Cryptic paw (Nephroma occultum) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

COSEWIC Assessment Summary

Assessment Summary – April 2006

Common name: Cryptic paw

Scientific name: Nephroma occultum

Status: Special Concern

Reason for designation: This foliose lichen is endemic to western North America where it is known in Canada from 45 locations, however there are likely more undiscovered locations. The Canadian sites account for more than 50% of the global range with only 5 locations protected from forest harvesting. The species has restricted habitat requirements and grows in mid to lower canopy of old growth coastal and interior humid cedar-hemlock forest. It reproduces only by vegetative propagules with limited dispersal distance. The species is vulnerable to forest harvesting, changes in understory humidity, insect defoliation (hemlock looper), and fire.

Occurrence: British Columbia

Status history: Designated Special Concern in April 1995 and in April 2006. Last assessment based on an update status report.

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