Abstract Detail

Transplantations and relocation of species at risk: learning from the past to plan for the future

Atkinson, K. L. [1], Lacroix, C. [1].

Evaluating re-introduction methods for the Gulf of Saint Lawrence aster (Symphyotrichum laurentianum) on Prince Edward Island.

The Gulf of St. Lawrence Aster (Symphyotrichum laurentianum) is an annual plant species endemic to the Gulf of St. Lawrence region. Due to the dynamic nature of the environment that the SLA inhabits, severe and major threats to both the Aster and its habitat exist. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada listed the species as Threatened in Canada in 2004. This status was assigned based on the species’ limited distribution, fluctuating population size, and continued pressures on its habitat. Surveys have revealed that both site and population numbers have been further and drastically reduced on Prince Edward Island. In 2007 only one populated site remained with a low number of 482 individuals. It is possible that this species has been extirpated from PEI. Recovery of this species on Prince Edward Island is feasible. Promising results related to seeding and the transplantation of greenhouse grown seedlings at fourin-situ sites demonstrated that SLA plantlets have the potential to serve as seed stock to re-establish populations. Over the two years of the transplantation experiment, the pooled overall survivorship was 52.8%. Specific site manipulations that were tested may also increase the potential survivorship of the transplants, and facilitate second-generation germination.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Prince Edward Island, Department of Biology, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 4P3, Canada

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: SY08
Location: Delaware A/Hyatt
Date: Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Time: 10:45 AM
Number: SY08006
Abstract ID:96