Victoria, BC
Jennifer Heron (Chair), Ministry of Environment (MoE), Vancouver, BC
Suzie Lavallee, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Cory Manton, District of Saanich, Victoria, BC
Adriane Pollard, District of Saanich, Victoria, BC
Andrea Schiller, Pacific Forestry Centre, Natural Resources Canada, Victoria, BC
Maureen Scott, Pacific Forestry Centre, Natural Resources Canada, Victoria, BC
Dan Shervill, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Delta, BC

Responsible Jurisdictions

The British Columbia Ministry of Environment is responsible for producing a recovery plan for Blue-grey Taildropper under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk in Canada. Environment Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service participated in the preparation of this recovery plan.

Acknowledgements

The recovery plan was prepared by Jennifer Heron followed by subsequent review and input from recovery team members. Additional input and review were provided by Marilyn Fuchs (Capital Regional District), Nicole Kroeker (Parks Canada Agency), Bill Woodhouse (BC Parks), Mike Rody (BC Parks), Ross Vennesland (Parks Canada Agency), Arthur Robinson (Canadian Forest Service, Pacific Forestry Centre), and Geoff Scudder (University of British Columbia). Scientific review was completed by Kristiina Ovaska and Lennart Sopuck (Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd, Sidney) with funding from B.C. Ministry of Environment. Thank you to Byron Woods (BC MoE) for maps and GIS support. Additional editorial and technical review was completed by Jeff Brown (BC MoE) and Leah Westereng (BC MoE). This document follows the B.C. Guide for Recovery Planning for Species and Ecosystems (Ministry of Environment 2010a).

Executive Summary

Blue-grey Taildropper (Prophysaon coeruleum) is endemic to western North America. Adults are small, slender slugs that grow up to 45 mm in length. The slug’s most obvious distinguishing feature is the overall solid and often brilliant-bluish body colouration.

Blue-grey Taildropper is assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as Endangered. The species is listed in Canada on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) as Endangered due to the species’ very small extent of occurrence (~ 150 km²) and area of occupancy (< 5 km²), and a continuing decline is projected in quality of habitat. Blue-grey Taildropper is only known from 11 locations within the Victoria area on southern Vancouver Island. In British Columbia (B.C.), Blue-grey Taildropper is ranked S1 (critically imperiled) by the Conservation Data Centre and is on the provincial Red list. The B.C. Conservation Framework ranks Blue-grey Taildropper as a priority 1 under goal 3 (maintain the diversity of native species and ecosystems). Recovery is considered biologically and technically feasible.

The global range of Blue-grey Taildropper is at the northernmost limit of its range in B.C. and extends south through western Washington State and Oregon into northern California. An isolated, disjunct number of locations are known from northern Idaho. In B.C., Blue-grey Taildropper comprises less than 3% of the species’ global range.

Blue-grey Taildropper inhabits a wide range of coniferous and mixedwood, multi-age forests, where it is associated with moist plant communities. Important microhabitat features include abundant coarse woody debris or other cover; deep forest litter layer; and shaded, moist forest floor conditions. Optimal sites have minimal introduced plant species and competing introduced gastropods.

Threats to Blue-grey Taildropper include residential and commercial development (e.g., land conversion to housing and urban areas, commercial and industrial areas, and tourism and recreational areas); transportation and service corridors; logging and wood harvesting within potential habitat; human intrusions and disturbance such as recreational activities within park locations; natural system modifications (e.g., fire suppression); invasive non-native plant species, leading to changes in the habitat and invasive non-native gastropod species; pollution from agricultural effluents; and droughts due to climate change.

The population and distribution goal is to ensure the persistence of all^Footnote1 known (and newly recorded) locations of Blue-grey Taildropper throughout the species’ range in B.C.

The recovery objectives are:

1. to secure protection^Footnote2 for the known locations (and new locations) and habitats of Blue-grey Taildropper.
2. to assess and mitigate the extent of the current threats (IUCN-CMP Threat^Footnote3 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) at all locations in B.C.
3. to address knowledge gaps (e.g., habitat requirements, range extent within Vancouver Island, and potential range extent in the Kootenay region) for Blue-grey Taildropper.

Recovery Feasibility Summary

The recovery of Blue-grey Taildropper in B.C. is considered technically and biologically feasible based on the criteria outlined by the Government of Canada (2009):

1. Individuals of the wildlife species that are capable of reproduction are available now or in the foreseeable future to sustain the population or improve its abundance.
   • Yes. There are eleven Blue-grey Taildropper locations. Although little information exists on populations at each known location, the Blue-grey Taildropper has been found recently at all of these locations.
2. Sufficient suitable habitat is available to support the species or could be made available through habitat management or restoration.
   • Yes. Blue-grey Taildropper persists in small habitat patches within each of the eleven known locations on southern Vancouver Island. Additional, undocumented localities are likely to exist. There are also larger patches of suitable, unsurveyed habitat for Blue-grey Taildropper slug located within southern Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, the Kootenays, and areas on the south side of the Fraser River from Langley east to Bridal Veil Falls near Hope.
3. The primary threats to the species or its habitat (including threats outside Canada) can be avoided or mitigated.
   • Yes. The primary threats to Blue-grey Taildropper can be addressed at each of the eleven known locations. Lands managers know of Blue-grey Taildropper occurrences and are working towards integrating recovery actions into land management planning and decisions.
4. Recovery techniques exist to achieve the population and distribution objectives or can be expected to be developed within a reasonable timeframe.
   • Yes. Recovery techniques, such developing site-specific management plans, redirecting recreational trails, removing invasive plants that may impact habitat, and establishing cover boards to monitor populations, are examples of techniques that work towards achieving the population and distribution goal. Restoration of habitats that have been modified by urban or agricultural practices may also be possible in some cases.

1. COSEWICⁱ Species Assessment Information

Date of Assessment:

April 2006

Common Name (population):

Blue-grey Taildropper

Scientific Name:

Prophysaon coeruleum Cockerell, 1890

COSEWIC Status:

Endangered

Reason for Designation:

This species has a very small extent of occurrence (~ 150 km ²) and area of occupancy (< 5 km ²), and a continuing decline is projected in quality of habitat. It is found in remnant patches of older forest with a deciduous component. It is currently known from only 5 locations on southern Vancouver Island. Threats at these locations include heavy recreational use and the impacts of introduced plants and animals, including introduced invasive slugs and snails.

Canadian Occurrence:

British Columbia

COSEWIC Status History:

Designated Endangered in April 2006. Assessment based on a new status report.

ⁱCommittee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

2. Species Status Information

Blue-grey Taildropper Slug^Footnotea

Legal Designation: Identified Wildlife:^Footnoteb No
B.C. Wildlife Act:^Footnotec No
SARA Schedule: 1 (2007)

Conservation Status:^Footnoted
B.C. List: Red
B.C. Rank: S1 (2008)
National Rank: N1 (2006)
Global Rank: G3G4 (2010)

Subnational Ranks:^Footnotee
California (S1S2);
Idaho (SNR);
Oregon (S3);
Washington (S1)

B.C. Conservation Framework:^Footnotef
Goal 1: Contribute to global efforts for species and ecosystem conservation. Priority:^Footnoteg 2 (2009)
Goal 2: Prevent species and ecosystems from becoming at risk. Priority: 6 (2009)
Goal 3: Maintain the diversity of native species and ecosystems. Priority: 1 (2009)

Action Groups: Compile Status Report; Habitat Protection; List under Wildlife Act; Send to COSEWIC; Planning Private Land Stewardship; Habitat Restoration; Species and Population Management

3. Species Information

3.1 Species Description

Blue-grey Taildropper is a small, slender slug, with adult length up to 45 mm when extended in movement (Forsyth 2004). Distinguishing features include solid and often brilliant-bluish colouration speckled with scattered, lighter flecking; absence of banding; and longitudinal, parallel grooves and ridges on the tail (Figure 1). Individuals vary in tone and brightness of colour. A thin, oblique constriction line is usually visible on the tail where autotomy (self-amputation) occurs when the slug is disturbed. See Forsyth (2004) and the COSEWIC status report (2006) for a detailed morphological description of Blue-grey Taildropper.

 

3.2 Populations and Distribution

The global range of Blue-grey Taildropper extends south from Vancouver Island, B.C., through western Washington State and Oregon into northern California (Figure 3) (COSEWIC 2006). The distribution of the species throughout the northern portion of its range appears highly fragmented (K. Ovaska pers. comm. 2010). An isolated, disjunct number of locations^Footnote4 are known from northern Idaho (Ovaska et al.2004a). Populations in southern Oregon and northern California are genetically distinct from populations elsewhere within the species range (Wilke and Duncan 2004) and may represent a separate species (COSEWIC 2006).

In Canada, Blue-grey Taildropper is known from southern Vancouver Island, B.C. where it is at the northernmost limit of its global range (Figure 3). The B.C. range extent is less than 150 km² and comprises less than 3% of the species’ global range (COSEWIC 2006). The COSEWIC status report (2006) states five locations, but since the status report has been prepared an additional six locations have been recorded. As of November 2011 a total of eleven extant and disjunct Blue-grey Taildropper locations are known in Canada (Figure 4) with the farthest locations less than 25 km apart.

Blue-grey Taildropper was first confirmed from B.C. in 2002 on southeastern Vancouver Island (Ovaska and Sopuck 2002a, 2002b; COSEWIC 2006). Additional locations may exist within the province as there is suitable habitat in parts of the lower Fraser River valley. However, despite extensive search effort,^Footnote5 the species has not been recorded within this area. There is a small possibility Blue-grey Taildropper may occur in southeastern B.C. within the Kootenay region. The species was recently recorded from a new location in northern Idaho (Ovaska et al. 2004) and, given the proximity to the Canada–U.S. border; it is possible the species’ global range may extend into the extreme southern Kootenay region. Surveys within the Kootenay region of southeastern B.C. in 2007 (Ovaska and Sopuck 2007a), 2008 (Ovaska and Sopuck 2008a), 2009 (Ovaska and Sopuck 2009a), and 2010 (Ovaska et al. 2010) have not recorded the species.

Population sizes and trends of Blue-grey Taildropper are unknown at each location, and no information is available from which to approximate population densities. No information is available on the movements and home range of Blue-grey Taildropper although this species is thought to have limited dispersal capabilities due mainly to its size and occurrence per unit search effort (COSEWIC 2006). Apart from one location where several individuals have been found during searches (Rocky Point; Ovaska and Sopuck 2004b), only 1 or 2 individuals have been found per location in B.C. (Appendix 1), suggesting that populations are small and cryptic. Despite intensive search effort, resurveys in 2006 of two locations where the species was found in 2004 (Mill Hill Regional Park and Galloping Goose Regional Trail) did not record the species (Ovaska and Sopuck 2006). Blue-grey Taildropper may have always been rare in the landscape, and combined with its cryptic nature and limiting factors (see Section 3.3.3), it is difficult to detect, study, and monitor populations within any one of the eleven extant locations.

3.3 Needs of Blue-grey Taildropper

Blue-grey Taildropper is hermaphroditic (i.e., possessing both female and male reproductive organs) and likely has an annual life cycle, maturing and reproducing (laying eggs) within one year (Burke et al. 2000). The timing of reproduction by Blue-grey Taildropper is poorly known. On Vancouver Island, adults have been found exclusively in the autumn (COSEWIC 2006), suggesting that oviposition (egg laying) may occur from September through November; the eggs then overwinter and hatch the following spring. Based on the lack of observations of adults in early spring throughout the species’ range, few or no individuals probably survive to their second year (COSEWIC 2006).

The reproductive behavior of Blue-grey Taildropper is poorly known, and no eggs or nests have been found in B.C. Individual eggs of Prophysaon slugs are opaque white and oval in shape, but no specific description of the eggs of the Blue-grey Taildropper is available. Nests are likely well hidden and encountered only by chance in moist, low-elevation, coniferous or mixedwood forests inhabited by the species (see Section 3.3). In the United States, eggs have been found “in groups of several, to many in cool damp spots such as under logs or pieces of wood on the shaded forest floor” (Burke et al. 2000). Blue-grey Taildropper nests may contain eggs or hatchlings from September to May. It is possible that moist, large downed logs and stumps provide suitable conditions for more than one nest each year and for generations of slugs for decades. Nests can be best recognized if slugs are found in the process of laying eggs or near egg masses.

The behavior of Blue-grey Taildropper is unstudied. A combination of environmental factors, such as temperature, water availability, and day length, affect the activity patterns of all slugs and their presence within an area. Other slug species exhibit group aggregations, or huddles, aggregating together to prevent water loss (Cook 1981a, 1981b; Prior 1981; Prior et al. 1983, as cited in Prior 1985). Huddles create a high humidity microenvironment and reduce dehydration, yet appear to be non-social aggregations (Cook 1981a as cited in Prior 1985). When a slug becomes dehydrated, the animal will also assume a flattened body position over a wet surface, to maximize the surface area of water absorption through the foot (Prior 1985). It is likely Blue-grey Taildropper exhibits similar huddling and flattening behavior when dehydrated.

The homing behavior of Blue-grey Taildropper is unstudied. Prior (1985) summarizes homing behavior in some slugs and snails. Slugs have been observed to leave their homesite or shelter site after dark, forage for several hours, and return before dawn. When slugs exhibit this homing behavior, it ensures the animal returns to suitable shelter, minimizes dehydration, and prevents exposure to drying conditions (Prior 1985). It is likely Blue-grey Taildropper exhibits similar homing behavior.

3.3.1 Habitat and Biological Needs

No information is available on the specific biological needs of Blue-grey Taildropper within B.C. Occurrences within B.C. are disjunct populations at the northern limits of the species’ global range and thus may have slightly different biological needs than elsewhere within the species global range.

In B.C., all Blue-grey Taildropper records are from below 100 m elevations (COSEWIC 2006; B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012). In Oregon, records of the species exist from up to 1650 m (Wilke and Duncan 2004).

Blue-grey Taildropper inhabits a wide range of coniferous and mixed wood forests, where the species is associated with moist plant communities (Kelley et al. 1999; Burke et al.2000; COSEWIC 2006; B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012). In B.C., all records are from mixedwood, second-growth forest (Table 1), often with an understory of sword fern (Polystichum munitum). Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) (#1 Devonian, #2 Mount Work Durrance Lake, #7 Rocky Point) or trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) (#7 Rocky Point) are present at some locations. One location (#4 Logan Park) is immediately adjacent to a small wetland (Ovaska and Sopuck 2004a) and one location (# 9 Thetis Lake) is immediately adjacent to a Garry oak (Quercus garryana) meadow. At known locations in the United States, Blue-grey Taildropper has been observed in mature and old-growth forests but also occurs in younger stands that contain old-growth attributes (COSEWIC 2006).

Blue-grey Taildropper is often associated with decaying wood (Ovaska et al. 2004a; COSEWIC 2006). Important microhabitat features for Blue-grey Taildropper include abundant coarse woody debris or other cover; deep forest litter layer; and shaded, moist forest floor conditions (Burke et al. 2000; COSEWIC 2006; Ovaska and Sopuck 2004a, 2004b, 2007b, 2007c, 2007d, 2009a, 2009b, 2010).

During mating and oviposition, Blue-grey Taildropper nests are most likely located within partially rotted logs or stumps, under sloughing-off bark of large logs, or possibly within the leaf litter (K. Ovaska, unpublished data). Such sites provide a moist, stable microenvironment required for egg development. Suitable nest sites are essential for the successful development of Blue-grey Taildropper eggs and for overwintering survival of local populations. As adults seldom live more than one year (Burke et al. 2000; COSEWIC 2006), the nest functions as an overwintering site for eggs, which ensures survival of the population to the following year. Slug eggs have little resistance to water loss and will dry up if not protected within a sheltered, moist site (South 1992). Under the forest canopy, decaying wood or deep leaf litter is likely to buffer eggs of the Blue-grey Taildropper from changes in temperature and moisture and help maintain a suitable microclimate for their development. If research shows that a particular feature or micro-site supports one or more nests each year, then this location is important for as long as it provides suitable conditions for nesting.

Blue-grey Taildropper is a fungivore-herbivore. In Oregon where the species’ diet has been studied, slugs fed extensively on a variety of fungi, including fungi that form symbiotic, mycorrhizal associations with plant roots (McGraw et al. 2002). The species is also known to consume lichens and vascular plants, as well as mushrooms such as Tubulicrinis sororius (L. Sopuck, pers. comm., 2011 submitted to B.C. Conservation Data Centre, 2012). In captivity, Blue-grey Taildropper slugs readily feed on fresh plant material (K. Ovaska, pers. comm., 2007).

3.3.2 Ecological Role

Blue-grey Taildropper plays an ecological role^Footnote6 as a decomposer, soil builder, consumer of live and decaying plant matter; and as prey for various vertebrate and invertebrate predators. Some forest-dwelling gastropods appear to function as dispersal agents for fungal spores, including the fungal spores that form essential mycorrhizal associations with both coniferous and deciduous tree roots. These fungal spores promote healthy tree growth, thus contributing to the overall natural capital of forest ecosystems. Gastropods are also known to aid in the dispersal of plant seeds (Richter 1980; Gervais et al. 1998). Slugs are also prey for various predators including birds, amphibians, Carabid beetles, and small mammals. It is unknown if Blue-grey Taildropper has relationships, such as mutualism or parasitism, with other species.

3.3.3 Limiting Factors

Dispersal ability: The dispersal ability of Blue-grey Taildropper slug is likely poor, and it is unclear how much spatial area (habitat) is required to sustain a population within a location. The heavily fragmented low-elevation coniferous forests of southern Vancouver Island may limit natural dispersal. By their very nature, slugs are sedentary and cryptic animals, and their natural ability to colonize new areas is likely poor.

Low population density: Blue-grey Taildropper appears to be primarily nocturnal and secretive, occurs at low densities (as shown by inventory documented in Ovaska and Sopuck 2004a, 2004b, 2007b, 2007c, 2007d, 2009a, 2009b, 2010) and thus presumably low reproductive potential even within optimal habitats.

Northernmost extent of global range: In B.C. Blue-grey Taildropper is at the northernmost extent of its global range, which likely increases the species’ susceptibility to climatic and stochastic population fluctuations.

Require high air moisture environments: Blue-grey Taildropper is an associate of coniferous and mixedwood low-elevation forests, with well-developed and thick understory vegetation that provides the moist microhabitat necessary to maintain high humidity. The slug has a scattered distribution pattern throughout its range, likely due to the isolation of suitable habitat patches and poor dispersal capabilities. At known locations in the United States, Blue-grey Taildropper has been observed in mature and old-growth forests but also occurs in younger stands that contain old-growth attributes (COSEWIC 2006).

Susceptible to dehydration: Slugs are known to initiate “water seeking” responses to dehydration after a short-term reduction in locomotor activity (Prior 1985). The physiology and activity patterns of Blue-grey Taildropper inherently make them susceptible to continuous water loss through dehydration. All slugs deposit a dilute mucous trail, and experience constant evaporative water loss through the lung surface and integument. Numerous ecological and physiological studies show a relationship between varying body temperature hydration on locomotor activity (Machin 1975; Peake 1978; Burton 1983; Riddle 1983; Martin 1983 as cited in Prior 1985). Within two hours, active slugs can lose 30–40% of their initial body weight and habitat selection by slugs is correlated with water availability (Prior 1985). Although this information pertains to other slug species, it is likely similar for Blue-grey Taildropper.

4. Threats

Threats are defined as the proximate (human) activities or processes that have caused, are causing, or may cause the destruction, degradation, and/or impairment of biodiversity and natural processes. Threats can be past (historical), ongoing, and/or likely to occur in the future. Threats do not include intrinsic biological features of the species or population such as inbreeding depression, small population size, and genetic isolation, which are considered limiting factors.

4.1 Threat Assessment

The threat classification below is based on the IUCN-CMP (World Conservation Union–Conservation Measures Partnership) unified threats classification system and is consistent with methods used by the B.C. Conservation Data Centre and the B.C. Conservation Framework. For a detailed description of the threat classification system, see the CMP website (CMP 2010). For information on how the values are assigned, see Master et al. (2009) and table footnotes for details. Threats for the Blue-grey Taildropper were assessed for the entire province (Table 2).

4.2 Description of Threats

The overall province-wide Threat Impact for this species is Very High^Footnote7 (Table 2). Major threats include ongoing recreational activities at current locations, leading to degradation of habitat; and increased spread of introduced species. Details are discussed below under the IUCN level 1 headings.

The Canadian range of Blue-grey Taildropper is 150 km² and coincides with the most densely populated and developed part of Vancouver Island. There has been extensive habitat loss from historic activities (e.g., logging, agriculture, urbanization). In particular, low-elevation (< 100 m) habitats within the Coastal Douglas-Fir biogeoclimatic zone have been extensively modified over the past century as a result of urbanization, forestry, and agriculture, and little of the original forest remains (MacKinnon and Eng 1995). Further, approximately 90% of Garry Oak ecosystems have been lost to residential and commercial development (GOERT 2011). Diminishing forest habitats and a scattered distribution pattern suggest that B.C. populations of this species are becoming more fragmented. For example, larger stands of older, second-growth mixedwood forest within the Capital Regional District (greater Victoria area, which is also the range extent of Blue-grey Taildropper) are often fragmented. While historic impacts are acknowledged here, the threat assessment for Blue-grey Taildropper is based on current and future threats.

4.2.1 High-impact Threats

IUCN-CMP Threat 6. Human intrusions and disturbance (6.1 Recreational activities)

Recreational activities within forested areas include camping, hiking, foot and bicycle traffic, and the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and trail bikes, especially off-trail bikes. Such activities can result in degradation of habitat quality through soil compaction and can also cause accidental mortality. Hiking and related activities may also increase the spread of exotic species (see Threat 8.1). Within Logan Park (Location #4), recreational use of trails for horseback riding is also prominent and likely impacts habitat (e.g., trampling of trails/edges and defecation, which increases the spread of fungus, seeds) (A. Pollard pers. comm. 2011).

Recreational activities occur within all Blue-grey Taildropper locations, including illegal ATV use in remote habitats such as Sooke Hills (Location #8).

IUCN-CMP Threat 8. Invasive and other problematic species and genes (8.1 Invasive non-native/alien species)

Introduced gastropods, invertebrates, and plant species are present at all eleven Blue-grey Taildropper locations, although the scope of introduction and suite of species present at each location are not known.

Invasive gastropods: Invasive gastropod species may pose a threat to Blue-grey Taildropper at all eleven locations through competition for food and shelter or through predation (K. Ovaska pers. comm. 2009). Invasive gastropods of European origin are prevalent within urban and agricultural areas on southern Vancouver Island and several species have penetrated forested habitats and can be locally abundant (Forsyth 1999, 2004). These species continue to spread into new areas with inadvertent assistance from humans when nursery plants, garden ornamentals, or other materials with adhering soil are transported or when garden waste is discarded (Forsyth 1999).

Invasive gastropod species that may compete with Blue-grey Taildropper include Grovesnail (Cepaea nemoralis) and several species of slugs, such as Dusky Arion (Arion subfuscus), Chocolate Arion (Arion rufus), Giant Gardenslug (Limax maximus), and Longneck Fieldslug (Deroceras panormitanum). Rollo and Wellington (1979) demonstrated intra- and interspecific aggression among slugs and competition for refuges. Three invasive species locally common are particularly aggressive including Giant Gardenslug, Dusky Arion, and Gray Fieldslug (Deroceras reticulatum). The invasive, carnivorous Dark-bodied Glass-snail (Oxychilus draparnaudi) is locally common in southern Vancouver Island (Victoria area) (Forsyth 1999). Dark-bodied Glass-snail could be a significant predator of its eggs and young (Ovaska, pers. comm., 2003). This species has been identified as a potential threat to native gastropods in other areas where it has been invasive (Frest and Rhodes 1982).

Although most invasive gastropods species are found primarily in areas of high human use and alteration, some have spread into intact coniferous forest habitats and increased their range extent (Ovaska, pers. comm. 2008). Within forests in Washington State, Chocolate Arion is documented from within old-growth forests, and may be displacing native Pacific Bananaslug (Ariolimax columbianus) (Burke et al. 1999).

Blue-grey Taildropper is likely vulnerable to predation pressure from native gastropods, which likely increases in human-modified landscapes. Potential native invertebrate predators include the carnivorous Robust Lancetooth snail (Haplotrema vancouverense) and ground beetles (e.g., Scaphinotus angusticollis) (Ovaska, pers. comm., 2008; Sopuck, pers. comm., 2008). Both species are believed to be gastropod specialists (Thiele 1977) and will follow the slime trails of slugs. Robust Lancetooth has been observed to attack and kill slugs (K. Ovaska and L. Sopuck unpubl. data 2000). These (and other) invertebrate predators are common throughout southern Vancouver Island forests although there is no known obligate association with Blue-grey Taildropper. Predation by native animals is not considered a threat to the species, although it has been observed and is worth consideration for further research.

Invasive invertebrate predators: Concentration of invertebrate predators in small habitat patches where little escape cover is available will potentially increase predation rates on Blue-grey Taildropper. Competition and predation as a limiting factor may become more of a threat when combined with competition and predation from introduced species and further development pressures. For example, roads are known to increase the spread of introduced species and predation pressure on gastropods (Trombulak and Frissell 2000). Carabid beetles are known predators of land snails (Digweed 1993) and there are numerous records of introduced Carabids within the range Blue-grey Taildropper (C. Copley pers. comm. 2011). These introduced species may pose a threat to Blue-grey Taildropper, although the scope and severity of this threat are unknown.

In 2011, there have been numerous reports of European Fire Ant (Myrmica rubra) within greater Victoria. This species is known to occupy longer grassy habitats and displace native invertebrates (Higgins, pers. comm., 2011). This species has not been reported from habitats where Blue-grey Taildropper is known to occur. However, one of the documented means of spread has been by well-meaning members of the public who have transplanted vegetation within parks, from gardens that contain populations of European Fire Ant (Higgins, pers. comm., 2011).

Invasive plant species: Invasive plant species are known to change the forest floor vegetation and soil structure and may facilitate an increase in light penetrating the understory vegetation to the forest floor if the invasive plant inhibits the growth of the native flora. For example, invasive Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus discolor) can potentially overtake the understory of urban deciduous forest patches, prevent the growth of other understory plants growing beneath it, and does not appear to maintain the microhabitat moisture within the understory. Increases in light levels lead to drier microclimate and understory conditions, and desiccation to the forest floor, and increase dehydration stress to gastropods that depend upon high water and humidity levels. Invasive plants, such as Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), gorse (Ulex europaeus), and spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola) are likely to invade disturbed areas. English ivy (Hedera helix) is known to spread and displace the native vegetation on forest floors. Native gastropods are not known to live within vegetation patches of English Ivy (Burke et al. 1999). English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) and Himalayan blackberry are also widely spread invasive plants within native ecosystems in southern Vancouver Island, and are known to displace native vegetation.

4.2.2 Medium- and Low-impact Threats

IUCN-CMP Threat 1. Residential & commercial development (1.1 Housing and urban areas and 1.2 Commercial and industrial areas)

Within the species’ known range there are likely additional locations not yet discovered within similar habitats as the known locations. Much of this habitat is within private land ownership and subject to future development.

IUCN-CMP Threat 1. Residential & commercial development (1.3 Tourism and recreational areas)

The demand for further tourism and recreational areas within southern Vancouver has increased substantially within the past decade. Natural areas continue to be developed into golf courses, campgrounds, parks and recreation facilities, and community centres, including those natural areas already within parks and protected areas. Within regional and municipal properties, habitat conservation and recreational development potentially conflict and could impact all eleven known locations.

IUCN-CMP Threat 4. Transportation and service corridors (4.1 Roads and railroads)

Within the immediate range of Blue-grey Taildropper on southern Vancouver Island, much of the potential (e.g., unsurveyed habitat) and known (e.g., within parks, protected areas, and federal lands) habitat for Blue-grey Taildropper is fragmented by extensive roads, service corridors, and other similar transportation corridors. Increased roads, trails, and corridors increase fragmentation of Blue-grey Taildropper habitat and lead to further habitat modifications through the spread of introduced species and increased frequency of use by humans (IUCN-CMP Threat 8.1). Roadsides act as corridors into natural habitats and are known to facilitate the rapid spread of introduced species (e.g., plant seeds attach to car tires, and become dislodged at new locations) (Trombulak and Frissell 2000). The potential spread of introduced species along roadsides may impact local populations through competition and predation, as well as changes to native vegetation, ultimately leading to changes in microclimate moisture regimes necessary to sustain Blue-grey Taildropper populations (e.g., limit dehydration) (see Threat 8.1).

IUCN-CMP Threat 5. Biological resource use (5.3 Logging and wood harvesting)

The B.C. range of Blue-grey Taildropper has been impacted by extensive historic logging. The forest land base continues to be intensively managed due to the high demand for forest products. Intensive forest management practices, including pre-commercial thinning, pruning, removal of select tree species, fertilization practices, patch-size harvesting, and clearcut harvesting, likely have detrimental effects on populations of Blue-grey Taildropper.

Pre-commercial thinning and pruning practices reduce the quantity and/or alter the timing of leaf and branch litter that would otherwise fall to the forest floor and provide shelter for Blue-grey Taildropper. Pruning activities that remove lateral branches reduce the overall forest canopy, which results in lower relative humidity and subsequent desiccation of the forest floor. The active removal of trees and machinery used may compact ground cover, crush individuals of Blue-grey Taildropper, disturb coarse woody debris and shelter sites, and cause localized impacts within a harvested area.

All Blue-grey Taildropper B.C. records are within second-growth forest, although survival within a harvested and/or second-growth forest landscape may depend on the availability of old rotten logs within which the species can take cover and lay eggs. Present day intensive forest management practices target the removal of large coarse woody debris during the second rotation of forest harvesting. Thus, such coarse woody debris may be in short supply in intensively managed forests. These logs are likely important for maintaining stable microclimates for developing eggs, and thus suitable microhabitat for Blue-grey Taildropper.

IUCN-CMP Threat 7. Natural system modifications (7.1 Fire and fire suppression)

Human activities such as brush burning and mowing as a form of fire suppression will adversely affect Blue-grey Taildropper. Burke et al. (1999) cited fire as a threat to gastropod populations in Washington State. Coniferous forests on the eastern side of southern Vancouver Island are typically dry and much more susceptible to fire, particularly in July through September. Human activities that increase the threat of fire, including careless attendance to campfires, discarded cigarettes, and improperly wired camping equipment and machinery used within wilderness areas, contribute to the possibility of wildfires.

Brush clearing, piling, and periodic burning of vegetation and woody debris occur on private and public lands throughout the range of Blue-grey Taildropper. Although burning would only impact small areas of land, there is the possibility of overlap with unknown occurrences of Blue-grey Taildropper. The smoke generated from periodic brush burning, and the resultant char and burned debris are also detrimental to habitat quality.

Mowing and cutting of vegetation within locations may impact Blue-grey Taildropper through decreasing available moisture retention within habitats and increasing dehydration stress to individuals. Slug activity patterns predominantly coincide with preventing dehydration (Prior 1985). Slugs seek shelter and microhabitat that retains water, humidity, and cool temperatures. Dehydration is known to decrease locomotor activity (Prior 1985).

The threat of fire and fire suppression activities are present at all eleven Blue-grey Taildropper locations, although the threat is not widespread across all habitats at any one time. For example, fire suppression activities such as mowing or brush burning may not occur yearly and not within the same habitat each year.

4.2.3 Impact of Threats Unknown

IUCN-CMP Threat 9. Pollution (9.3 Agricultural and forestry effluents)

Use of general pesticides, especially those aimed at gastropods, and the use of herbicides to control vegetation are both detrimental to habitat quality. Herbicides are used in some locations to control road and trailside vegetation. Now and in the past, herbicides have been used along hiking trails, throughout recreational picnic areas within parks, and along road and railway corridors. For example, various herbicides have been tested to control two highly invasive plants -- Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) and gorse (Ulex europaeus) -- along roadsides in the Duncan area on Vancouver Island (Zielke et al. 1992). Although herbicides are used less today, it is unclear how extensive this practice was (or is currently) within the potential range of Blue-grey Taildropper on southern Vancouver Island.

The use of roadsides by gastropods has been documented by Baur and Baur (1990), who concluded the land snail Arianta arbustorum prefers moving along road verges and avoids crossing roads, including unpaved roads of only 3m wide (as cited in Trombulak and Frissell 2000). Spraying herbicides to control roadside vegetation likely harms gastropods within these roadside verges, and the cumulative and lasting effects of herbicides within these environments may lead to long-term declines in gastropod numbers. However, as this has not been substantiated, the severity of this threat is considered unknown.

IUCN-CMP Threat 10. Geological events (10.2 Earthquakes/tsunamis)

The low-elevation areas of greater Victoria are within the tsunami zone; should a natural disaster happen, extensive flooding would occur throughout much of this area and known Blue-grey Taildropper populations would be wiped out.

IUCN-CMP Threat 11. Climate change and severe weather (11.2 Droughts)

Increased summer droughts may affect occupied habitats and will decrease the available site moisture that allows for suitable microhabitat. These effects become pronounced in habitats that are isolated, marginal, and degraded (COSEWIC 2006).

5. Recovery Goal and Objectives

5.1 Population and Distribution Goal

The population and distribution goal is to ensure the persistence of Blue-grey Taildropper at all^Footnote8 known (and newly recorded) locations throughout the species’ range in Canada.

5.2 Rationale for the Population and Distribution Goal

This species has a restricted range in Canada and low densities at all known locations, and overall the population and distribution goal aims ensure no populations become extirpated in Canada. The species will likely always be considered “endangered” unless a significant number of new locations are found and the range extent expands substantially. Historical abundance and distribution information for this species show only a few confirmed extant populations and historic museum records. There is no information to indicate that the species was previously more widespread, therefore an objective to actively increase the number of populations, which may allow for downlisting of the species, is not appropriate.

The population and distribution goal for Blue-grey Taildropper cannot be quantified due to knowledge gaps as population size is unknown at each of the eleven Blue-grey Taildropper locations. Blue-grey Taildropper is not commonly found within known locations with most records being one or two individuals per survey per site (see Appendix 1). The difficulty with estimating populations at low densities, coupled with the difficulty of tagging and monitoring small soft-bodied gastropods, makes population estimates labour intensive and logistically difficult. The possibility of causing undue stress to Blue-grey Taildropper populations and unintended mortality from handling must also be considered. The above population and distribution goal sets a minimum population objective (> 1 slug) for each location. This allows the survival/recovery habitat to be aimed at identifying and protecting the habitat needed to ensure the location persists.

5.3 Recovery Objectives

1. To secure protection^Footnote9 for the known locations (and new locations) and habitats of Blue-grey Taildropper.
2. To assess and mitigate the extent of current threats (IUCN-CMP Threats 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) at all locations in B.C.
3. To address knowledge gaps (e.g., habitat requirements, range extent within Vancouver Island, and potential range extent in the Kootenay region) for Blue-grey Taildropper.

6. Approaches to Meet Objectives

6.1 Actions Already Completed or Underway

Actions listed below have been categorized by the action groups of the B.C. Conservation Framework (Ministry of Environment 2010b). Status of the action group for this species is given in parentheses.

Compile Status Report (complete)

• COSEWIC report completed (COSEWIC 2006). Update due 2016.

Send to COSEWIC (complete)

• Blue-grey Taildropper designated Endangered (COSEWIC 2006). Re-assessment 2016.

Inventory

• Gastropod surveys in the Kootenay region in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 targeting habitat for Blue-grey Taildropper (Ovaska and Sopuck 2007a, 2008a; Ovaska et al.2010).^Footnote10 No new locations were found.
• Inventory for Blue-grey Taildropper in the Capital Regional District (CRD) Parks 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 (Ovaska and Sopuck 2006, 2007b, 2008b, 2009b, 2010).
  • Inventory for Blue-grey Taildropper in lands managed by the federal Department of National Defence (DND) in 2006, 2007, and 2008 (Ovaska and Sopuck 2004b, 2007c, 2009c) as well as other federally managed properties including National Research Council (Observatory Hill) and Parks Canada (Fort Rodd Hill) in 2008 (Ovaska and Sopuck 2009b).

Planning (complete)

• BC Recovery Plan completed (this document, 2012).

Habitat Protection, Habitat Restoration, and Private Land Stewardship (in progress)

Blue-grey Taildropper populations and habitat within known locations occur on property that is owned and/or managed by the federal government, District of Saanich, or CRD government. Within these respective organizations, specific land managers are involved in stewardship activities and management actions aimed at protecting both the species’ natural habitats, or are aware of the species and its needs.

The regional and municipal parks where Blue-grey Taildropper is known to occur have management plans that have been prepared by the responsible jurisdictions. Although these management plans are not species specific,^Footnote11 they address the protection of natural habitats generally

The DND is engaged in several stewardship activities aimed at managing and protecting species at risk, including Blue-grey Taildropper. The B.C. government is working towards data sharing agreements between the federal DND and B.C. Conservation Data Centre for occurrence and habitat information for Blue-grey Taildropper locations on federal property.

The Garry Oak Ecosystems Re covery Team (GOERT) is involved in an outreach and landowner contact program for species at risk, and while Blue-grey Taildropper is not Garry Oak Ecosystem specific, the team is aware of and includes information about this species in its stewardship activities.

A draft identified wildlife account for Blue-grey Taildropper slug has been written.

6.2 Recovery Planning Table

7. Information on Habitat Needed to Meet Recovery Goal

To meet the population and distribution goal for this species, a partial description of the habitat needed for the survival and recovery of Blue-grey Taildropper has been included to facilitate management and the mitigation of habitat threats.

7.1 Description of Survival/Recovery Habitat

Information on habitat requirements for Blue-grey Taildropper is provided in Section 3.3.1 and summarized here. Additional work needs to be done so that survival/recovery for Blue-grey Taildropper habitat in B.C. can be spatially described using maps (see Section 7.2). However, at minimum, survival/recovery habitat should include the known area of occupancy and the associated potential location error from geographic positioning system (GPS) units (uncertainty may range up to 25 m distance at a few locations depending on the GPS unit accuracy). An additional minimum 50 meters (i.e., survival/recovery habitat function zone distance^Footnote12) should also be included to encompass immediately adjacent suitable habitat within adjacent areas. If the 50 meter buffer stretches into unsuitable habitat (e.g., parking lot, works yard, or maintenance facility) these areas should be excluded.

Survival/recovery habitat may also include the entire portion of the habitat polygon which are associated with, and are integral to, the production and maintenance of suitable habitat conditions, and which provide ecological context for occupied microhabitats.

Locations of Blue-grey Taildropper have the following general habitat attributes that provide a partial description of the biophysical attributes of survival/recovery habitat. Note the specific moisture levels, plant information, and/or species composition are unknown and require further study.

• Biogeoclimatic classification: all locations Coastal Douglas-fir moist maritime (CDFmm)
• Elevation < 200 meters (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012).
• All records (Table 1) are from mixedwood, second-growth forest. Stand ages 60 – 80 years old (second growth stands).
• Overall habitat description
  • Moist understory plant communities with sustained moisture levels throughout most of the year and shaded, moist forest floor conditions.
  • Deciduous tree species fringe along the periphery of a largely coniferous stand, edges of small wetlands adjacent to an older coniferous stand, edge of coniferous stand at the base of a rocky outcrop with Garry oak (Quercus garryana) and arbutus (Arbutus menziesii), base of a hill, remnant patch of forest within agricultural area,
  • Ground cover with dense grass mats, dense moss and needles, dense leaf and fine course woody debris and leaf litter.
• Dominant tree species overstory
  • Tree species composition includes Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), bigleaf maple (Acer macrophylum), grand fir (Abies grandis), western redcedar (Thuja plicata), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), arbutus
  • one location is immediately adjacent to a Garry oak meadow
• Dominant understory shrubs and ferns
  • Native plant species include salal (Gaultheria shallon), red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium) and other huckleberry species (Vaccinium spp.), ocean spray (Holodiscus discolor), Indian plum (Oemleria cerasiformis), Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana).
  • Many sites have a thick and well developed dominant composition of Oregon grape and salal.
  • Fern species include bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), sword fern (Polystichum munitum)
  • Non-native plant species include trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus), Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Holly (Ilex aquifolium) and Laurel-leaved Daphne (Daphne laureola)
• Dominant herbaceous plants understory
  • Moss and other ground cover that provides shelter and retains moisture.
  • Species composition includes western trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), grass species, fringecup (Tellima grandiflora), sweet Cecily (Osmorhiza claytonia), sweet scented bedstraw (Gallium trifolium) and pathfinder (Adenocaulon bicolor)
• Proximity to wetland areas, which may provide underground water seepages to adjacent habitat allowing the area to remain moist, shaded and with healthy vegetation growth during warmer parts of the year.
• Notable presence of decaying wood at various states of decay classes, including fine (e.g., sticks, twigs, sloughed bark and branches) to coarse larger pieces of debris (e.g., downed trees and stumps).
  • During mating and oviposition, associated within partially rotted logs or stumps, under sloughing-off bark of large logs, or possibly within the leaf litter. Such sites provide a moist, stable microenvironment required for egg development; the nest functions as an overwintering site for eggs.
  • Under the forest canopy, decaying wood, or deep leaf litter are important to the retention of moisture and providing nest and resting sites to slugs.
• Deep forest litter layer likely important for buffering the species (at all life stages) from changes in temperature and moisture and for helping to maintain a suitable microclimate for survival.
• Presence of fungus and other plant matter for consumption
• variety of fungi, including fungi that form symbiotic, mycorrhizal associations with plant roots
• lichens and vascular plants, especially fresh moist plant material mushrooms such as Tubulicrinis sororius

Further fieldwork is needed to spatially define the habitat polygons for each of the eleven locations. The specific parameters of the habitat polygons may include additional factors to those attributes described above, further research is needed.

7.2 Studies Needed to Describe Survival/Recovery Habitat

Studies are needed before survival/recovery habitat can be fully described (Table 4).

7.3 Specific Human Activities Likely to Damage Survival/Recovery Habitat

Threats (see Table 2) to Blue-grey Taildropper can remove habitat completely or reduce the function of the habitat and attributes necessary for population viability. The primary threats to Blue-grey Taildropper habitat include destruction or degradation of habitat due to urban/commercial land development, forestry activities that remove the understory habitat leading to desiccation and/or reduced humidity, recreation or other similar activities that impact the soil and/or degrade habitat, habitat degradation due to the introduction of plants or gastropod species, the application of herbicides or other chemicals that directly lead to gastropod mortality or linger in the environment.

Any activity that changes the microclimate of the nest, disturbs eggs, physically moves or alters the nest, or affects its future occupancy or productivity constitutes damage or destruction to its habitat and thus threatens Blue-grey Taildropper. Examples of damaging activities include hauling away or removing coarse woody debris; cutting the wood into pieces; removing bark, or otherwise destroying coarse woody debris containing a nest; and excavating, contaminating, or compacting soil around or within a nest site within the forest litter. Removal of forest canopy from the immediate vicinity of the nest will result in drier forest floor conditions, which can be deleterious to the eggs. Any activity that changes the hydrology of the site and increases the potential for either flooding or drying of the nest site is also considered damaging. Restricting Blue-grey Taildropper locations into smaller habitat patches likely increases their vulnerability to dehydration (e.g., of the forest floor [Prior 1985; Burke et al. 1999]), flooding of the forest floor, reduced genetic diversity, and harmful fluctuations in microclimate (Prior 1985).

8. Measuring progress

The successful implementation of recovery actions for Blue-grey Taildropper slug will be indicated through monitoring of populations and habitat trends through time. Blue-grey Taildropper may have an annual life cycle and therefore population sizes may vary substantially from year to year and overall population (on a scale of decades) may vary within areas of suitable habitat. Population monitoring will allow for an indication of possible extirpation at a given location, changes in area of extent at a given location, and whether the number of extant populations is stable or increasing. The recovery plan will be reviewed in five years to assess progress and to identify additional approaches or changes that may be required to achieve recovery.

The performance indicators presented below provide a way to define and measure progress toward achieving the population and distribution goal and recovery objectives. Performance measures are listed below for each objective.

Objective 1: To secure protection^Footnote13 for the known locations (and new locations) and habitats of Blue-grey Taildropper.

• Recommend Blue-grey Taildropper be a priority for listing as Identified Wildlife under the provincial Forest and Range Practices Act.
• Establish stewardship agreements and/or covenants for known (and any new) Blue-grey Taildropper locations on regional district and municipal lands by 2016.

Objective 2: To assess and mitigate the extent of the current threats (IUCN-CMP Threat 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) at all locations in B.C.

• Specific management practices guidelines for Blue-grey Taildropper for each landowner or land manager, specific to the threats of the location have been drafted by 2016.

Objective 3: To address knowledge gaps (e.g., habitat requirements, range extent within Vancouver Island, and potential range extent in the Kootenay region) for Blue-grey Taildropper.

• Studies addressing knowledge gaps initiated by 2016.
• Identify and continue to inventory additional potential habitat within the species’ range (ongoing).

9. Effects on Other Species

Many species at risk occur within the range and habitat of Blue-grey Taildropper slug. In total, approximately 164 plant species of conservation concern that are either on the provincial Red list or Blue list occur within the species’ range. Approximately 24 of these 164 species are forest inhabitants and thus have the potential to overlap with some of the habitat characteristics of Blue-grey Taildropper slug.

Coordinated, ecosystem-based approaches are needed to ensure Blue-grey Taildropper recovery activities are compatible with recovery activities for other species and ecosystems including lowland riparian habitats and the Garry oak and associated ecosystems of southern Vancouver Island.

Survey and habitat assessments for Blue-grey Taildropper may increase knowledge about other gastropods at risk (note COSEWIC status is in brackets):

• Puget Oregonian Snail (Cryptomastix devia) (Extirpated 2002). The two species overlap in their habitat use in the United States (Pilsbry 1940).
• Dromedary Jumping-slug (Hemphillia dromedarius) (Endangered 2003), which is known from similar habitat types on southern Vancouver Island.
• Warty Jumping-slug (Hemphillia glandulosa) (Special Concern 2003), which is known from similar habitat types on southern Vancouver Island.
• Evening Fieldslug (Deroceras hesperium) (Data Deficient 2003).
• Threaded Vertigo (Nearctula sp. 1) (Special Concern 2010).
• Oregon Forestsnail (Allogona townsendiana) (Endangered 2002).

Plant species that may benefit as a result of recovery efforts for Blue-grey Taildropper (note COSEWIC status is in brackets):

• Scouler’s corydalis (Corydalis scouleri) (Threatened 2001)
• phantom orchid (Cephalanthera austiniae) (Threatened 2000)
• coastal wood fern (Dryopteris arguta) (Special Concern 2001)
• streambank lupine (Lupinus rivularis) (Endangered 2002)

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Ovaska, K. and L. Sopuck. 2004a. Distribution and status of rare forest slugs in western Canada: results of 2003 and 2004 field seasons. Report prepared by Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd. for Endangered Species Recovery Fund (World Wildlife Fund and Environment Canada).

Ovaska, K. and L. Sopuck. 2004b. Surveys for terrestrial gastropods at NRS Aldergrove and Matsqui TX and Colwood supply/fuel oil depot. Prepared by Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd. for DND/CFS Natural Resources Management Program, CFB Esquimalt, Victoria, BC.

Ovaska, K. and L. Sopuck. 2006. Surveys for the Blue-grey Taildropper and other gastropods at risk within CRD parks and trails system in 2006. Report prepared by Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd. for Capital Regional District Parks, Victoria, BC. 45 p.

Ovaska, K. and L. Sopuck. 2007a. Surveys for gastropod species at risk in the Kootenay region of B.C. Prepared for B.C. Ministry of Environment, Vancouver, B.C.

Ovaska, K. and L. Sopuck. 2007b. Surveys for the Blue-grey Taildropper within CRD parks and trails system in 2007. Progress report prepared by Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd. for Capital Regional District Parks, Victoria, BC. 14 p.

Ovaska, K. and L. Sopuck. 2007c. Surveys for the Blue-grey Taildropper slug (Prophysaon coeruleum) on federal lands on southern Vancouver Island, BC, fall 2007. Report prepared by Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd. for CFS/CFB Natural Resources Management Program, CFB Esquimalt, Victoria, BC.

Ovaska, K. and L. Sopuck. 2007d. Surveys for gastropod species at risk in southern Vancouver Island on provincial Crown land. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Vancouver, B.C. Unpublished report.

Ovaska, K. and L. Sopuck. 2008a. Surveys for gastropod species at risk in the Kootenay Region, B.C. Prepared for B.C. Ministry of Environment, Victoria, B.C.

Ovaska, K. and L. Sopuck. 2008b. Surveys for the Blue-grey Taildropper and other gastropods at risk within the CRD parks and trails system in 2008. Report prepared by Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd. for Capital Regional District Parks, Victoria, BC. 61 p.

Ovaska, K. and L. Sopuck. 2009a. Surveys for the Blue-grey Taildropper and other gastropods at risk within the CRD parks and trails system in 2009. Report prepared by Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd. for Capital Regional District Parks, Victoria, BC. 36 p.

Ovaska, K. and L. Sopuck. 2009b. Surveys for the Blue-grey Taildropper slug (Prophysaon coeruleum) on federal lands on southern Vancouver Island in 2008. Report prepared by Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd. for CFS/CFB Natural Resources Management Program, CFB Esquimalt, Victoria, BC.

Ovaska, K. and L. Sopuck. 2010. Surveys for the Blue-grey Taildropper and other gastropods at risk with focus on Capital Regional District Parks, Fall 2010. Report prepared by Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd. for Habitat Acquisition Trust and Capital Regional District Parks, Victoria, BC. 30 pp.

Ovaska, K., L. Sopuck and J. Heron. 2010. Surveys for gastropod species at risk in the Kootenay region, B.C. Ministry of Environment, Vancouver, B.C.

Ovaska, K. and Sopuck, L. 2011 (in prep). Surveys for the Blue-grey Taildropper and other gastropods at risk with focus on Capital Regional District Parks, fall 2011. Report prepared by Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd. for Habitat Acquisition Trust, Victoria, BC.

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Personal Communications

Claudia Copley, Royal B.C. Museum, Victoria, BC. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Rob Higgins, Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake, B.C. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Kristiina Ovaska, Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd., Sidney, BC. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron, 2011.

Adriane Pollard, District of Saanich, Saanich, BC. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron, 2011.

Andrea Schiller, Natural Resources Canada, Victoria, BC. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron, 2006 – 2011.

Lennart Sopuck, Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd., Sidney, BC. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron, 2006 – 2011.

Appendix 1. Blue-grey taildropper populations in B.C.