Species At Risk

Farewell to Spring by David Hoffman

Farewell-to-Spring (Clarkia amoena var. caurina)
BC List: Blue.
COSEWIC status: Not listed
Found on Galiano Island

Farewell-to-spring is a summer-blooming plant with pink to rose-purple flowers, each with four petals, often with red spots. It thrives on open warm grassy areas in the lowland zone, such as Garry oak bluffs and meadows on southwest facing slopes. Farewell-to-spring is thought to range from California to southeastern Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. Conservation requires protecting such areas from development and weeding of invasive shrubs, such as Scotch broom.

White Meconella by John Davis

White Meconella (Meconella oregana)
BC: Red-listed.
COSEWIC: Endangered
Found on Galiano Island

White meconella is a small annual plant with pale bluish green/white flowers. Resembling the California poppy, it grows to 16 cm and blooms usually in March to early April. The Canadian range is small and contained within the limits of Garry oak ecosystems. In the United States this plant is found in scattered locations in Washington, Oregon and California. White meconella grows at low elevations on the specialized habitat of open south-facing rocky or grassy slopes on extremely shallow soils over bedrock with slight early-season seepage. Like all rare plants of our area, habitat loss and degradation are the main conservation concerns. This species is becoming increasingly overrun by non-native species, which is as or more damaging than outright habitat loss.

Gray's Desert-parsley by Karen Golinski

Gray's Desert Parsley (Lomatium grayi)
BC list: Red.
COSEWIC status: Threatened
Found on Galiano Island

Galiano Island holds a large percentage of the total population of Gray's desert parsley in Canada; the other recorded population is on Salt Spring Island. The species ranges from southern California and New Mexico north through Oregon and Washington to Salt Spring and Galiano, which is the northern limit of its range. The plant is an herbaceous perennial from a long thick taproot. Stems are smooth and hairless and reach up to 50 cm in height. The leaves are mostly basal and very finely cut, short, rough and hairy and the flowers are yellow. It is a strong smelling plant with an odor similar to celery. Gray's desert parsley grows on dry, rocky cliffs and bluffs within the Coastal Douglas-fir zone and Garry oak ecosystems; the micro habitats are shallow soils on inaccessible ledges or vertical fissures in rock faces. Herbaceous plants commonly associated are yarrow, Alaska brome, barren brome, field chickweed, broad-leaved stonecrop, hedgehog dogtail, wooly sunflower and gumweed. Conservation concerns are habitat degradation and destruction from urban development.

Phantom Orchid by Robin Annschild

Phantom Orchid (Cephalanthera austinae)
BC List: Red.
Provincial Status: S2
COSEWIC: Threatened
Potential to be found on Galiano

The phantom Orchid is a strange and mysterious plant of the orchid family. It can be easily confused with the saprophyte Indian Pipe. It is a very unusual and easily spotted species because it lacks chlorophyll and therefore is white in stem, leaves and flower. Interestingly, the orchid requires a symbiotic relationship with a subterranean mycorrhizal fungus for nutrients instead of sunlight. It grows in mature, dark, coniferous forests with rich soil and little undergrowth. Like all plants of the endangered species list on Galiano Island, the phantom orchid occurs at the Northern limit range of its distribution. It is found south of the border into Idaho and California. There are currently only around 100 plants known in BC, most occurring in the Fraser Valley.

California Hedge Parsley by Toni Corelli

California Hedge Parsley (Yabea microcarpa)
BC list: Red.
Provincial Status: S1S2
COSEWIC: Un- listed
Found on Galiano Island

California Hedge Parsley occurs within Garry Oak and associated ecosystems and is found from vernally moist grassy slopes and rock outcrops to closed canopy Garry oak, Douglas-fir woodlands, and Big-Leaf Maple stands. California Hedge Parsley is a slender annual herb growing from a taproot. It has a single or branched stem and ranges from 10 to 40 cm tall. The white flowers are arranged in multi branched clusters and the fruits are oblong flattened side to side. Being a very rare species, there are only 13 known occurrences in Canada. Most of the sites are on hilly terrain on south facing slopes in shallow-soiled open sites. Associated plants in open areas include spring beauty, mountain sweet-cicely, water chickweed and Pacific Sanicle. Associated plants on forested sites include Oregon grape, Ocean spray, Honey suckle, and Alaska oniongrass. Main threats to California Hedge Parsley are habitat destruction and invasive species competition.

Slender Popcornflower by Matt Fairbarns

Slender Popcornflower (PlagiobothrysTenellus)
BC list: Red.
COSEWIC status: Threatened
Found on Galiano Island

The slender popcornflower is a slim plant, with a basal rosette of leaves and a single or sometimes complicated arrangement of hairy branched stems up to 25 cm tall. The small white flowers are tubular with five lobes. Associated with Garry oak ecosystems, this annual herb grows on grassy southwest facing slopes and coastal bluffs, often on exposed gravelly soils or rocks. The British Columbia population occurs at the northern extent of its geographic range in BC, the species ranges south from the east side of the Cascade Mountains into southern California. Of the total seven known locations in Canada, Galiano holds the largest number of plants. This species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant encroachment, and like all species within Garry oak ecosystems, habitat loss and degradation through housing development is a major concern.

Scalepod

Scalepod (Idahoa Scapigera)
BC list: Red.
COSEWIC status: Not Listed
Found on Galiano Island

Scalepod is a small, glabrous annual with many leafless stems that are up to 10 cm high. The numerous basal leaves have a long, slender petiole and narrowly elliptic blades that are 5-15mm long with entire margins or two shallow lobes near the base. It is native to western North America from British Columbia to California to Montana where it grows generally in mountains and foothills. Conservation requires protecting such areas from development and weeding of invasive shrubs, such as Scotch broom.

Purple Sanicle Photo: Jamie Fenneman

Purple Sanicle (Sanicula bipinnatifida)
BC: Red
COSEWIC: Threatened
Potential to be found near Galiano

Purple sanicle stands from 10-60 cm tall and can be spotted by its deep purple flowers. Doughty soils and salty spray can limit the amount of tree-cover that is found in purple sanicle sites. Plants germinate in early-Feb and mid-April. Established plants re-sprout and grow slowly in late winter, then grow rapidly in April and May. Most shoots are dead by late June or July. Threats to this species include habitat degradation and invasive species encroachment.

For more information visit:
sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=677

Oakes Pond Weed (Potamogeton oakesianus)

Oakes' Pondweed Photos: www.digitalnaturalhistory.com/flora_potamogetonaceae_index.htm#potamogetonoakesianus

For more information visit:
linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Potamogeton+oakesianus

Slimleaf onion Photo: Terry Finch

Slimleaf Onion (Allium amplectens)
BC: Blue
COSEWIC: Not listed
Found near Galiano

The Slimleaf onion is a perennial plant that grows 10-40 cm tall. The stems are slender and round in cross-section. The flowers are white or pink and saucer-shaped. Threats to this species include habitat degradation and invasive species encroachment.

For more information visit:
linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Allium+amplectens

Slimleaf onion Photo: Terry Finch

Erect Pygmyweed (Crassula connata var. connata)
BC: Blue
COSEWIC: Not listed
Found near Galiano

The Slimleaf onion is a perennial plant that grows 10-40 cm tall. The stems are slender and round in cross-section. The flowers are white or pink and saucer-shaped. Threats to this species include habitat degradation and invasive species encroachment.

For more information visit:
linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Allium+amplectens

Twisted Oak Moss by Ananda Reijnen

Twisted Oak Moss (Syntrichia laevipila)
BC: Blue
COSEWIC: Special concern
Found on Galiano Island

Twisted oak moss is from a diverse family of mosses with many of its species restricted to dry environments. It grows as small clumps on exposed Garry oak tree bark, and is one of the smallest species in its genus, with leaves rarely over 2 mm long. The leaves are often hair-tipped and become twisted when dry, hence the name. Twisted oak moss has a widespread and scattered distribution and can be found from South America to North Africa. In Canada, the distribution is found along the coast of BC and basically follows the western distribution of the Garry oak ecosystem.

Banded Cord Moss

Banded Cord Moss (Entosthodon fascicularis)
BC: Blue
COSEWIC: Special Concern (2005)
Potential to be found on Galiano Island

Banded Cord-moss is a small pale green to yellow-green moss that grows 2 to 4 mm high. It occurs in small patches on seasonally wet soil. The leaves are crowded at the summit of the stem and up to 5 mm in length. An inconspicuous moss, Banded Cord-moss is often hidden among litter and other mosses. It is relatively rare in North America, found only in British Columbia, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. Banded Cord-moss usually grows on soil, sometimes in leaf litter with other mosses or around the base of plants. The species is found in open to semi-shaded habitat with rock outcrops and seasonally wet areas, such as vernal pools. The primary threats to Banded Cord-moss include urban or highway development, hiking, grazing by wildfowl, and usage of some areas by dogs. However, most of the reported populations are in relatively protected areas or isolated sites that are probably not affected by the majority of these factors. A further threat may be climate change and long periods of drought.

Rigid Apple Moss

Rigid Apple Moss (Bartramia stricta)
BC: Red
COSEWIC: Endangered (2009)
Potential to be found on Galiano Island

Rigid Apple Moss is a small, pale yellow-green moss, 1 to 3 cm high. It is characterized by ribbed globular capsules known as sporangium or spore-holding sacks. The leaves are straight and erect when wet or dry. It resembles the cone shape of a pencil tip. Habitat for this moss in BC is shallow soil, rock crevices, ledges, or vertical rock faces in dry, south-facing grassy slopes with rock outcrops. The major threat to the Rigid Apple Moss is urban development, which has altered or destroyed suitable habitat.

Sharp-tailed snake by Laura Matthias

Sharp-tailed snake (Contia tenuis)
BC: Red-listed
COSEWIC: Endangered
Potential to be found on Galiano Island

The Sharp-tailed snake is a very small dark-brown and red reptile that is often confused with garter snakes. Very elusive, this species typically lives on south-facing rocky slopes and small openings in Douglas-fir/arbutus forests in southern British Columbia to southern California and is generally found under logs, rocks, fallen branches, or other cover in oak woodlands and meadows. They are very uncommon with only seven locations so far mapped in Canada. One of their more interesting traits is teeth perfectly designed for swallowing slippery slugs. They hibernate in the winter months from November to February and are most active during moist conditions of early spring and fall. During summer months they stay clear of the heat by hiding underground and are very seldom spotted. Conservation concerns are habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation and road mortality from expanding urbanization such as housing developments and road building. The Sharp-tailed snake is associated with old-growth forests of the Coastal Douglas-fir zone, of which only 0.5 percent is left.

Species Information:
bcreptiles.ca/snakes/sharptail.htm

Western Painted Turtle by Todd Harmer

Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
BC: blue listed
COSEWIC: Endangered
Potential to be found on Galiano Island

The Western Painted Turtle is a small freshwater turtle with a smooth green upper shell, dark limbs with yellow lines, and a beautiful ventral shell of patterned lines of red, yellow and browns. The most northern turtle in North America, they can grow up to a foot in length and can often live to thirty yeas old. Their habitat is lower-elevation wetlands with muddy bottoms, an abundance of emergent vegetation, and several basking sites. This turtle feeds on both plants and insects from the bottom of the wetland and among aquatic plants. In the winter months from October to March, they hibernate along the bottom of lakes, ponds and wetlands. Its range extends from Ontario to the southern interior of BC, west to Vancouver Island and into Oregon, with pockets of habitat throughout much of the United States. Threats include habitat loss, road kill during nesting season, and increased predation. Areas in southern BC are undergoing major loss of wetlands and a rapid increase of roads and development.

Species Information:
bcreptiles.ca/turtles/westernpaint.htm

Band-tailed Pigeon by Steve Parsons

Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioneas fasciata)
BC: Blue-listed
COSEWIC: Threatened
Found on Galiano Island

The Band-Tailed Pigeon lives along the BC coast from southern Vancouver Island to the Queen Charlotte Islands, with habitat in the Fraser Lowlands and a sparse distribution in the interior of northern and southern BC. Not as gregarious as some other species of doves and pigeons, these birds often perch in small groups high in trees on open branches. They nest in both coniferous and deciduous trees and prefer open sites and edges bordered by tall conifers for roosting. In the spring the birds feed on grains, peas, seeds and insects and are often found on farmland. During summer they move to breeding areas when trees and bushes provide food sources in berries, fruits and nuts. The winter distribution appears to coincide with the favored food trees of arbutus and Garry oak. They are migratory birds, but where areas are warm enough and have adequate food sources, such as on Galiano Island, the species can be found year-round.

Blue Heron by Bill Franz

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias fannini)
BC: Blue-listed
COSEWIC: Special concern
Found on Galiano Island

The Great Blue Heron Pacific subspecies is an adaptable and widespread bird found in a variety of habitats along the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska south to Washington and east to the interior of central and southern BC. It feeds in slow moving salt, fresh or brackish water. On Galiano Island the Great Blue Heron can be found at a variety of locations, including shallow bays, inlets, marshes, wet meadows and the shores of Laughlin Lake. There is a possibility that several nests exist on Galiano, although as of yet no nests are confirmed. Nesting colonies such as the one outside of the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal are typically large and found high up in mature conifer trees close to mudflats. This large and cunning bird hunts for fish, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, small mammals, and even other birds. The sub species of Heron found in our region is non-migratory; however, they hunt in different areas in different seasons. During the warmer seasons the Great Blue Heron generally lives near beaches; during the winter near grasslands and marshes. Threats to this endangered species include: industrial contaminants and general pollution of food sources, urbanization, wetland drainage, and human disturbance such as noise and activity.

Species Information:
birdweb.org/birdweb/bird_details.aspx?value=search&id=41

Common Nighthawk by Jared Hobbs

Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)
BC: Red-listed
COSEWIC: Special concern
Found on Galiano Island

The Common Night Hawk is one of the most compelling birds to watch fly through the sky. Its erratic flight and intense bombing for bugs makes it an easy spot for the novice birder. This species is dark-brown/white with black and beige specks, and a white stripe on both its wing and tail. It has one of the largest distributions of the endangered species found on Galiano Island, with its range extending from the Arctic to Columbia. The Common Night Hawk nests on the floor of sand, rock, gravel, and leafy areas on beaches, deforested areas, rocky areas and grassy habitats. Known for their amazing hunting performances, they forage for a variety of flying insects. This once common bird can be spotted hunting high in the sky in open areas, such as fields and lake edges both at dawn and later on at dusk. Their populations are decreasing yearly in certain parts of their range; this could be due to a decline of insects, habitat, agricultural development and climate change.

Olive-sided Flycatcher by Todd Hardley

Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi)
BC: Blue-listed
COSEWIC: Threatened
Found on Galiano Island

The Olive-sided Flycatcher is a reclusive and solitary bird with dark-olive sides and a mottled dark chest. Historically, this flycatcher frequently used newly burned areas, but fire suppression has caused it to change habitats, and it is often found at clearings and edges, which hold some of the characteristics of post-fire stands. This bird is often seen perched high on the tops of dead or living trees where it looks for food. Their diet consists of a wide variety of flying insects, which it captures via aerial attack. The song is a loud, ringing whistle, rather easily imitated, delivered by the male generally from the top of an upright dead snag or tallest living coniferous tree. Breeding range extends from Alaska eastward to Labrador, with winter migration taking the Olive-sided Flycatcher as far south as Central and South America. The Olive-sided Flycatcher is considered an indicator species of the coniferous forest throughout North America, and population decline is believed to be the result of disappearing winter habitats.

Species Information:
birdweb.org/birdweb/index.aspx

Peregrine Falcon by Helen Grose

Pergrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum and Falco peregrinus pealei)
BC: Red-listed
COSEWIC: Special concern
Found on Galiano Island

The Peregrine Falcon is viewed by many as the most impressive bird of prey. This incredible bird is designed for speed and is the fastest bird in the world, reaching speeds up to 175 mph. Physically, the two species of Falcon found in our region have long pointed wings and a narrow dark blue-black tail, a black head from the crown to below the eye which resembles a helmet, a yellow ring around the eye and a yellow bill with a dark tip. The Peregine Falcon is generally silent except when breeding or disturbed. In the Gulf Islands they nest on seaside cliff edges where the vantage point will offer good hunting results for shorebirds and waterfowl. They are faithful to nesting sites and aeries, some of which have been used by successive generations for centuries. After nesting, their search for prey can take them as far as South America, although the two Peregrine Flacon subspecies of our area are known to stay in the local region. Conservation concerns include organochlorine compounds which bioaccumulate in the falcons' bodies. When DDT was banned in the 1970's it had a significant positive impact on population numbers. Breeding programs were also introduced, and together these two forces have secured the populations of the falcons, although careful surveying and monitoring continues to be integral for the bird's survival.

Purple Martin

Purple Martin (Progne Subis)
BC: Blue
COSEWIC: Not Listed
Found on Galiano Island

Purple Martins are the largest swallows in North America, with a body length of about 17 to 20 centimetres - about half as large again as other swallows in the region. Martins make their nests in cavities, either natural or artificial. In many places, humans put up real or artificial hollow gourds, or houses for martins, especially in the east, where Purple Martins are almost entirely dependent on such structures. The Purple Martin migrates to The Amazon Basin in winter. Its winter range extends into Ecuador but does not seem to ascend far up the Andean foothills. The birds are agile hunters and eat a variety of winged insects. Conservation concerns are invasive birds that steal their nests, removal or loss of nesting locations, and insecticides devastating insect populations on which they feed.

Western Screech Owl

Western Screech Owl (Megascops kennicottii)
BC: Blue Listed
COSEWIC: Special Concern
Potential to be found on Galiano Island

The Western Screech-owl is a small streaked owl with yellow eyes and tufts of feathers over the ears. Adults are 19 to 26 cm long and weigh between 120 and 305g. Overall these owls are grey-brown. The Western Screech-owl is found in quite varied habitats throughout its range: semi-open woodlands, treed suburban areas, and even cactus deserts. Within Canada, the owl is found in lower elevation forested areas, frequently close to water. The forest type and proportion of coniferous to deciduous trees may vary. The Western Screech-owl is found in Western North America from southern Alaska to central Mexico. In Canada, the species occurs only in British Columbia. Along the south coast of British Columbia, habitat loss to development is a threat to Western Screech-owl kennicottii subspecies populations. The Barred Owl also plays a large role in the declining population of the Screech Owl, as it preys on the smaller Screech Owl, and dominates the ecosystems changed by human activity.

Red-legged Frog by Robin Annschild

Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora)
BC: Blue-listed
COSEWIC: Special concern
Found on Galiano Island

The Red-legged Frog is a medium-sized brown frog, generally grey and reddish with dark spotting; the skin on the lower belly and under the legs is bright red. This species is found at the northern part of its range on the Gulf Islands, the mainland adjacent to the Strait of Georgia, and through the Fraser Valley to Hope and south into Northern California on the western side of the coastal mountain ranges. Found in lower altitudes, the Red-legged Frog breeds in cool ponds, lake margins, slow moving streams, marshes, and swamps with suitable vegetation. They prefer mature forests with lots of leaf litter and fallen logs. Of special conservation concern are forestry practices that take out mature stands of trees. (There are 3 to 6 times more amphibians in old-growth forests.) Habitat degradation, habitat loss, and fragmentation are other concerns for this species.

Species Profile:
env.gov.bc.ca/wld/frogwatch/whoswho/factshts/redleg.htm

Blue Dasher by John Davis

Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)
BC: Blue
COSEWIC: Not listed
Found on Galiano Island

The Blue Dasher is a small dark-blue dragonfly with a white face, metallic green eyes, and a black and yellow striped thorax. The outer halves of the wings are often tinted brown. Blue Dashers are enigmatic and rarely still; male Blue Dasher's are constantly patrolling their territories and dash from perch to perch to challenge other dragonflies as they look for females with which to mate. Blue Dashers are found in a variety of wetlands with abundant aquatic and riparian vegetation, favoring floating plants. The largest populations on Galiano Island are found at Laughlin Lake. Conservation concerns are wetland loss and degradation.

Western Pondhawk by Micheal Woodruff

Western Pondhawk Female by John Davis

Westerm Pondhawk (Erythemis collocate)
BC: Blue Listed
COSEWIC: Not listed
Found on Galiano Island

The Western Pondhawk is a dragonfly similar in appearance to the Blue Dasher but larger, with a green face and dark-blue eyes. Another difference is the flight pattern; the Pondhawk will perch on the ground or on floating vegetation while the Blue Dasher flies higher up in the air. Both species are found in similar wetland habitats, such as Laughlin Lake.

Species information:
creagrus.home.montereybay.com/ WesternPondhawk.html

Dun Skipper by James Miskelly

Dun Skipper (Eupheyes vestries)
BC: Blue Listed
COSEWIC: Threatened
Potential to be found on Galiano Island

The Dun Skipper is a dull earth-toned butterfly with a fast erratic flight. They fly from the beginning of June to the beginning of August and are found in open, grassy, moist/wet meadows with large numbers of sedges. The larval host plant and larval food plant is most likely sedges of the Carex and Cuperus esculentus species. Typically, this species is seen at wet roadside ditches. The Dun Skipper frequents eastern North America but has scattered populations in the southwest of British Columbia, which is the northern part of its range. Within ecosystems of the Gulf Islands, this butterfly's habitat has been greatly reduced by human activities, including drainage and the introduction of weedy exotic plants, such as Scotch broom.

Species Information:
env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/statusrpts/wr101.pdf

Propertius Duskywing by John Davis

Propertius Duskywing (Erynnis propertius)
BC: Blue
COSEWIC: Not listed
Found on Galiano Island

Galiano Island is near the northern limit of the Propertius Duskywing butterflies, whose habitat stretches as far south as Baja California. This rare butterfly is black and grey speckled with white spots on the forewing and hooked antennae. They are most often seen circling around hill tops and forest edges in Garry oak or mixed woodland ecosystems from sea-level to middle elevations. Oak leaves are the exclusive food plant for the caterpillars, and the pupae are found in the leaf litter below. Food plant sources for the butterfly include the nectar from several Garry oak meadow flowers, including camas, vetch and Hooker's onion, and therefore the survival of this species depends on the preservation of large Garry oak woodlands. On Galiano, the continued removal of Scotch broom and invasive grasses will improve the recovery of this endangered butterfly.

Brochure on Rare Butterflies:
env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/butterflies.pdf

Taylor's Checkerspot

Taylor's Checkerspot (Euphydryas Editha taylori)
BC: Red
COSEWIC: Endangered (Nov 2000)
Potential to be found on Galiano

The Taylor's Checkerspot is a subspecies of a butterfly commonly called Edith's checkerspot. Little detailed information is available on the appearance of the subspecies that occurs in Canada. It has a wingspan of 24 to 42 millimeters, and females can be substantially larger than males. It has very rounded wings with brick-red, black and yellow patterning. The Taylor's Checkerspot was historically found in southeastern Vancouver Island, the Puget Trough in Washington from Tenino north through the San Juan Islands, and the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Now it occurs as one main population and two small secondary populations, all three of which occur in the same area. The Taylor's Checkerspot needs open grassland with sparse vegetation and conditions that are suitable for the plant species that provide food for larvae and nectar for the adults. Often these sites are very dry, rocky and close to areas with Garry oaks. The Garry oak meadow ecosystems and adjacent open grasslands provide larval food and nectar requirements. Invasion of these plant communities by introduced plants such as Scotch Broom, along with fire suppression and habitat destruction from urbanization are the main threats to the butterfly's survival.

Moss Elfin

Moss Elfin (Callophrys mossii mossii)
BC: Blue
COSEWIC: Not listed
Found on Galiano Island

These tiny, brown butterflies rapidly skim the ground as they search for a succulent plant called stonecrop which grows on dry bluffs and rocky outcrops. When they find it they sip nectar from its flowers and lay their eggs on its leaves. Although this plant is relatively common the species is not found in many locations and it's distribution is limited to southern Vancouver Island a few occurrences on the mainland. Moss Elfin is a Garry oak ecosystem species; an ecosystem with approximately 5% of its historic range left in Canada. Conservation of this species requires the understanding that stonecrop beds are destroyed by heavy grazing by deer, house construction, road construction, residential landscaping and crowding out by broom.

Island blue

Island blue (Plebejus saepiolus insulanus)
BC: Red
COSEWIC: Endandered (2000)
Potential to be found on Galiano

The Island Blue is a butterfly with a wingspan of 21 to 28 millimeters. The upper side of the male is pale metallic blue and has narrow black borders. A row of dark spots is located close to the margin of the male's hind wing. The species relies on open areas that have enough moisture to support clover (required for larval food) and that are probably disturbed (e.g. old roads or campgrounds). This subspecies of Island Blue was found only on British Columbia's Vancouver Island and nowhere else in the world. Threats to this species include urbanization, invasive introduced plants and/or control of forest fires. The Island Blue has not been recorded since 1979. Few data are available for years prior to this sighting, making population size and trends impossible to estimate.

Blue-grey Talidropper Slug by Kristiina Ovaska

Blue-grey Talidropper Slug (Prophysaon coeruleum)
BC: Red Listed
COSEWIC: Endangered
Potential to be found on Galiano Island

The Blue-grey Talidropper Slug is a small- to medium-sized slug (up to 45 mm long) with a slender and brilliant blue-grey colored body with parallel grooves and ridges on the back and sides of the tail. In western Canada, this species exists at the northern limit of its range; there are currently only five sites known, all on southern Vancouver Island. Habitat for this species includes moist coniferous and mixed mature forests. Like the Oregon Forestsnail, this slug is almost always found in big-leaf maple groves with a rich and productive understory of sword fern, salal, and nettle; the habitat features coarse woody debris and a deep leaf litter with moist soil conditions. Feeding specifically on fungi, the slugs are solitary or occur in very small groups. Much about their secretive habits are still unknown. Threats to the Blue-grey Talidropper Slug include heavy recreational use within their habitat range, and the introduction of exotic plants and animals, such as invasive slugs and snails.

Oregon Forestsnail by Kristiina Ovaska

Oregon Forestsnail (Allogona townsendiana)
BC: Red
COSEWIC: Endangered
Found on Galiano Island

The Oregon Forestsnail, part of a large and diverse group of land snails endemic to North America, has a pale-brown or straw-coloured shell with 5 or 6 whorl lines. The lip of the shell is white, thickened, and flares. The actual snail body is a light-brown to brown-red colour. The Oregon Forestsnail is long lived and most active in the spring mating season. Hermaphroditic, this snail reaches sexual maturity at around five years. This large snail can be found in coastal lowlands between British Columbia and western Oregon. Habitat includes mixed and deciduous forests typically dominated by big-leaf maple with a great amount leaf litter and a vigorous understory of salal, sword fern and stinging nettle. Because it cannot move easily into new areas, the Oregon Forestnail is susceptible to habitat damage. Today, habitat suitable for A. townsendiana is fragmented by agricultural lands, urban development, and natural topography (such as rivers and mountains). With their habitat becoming degraded and fragmented, predation by mammals, birds, and amphibians has increased, along with competition from introduced exotic gastropods.

Pacific Sideband by Kristiina Ovaska

Pacific Sideband (Monadenia fidelis)
BC: Blue-listed
COSEWIC: Not listed
Found on Galiano Island

The Pacific Sideband snail can be found in deciduous, coniferous or mixed forests but also in open woods and grassy areas; it has also been found in trees up to 7 m. The reddish-brown shell, up to 35 mm in diameter, usually has a dark band around the perimeter, though sometimes with a yellow band. The body of the snail is reddish-pink. This species occurs along the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska to northern California, generally west of the crest of the Cascade Range. Although their range is large, these areas are vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation from development and forestry and agricultural practices.

Quillback Photo: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/publications/docs/rockfish-sebastes-eng.htm

Quillback Rockfish (Sebastes maliger)
BC: No Status
COSEWIC: Threatened
Found on Galiano Island

The life span of Quillback rockfish is remarkable, up to 95 years! These long-lived fish are easily identified by their high dorsal fin with deep notches between the spines, large mouth and compressed body. Their colouring is mottled with brown and yellow dorsal saddle patches and brown or orange speckling on the ventral side and lower back. Quillback aggregate in inshore waters (usually from 50-100m depth) that are hard bottomed, complex with rock relief, crevices or ridges. The inshore relatively shallow distribution of Quillback means that they have been harvested as a fishery for many years. The primary threats for these fishes are commercial and recreational fisheries. The swim bladder of rockfish cannot accommodate rapid changes in pressure so bycatch is counted as part of the total harvest (rockfish are not expected to live long after being caught and released).

For more information visit:
sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_Quillback%20Rockfish_0810_e.pdf

Bocaccio Rockfish by John Davis

Bocaccio Rockfish (Mark Conlin)
BC List: No Status
COSEWIC: Threatened (2002)
Potential to be found near Galiano

Bocaccio is distinguished from other rockfish by its large jaw.It ranges in colour from olive to burnt orange or brown on the back (often with black melanistic blotches), becoming pink to red on the underside. Specimens less than 25 cm in length are light bronze with small brown spots on their sides. A combination of low recruitment and impact by harvest has resulted in severe declines (>90 % over the last 10 years). The main threat to Bocaccio is commercial trawl fisheries. In the year 2000, 9 tones of Bocaccio bycatch was caught by trawl fishing. Rockfish die as they are brought to the surface. Juvenile Bocaccio can be found from depths of 30-120 m and aggregate in near shore nurseries such as eelgrass beds, before they move to deeper habitats.

For more information visit:
sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_bocaccio_e.pdf
dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/species-especes/bocaccio-eng.htm

Canary Photo: http://www.animalpicturesarchive.com/view.php?tid=3&did=26544

Canary Rockfish (Sebastes pinniger)
BC: No Status
COSEWIC: Threatened
Found near Galiano

This species are long-lived (up to 84 years), slow to mature (approximately at age 13-14) and have long generation time (20-30 years). This species is slow to recover from population declines. Juveniles typically inhabit the uppermost 100 m of the water column. Adults typically inhabit rocky bottoms from 70-270 m depth. Fishing is the most significant threat to Canary Rockfish. Declines of up to 96 % (triennial bottom trawl surveys) have been found in this species' southern Canadian populations. As with all rockfish, their swim bladders cannot adjust to rapid changes in pressure and typically die if released after being caught. The role and importance of Canary rock fish in the ecosystem has not been adequately examined.

For more information visit:
sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_canary_rockfish_0808_e.pdf

Yelloweye Rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus)

Yelloweye Rockfish adult (left) and juvenile (right) Photo: K. L. Yamanaka

For more information visit:
sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_yelloweye_rockfish_0809_e.pdf

Grey Whale Photo: www.marineecotours.com/recreation/whale-watching-victoria/whales

Grey Whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
Eastern North Pacific Population
BC: Blue
COSEWIC: Special Concern
Found near Galiano

The Grey Whale is actually dark to light grey with mottling and scarring, often with patches of barnacles and crustaceans. They have a series of 7-15 knuckles along their dorsal ridge. Short cream coloured baleen plates allow the animal to filter the water for food and 2-4 throat grooves stretch to allow feeding. Grey Whales are usually sighted in shallow (depths <60 m) water close to shore. Grey whales in BC use all types of near shore habitat; rocky, muddy, sandy bottoms and kelp beds. Lifespan can be as long as 70 years but major threats to the Grey Whale population include whaling, salt extraction, oil exploration, offshore mining, toxic spills, collision with ships and entanglement in fishing gear contributes to younger life spans. Industrial noise in shallow seas can disturb feeding habits and may affect migration routes.

For more information visit:
sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_grey_whale_e.pdf

Harbour Porpoise Photo: http://picsbyfish.com/blog/?p=265

Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
Pacific Ocean Population
BC: Blue
COSEWIC: Special Concern
Found near Galiano

Harbour porpoises are small and short-lived creatures. They are rarely over 1.7 m in length and the oldest harbour porpoise in BC was 10 years old. Harbour porpoise are typically found in shallow (<200 m depth) marine habitats, though one adventurous harbour porpoise was recorded 55 kms up the Fraser River! Harbour porpoises have rounded heads, a small triangular dorsal fin and dark backs with mottled grey to white bellies. They are shy and typically show less of their body above water. Major threats to Harbour Porpoise are bottom-set gillnets which are used to capture groundfish. They are also extremely sensitive to noise disturbance, like acoustic harassment devices used by aquaculture to protect their pens. These devices are used primarily to protect aquaculture sites (www.raincoastresearch.org/salmon-farming.htm). Harbour porpoises may also be affected by environmental contamination in their food chain by organochlorides (PCBs and DDT) and heavy metals.

For more information visit:
sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_harbour_porpoise_pacific_e.pdf

Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

Humpback breach (left) and dorsal fin and fluke (right) Photo: R.W. Baird

For more information visit:
sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_humpback_whale_e.pdf

Southern Resident Killer Whales Photo: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/ mammals/cetaceans/killerwhale.htm

Orca Whale (Orcinus orca)
West Coast Transient Population
BC: Red
COSEWIC: Threatened

Northeast Southern Resident Population
BC: Red
COSEWIC: Endangered

Orca whales are typically recognized by their distinct black and white markings, blunt head and their tall dorsal fin. They can be up to 9m long with a dorsal fin of up to 1.8m high. Transient killer whales differ from resident populations markedly by their diet. Transients feed mainly on marine mammals while residents feed mainly on fish (primarily Chinook and Chum salmon). Killer whales are seen in shallow waters and deep ocean depths. Transients tend to spend more time in shallow waters and have been sighted feeding in the inter-tidal zone during high-tide. These whales are subject to threats from high levels of contaminants, acoustic and physical disturbance, and oil spills. Transient whales, due to their diet of marine mammals which are high on the food chain, have been shown to have the highest concentrations of organochlorines out of all marine mammals.

For more information visit:
www.sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_killer_whale_0809_e.pdf
sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=606

Northern Abalone Photo: Bart DeFreitas

Northern Abalone (Haliotis Kamschatkana)
BC: Red
COSEWIC: Threatened
Found near Galiano

This ear-shaped mollusc is the only species of abalone found in BC waters. The shell is lined with irregular bumps and 3-6 respiratory holes. The outer shell is usually red to green with areas of white and blue, but it is usually covered up by algae growth. Abalones that feed on kelp are greener, those feeding on other algae and diatoms are darker and redder. The inner shell is pearly iridescent and the meat is valued by some as a gourmet food, making abalone an attractive prize for poachers. Young abalone live in cracks and crevices in the rock, however larger abalone live in shallow waters out in the open. Abalone are now protected but they are still vulnerable to illegal harvest. In 2006, DFO fishery officers intercepted poachers travelling with a truck full of 11 000 dying abalone! The Abalone population is slow to recover because of low recruitment, habitat loss and climate change.

For more information visit:
sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_northern_abalone_0809_e.pdf

Olympia Oyster Photo: Peter. J. Bryant

Olympia Oyster (Haliotis Kamschatkana)
BC: Blue
COSEWIC: Special Concern
Potential to be found near Galiano

The Olympia oyster is the only oyster native to BC waters. It can be recognized by its smaller size (usually around 6 cm long but can be up to 9 cm). It is oval in shape and the top shell is flatter than the more rounded bottom shell. The top shell is also slightly smaller and its edges fit inside the edges of the bottom shell. The outer shell can range from white to cream to dark purple. The inner shell can either be white, green or purple. Olympia oysters can typically be found in salt-water lagoons and estuaries; places where changing tides will not leave the oysters high and dry.

The Olympia oyster has declined due to over-harvest but were replaced with more marketable species. Primary threats to Olympia Oysters are over-harvesting and temperature extremes. Habitat loss, introduction of non-native species and parasites from aquaculture and pollutants remain as current threats to this species.

For more information visit:
dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/species-especes/olympiaoyster-huitreplate-eng.htm

Stellar Sea Lion Photo: http://mmc.gov/species/stellersealion.shtml

Stellar Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus)
BC: Blue
COSEWIC: Special Concern
Potential to be found near Galiano

The stellar sea "lion" is named for the shiny pelt and fringe of fur around the neck that resembles a lion's mane. If you have ever passed by a group of sea lions on rocks you know the noise they make sound as loud as a lion. Female Stellar Sea Lions weigh up to 200-300 kg and males from 400-800 kg! Pups weigh about 16-23 kg at birth. You can tell Seals and Sea Lions apart because Sea Lions have outer-ear flaps that close over their ears to protect them from water. They are generally seen feeding off-shore over the continental shelf, usually found within 60km of land. Stellar sea lions feed on fish, squid and octopus and are sensitive to decreases in these prey species. Threats also include shooting, , entanglement, pollutants and degradation of habitat. Predation by killer whales and disease are natural factors that limit this population.

For more information visit:
sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_steller_sea_lion_e.pdf

Eulachon Photo: Phil Edgell

Eulachon (Eumetopias jubatus)
BC: Blue
COSEWIC: Endangered (May 2011)
Potential to be found near Galiano

Eulachon are also known as Oolichan or Candle fish. A dried fish strung with a wick can burn like a candle! Adults are brown to blue on the dorsal sides with lighter sides and silver with fine speckling. They have large canine teeth and transparent fins. Eulachon and Eulachon grease are important in diet and traditional uses for First Nations Peoples. Eulachon are also a prey species for many marine animals. Eulachon are small anadromous fish (meaning they live in salt-water but return to fresh water streams to breed). Spawning streams in the Southern BC Coast include Squamish and Fraser rivers. Fish spawn in the rivers and live in the marine environment for 2-5 years. Eulachon have disappeared from several spawning rivers in BC in the last 2 years. Factors that threaten Eulachon in the marine portion of their life include climate change, commercial fisheries, reduction in food abundance or distribution, and predation.

For more information visit:
pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/commercial/pelagic-pelagique/eulachon-eulakane/index-eng