Prepared by T. Kraus

The Recovery Strategy for the Small Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) in Canada was prepared by Angela McConnell for the Canadian Wildlife Service to meet the requirements of the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk in Canada. This recovery strategy is being adopted under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA 2007), which requires the Minister of Natural Resources to ensure recovery strategies are prepared for all species listed as endangered or threatened. With the addition of new information, the Recovery Strategy for the Small Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) in Canada meets all of the content requirements outlined in the ESA 2007.

Executive summary

Small Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) is a small orchid which inhabits portions of eastern North America, and has been found in only one location in Canada. It was designated as endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife In Canada (COSEWIC) in 2000. Little is understood about the specific biological requirements of this species which grows in the damp mixed woods of Calton Swamp.

The only known occurrence of Small Whorled Pogonia is located on Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) property but the species has not been seen since 1998. It is unknown whether the species is extirpated or is still present in low numbers. Two known threats to this population are habitat degradation and trampling. Other possible threats include herbivory, collection, and loss of genetic diversity.

The recovery of Small Whorled Pogonia is considered feasible. The recovery goal is to protect extant populations and viable habitat to ensure a self sustaining population exists within the historical Canadian range. Recovery objectives are:

  1. Survey and, if extant, monitor individual plants within the area of the four recorded historical subpopulations.
  2. Determine population dynamics and habitat characteristics of the Calton Swamp colony.
  3. Develop strategies for the protection of the population and supporting habitat.
  4. Investigate techniques and feasibility of augmenting the extant population or restoring the species to historic locations if it is deemed to be extirpat
  5. Initiate research to address knowledge gaps.

Identification of critical habitat for this species is being deferred to the action plan stage.

A number of specific actions and evaluation methods are also outlined in this strategy.

This recovery approach will not have any anticipated negative effects on other species in the area.

An action plan will be developed for Small Whorled Pogonia by 2011, dependent on the capacity of the lead agencies to complete the plan.