Slender collomia (Collomia tenella) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 11

Summary of Status Report

Collomia tenella occurs in only one location in a very small, occupied area (56 m²) in the Princeton area of British Columbia, thus the loss of the one site results in the loss of the species from British Columbia and Canada. Suitable habitats for C. tenella are probably infrequent in the southern interior of British Columbia, therefore opportunities for colonization are likely limited. Recreational off-road vehicle and activities allowable in the Agricultural Land Reserve where the population occurs on a private property may threaten this species. An increase in housing starts in recent times indicates that the area may be seeing growth and warns of future developments into the future. In addition, noxious weeds are present in the C. tenella habitat and may increase in the future as they have in adjacent habitats. Lastly, the population of C. tenella in British Columbia is at the northern extent of its range and may represent a population that is genetically distinct and important for the long-term survival and evolution of the species. By not protecting peripheral species at the margins of their range, the result could be a significant and irreversible loss of Canada’s genetic resources.

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