1 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
27 July 2015
Use and Application of Range Mapping in Assessing Extinction Risk in Canada:
Supplemental Information
Rrf: Loehle and Sleep • Range Mapping to Assess Extinction Risk
CRAIG LOEHLE,1 National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Incorporated, 552 S
Washington Street, Suite 224, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
DARREN J. H. SLEEP, National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Incorporated, P.O.
Box 1036, Station B; Montreal, QC H3B 3K5, Canada
1
E-mail: cloehle@ncasi.org
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
Short summaries of the mapping methods, data used, and importance of geographic range to the
listing decision are provided for each COSEWIC document we surveyed, along with a tabular
summary of results. Unless cited otherwise, discussion of each species is based on the
COSEWIC report for that species.
MAMMALS
Bison (Bison bison bison) have an extremely restricted range and small population in Canada
compared with their historical condition (Gates and Jung 2013) and are thus listed as threatened.
The species status of the wood bison is unclear and is not considered here (status: special
concern). The historic range map is fairly well-defined, as are the current population areas, based
on a 2  2-km grid. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists it as near
threatened.
Wolverines (Gulo gulo) have been largely extirpated from the eastern part of their range,
where they were apparently always very rare (Dauphiné 1989), but are not as rare in the western
2 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
portion of their historical range (Dauphiné 1989). This illustrates a case where a large area of the
range may be lost with little effect on population size. The southern range boundary in figure 2
of Dauphiné (1989) is based on very anecdotal information. For the eastern population, there was
a historical loss of range but there are no data to compute a current trend. Nevertheless, the
trends for extent of occupancy (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are listed in the assessment
report as declining.
Ord’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii) has a large range in the arid portions of the western
United States (Gummer and Bender 2006). There is no record of a change in the U.S. range size.
The tiny Canadian population is disjunct (270 km from the nearest other population) and is
confined to 2 small sandhill areas. The area of open sand, which they require, has been rapidly
declining in those 2 areas. The subpopulations appear to fluctuate, as is common for rodents.
There is not much uncertainty about the areas of habitat for this species because it is so
specialized to open sand areas; however, actual trends in AOO are assumed in the status report
rather than computed.
Pacific watershrew (Sorex bendirii) is found in the United States from northern California
through western Oregon and Washington (Nagorsen 2006), where it appears to be generally rare.
In Canada it is found only in extreme southwestern British Columbia, thus representing an
extreme northern fringe population. Shrews are not easily observed, and this species has not been
systematically sampled. Thus, although the report cites a figure of 16–20% range decline in
Canada, the authors admit that this is probably an artifact of sampling intensity.
Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) extend across Canada but have retreated
to the north compared with historical times (Thomas and Gray 2002). The delineation of the
southern range boundary for caribou is problematic. Much of the historical data for regions near
3 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
the Lake States are anecdotal. Caribou appear to have always been sparse in this region and in
the southernmost extension into the Rockies. Thus, the historical EOO may be generous. In
contrast, the current range boundary line explicitly does not include similar southern outlier
populations near Lake Superior. This use of different mapping criteria at different times
complicates trend estimation. For example, trends in AOO and EOO are described as stable for
the northern mountain population, but other populations are described as declining relative to
historical populations, using possibly more inclusive mapping criteria for these historical data.
BIRDS
Sage thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) is rare in southwestern Canada but widespread across the
U.S. West (Cannings 2010). The species population fluctuates a great deal across its range. EOO
and AOO were estimated, but no trend could be computed. The area occupied in Canada is hard
to determine because the Canadian population appears to be overflow from the United States and
because the population is so small and scattered. Endangered status is based on very low
population size and very restricted range.
Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus) has a very large range in the eastern United
States but is sparse in Canada where it is found (Mills 2009). The current range map is generally
inclusive (i.e., represents EOO) and is considered stable. It is noted that in the 2001–2005
Breeding Bird Survey some individuals were found north of the historical range limit, but this
was not identified as a range expansion. AOO is calculated as 1,650 km2 based on population
and a territory of 5 ha/pair, but also as 2,000 km2 based on a personal communication. Trend in
AOO, however, seems to be based on bird atlas results over time, and is reported qualitatively.
Chimney swift (Chaetura pelagica) is a widespread species in North America but is less
abundant in Canada (Gauthier et al. 2007). Based on a largely comparable grid-based sample
4 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
design over time, the report shows a fairly constant EOO but declining AOO, which seems to
reflect the declining population estimates. AOO is estimated from 10  10-km (100-km2) grid
squares.
Loggerhead shrike subspecies excubitorides (Lanius ludovicianus) has a large range
(Wiggins 2004), with a modest extension into the region north of Montana and North Dakota.
The report indicates that the range is contracting, but no maps are provided for comparison and
many citations to document this trend are personal communications.
Williamson’s sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) has a small outlier population in
Canada, with the remainder of the range extending in a patchy way across much of the U.S.
Mountain West and into Mexico (Gyug 2005). There is a report of extensions of both the EOO
and AOO in Canada, but descriptions are qualitative. EOO is listed in the status report’s
technical summary (Gyug 2005) as having increased historically but is now stable. AOO trend is
listed as “unknown probably decreasing.” A threat to the birds is described as logging of old
larch forest. The status report notes that 53% of old larch will be lost in 10 years (Gyug 2005),
but reports a loss 1%/year of old larch area; it is unclear whether this is a calculation error.
Overall, because of population rarity and remoteness, the EOO, AOO, and changes in both are
largely based on anecdotal information.
Horned lark (Strigata subsp. Eremophila alpestris strigata) is widely distributed across
North America and Eurasia, but is found in Canada only on the coastal plains of southwestern
British Columbia (Beauchesne and Cooper 2003). It is closely associated with short grassland
habitat, which has declined in availability in British Columbia compared with historical
conditions. The population is so small in Canada as to be virtually extirpated, and has been so for
3 decades (last known nest site was in 1981); therefore, estimates of AOO and trend in AOO are
5 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
essentially meaningless.
Marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) is found on the Pacific coast from
California to Alaska, being confined to British Columbia in Canada (Burger 2012). AOO was not
reported, nor was any trend in range. Two factors cited in the murrelet’s listing as threatened
were habitat fragmentation and loss, implying declining AOO.
Northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) is found along the Pacific coast from
northern California into southwestern British Columbia (Kirk 1999). There are estimated to be
fewer than 20 resident pairs in British Columbia. Surveys over time have not been consistent in
intensity or spatial coverage. No estimates of EOO or AOO are provided because the species
occurs at very low density and is hard to detect (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife
in Canada 2008).
Vesper sparrow (Affinis subsp. Pooecetes gramineus affinis) is found along the Pacific
coast, with a small area occupied in southwestern British Columbia (Beauchesne 2006). The
population is now estimated to be only 5–10 breeding pairs in a single locality. Declines in both
EOO and AOO are based on reduced number of localities occupied, but the figures given in the
report cannot be said to be reliable for such a small population, especially when individuals can
move across the border from the United States.
AMPHIBIANS
The western chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata) is described as having declining habitat due to
losses to urban and agricultural uses (Picard et al. 2008). Rather than reporting recent shrinkage
in the range per se, the report describes a decline in the number of locations where the frog has
been observed. The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence population AOO and EOO are both listed as in
decline. However, sampling methods and effort over time are neither systematic nor consistent.
6 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
An estimate of a loss of 5.4%/year in habitat is based on a personal communication (Picard et al.
2008:13).
Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) has an historically patchy range from northern
California to southwestern British Columbia (Craig 2011). It has lost some of its southern range
in the United States. There are only 4 known sites in Canada, one of which has been
experiencing a precipitous population decline. AOO was based on a 2  2-km grid, but the
underlying occurrence data are neither thorough nor systematic. The trends for this species (both
for AOO and EOO) are projected, rather than estimated from historical data.
Fowler’s toad (Anaxyrus fowleri) is widespread in the eastern United States but occurs in
Canada only along the north shore and islands of Lake Erie (Green and Smith 2010). It can be
said to have a reduced range, in that outlier and intermediate sites have been lost, leaving only 3
localities. AOO was computed in the report using both 1  1- and 2  2-km grids, but underlying
data are not systematic. AOO and EOO trends are based on assumed trends in habitat rather than
occurrence data.
Great Basin spadefoot (Spea intermontana) is found in the intermountain region from
British Columbia south to Arizona and Colorado (Ovaska 2007). Based on an estimate of
approximately 235 discrete sites and a recent survey, it appears to currently occupy all of its
historical range in Canada and EOO was identified as stable. In 2005–2006, 12 new sites were
found in South Cariboo, but this was not identified as a range expansion. Current AOO was
computed using both 1  1- and 2  2-km grids, but according to the authors, locations do not
represent a thorough or systematic sample. AOO trend was identified as unknown.
Small-mouthed salamander (Ambystoma texanum) is widespread in the eastern United
States, but in Canada is found only on Pelee Island in Lake Erie (Bogart and Licht 2004). The
7 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
several species of salamander on this island have likely been there since before the island
became isolated. Two of the 5 salamander breeding sites on the island have been lost (ponds no
longer wet). EOO is well-defined because it encompasses Pelee Island. AOO and decrease in
AOO are also well-defined because the species depends on discrete, known ponds for breeding.
Spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) is found throughout the Appalachian
Mountain chain but only occurs in Canada in the mountains of southern Quebec (Bonin 1999).
Because of reported low density, lack of systematic surveys, and the difficulty of observing
salamanders, no estimate of changes in either population or range could be made. However, best
estimates suggest both population and range are small.
Tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) occurs widely across North America, but
regional populations may in fact be closely related species (Schock 2001). It has apparently been
lost from southern Ontario as of approximately 1915. The species has been inadvertently
introduced into new areas by fishermen using the larvae as bait. No systematic surveys of
geographic range or population exist for Canada. In spite of this, concern is expressed in the
report about British Columbia populations (which are small and disjunct) because of habitat loss
and degradation. The Saskatchewan population is described as stable. Both EOO and AOO are
described as declining in spite of a lack of data for estimating trends and the stable Saskatchewan
population. If this range decline is based on the loss of Ontario populations, this loss happened
100 years ago according to the report and thus does not indicate an ongoing trend.
Jefferson salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) ranges from central New England
west to Kentucky and Indiana in the United States, with a small population in southern Ontario
(Bogart 2010) only being discovered in 1976. The genetics and identity of this species,
particularly in Ontario, are still unresolved because of the existence of hybrids and unisexuals.
8 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Although the range is not obviously declining, the number of breeding ponds appears to be. The
authors suggest that a more precise estimate of AOO could be made by putting a 300-m buffer
around known breeding ponds. Because the number of breeding ponds has declined, AOO has
declined and we view the figure as reasonably accurate.
REPTILES
Gray rat snake (Elaphe spiloides) is widely distributed in forested areas of the eastern and central
United States (Row 2007). In Canada it is confined to 2 disjunct regions in southeastern and
southwestern Ontario. The southwestern region consists of only 4 small populations and is
estimated to have a small and declining population. The southeastern population is estimated to
consist of 25,000–85,000 individuals, but is nevertheless identified as threatened by COSEWIC
based on ongoing habitat fragmentation. No changes in the fragmented range patches have been
documented; however, declining AOO and EOO are noted in the summary table without
documentation.
Greater short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) is found in the Rocky Mountain
West from central Mexico to just into Canada (James 2007). Range maps are depicted as discrete
observation sites, but it is noted that surveys have not been thorough or systematic so the species
is probably more continuous and abundant than the maps would indicate. No real historical data
exist for computing range trends but EOO and AOO trends are nevertheless listed as
“?Declining” [sic].
Eastern fox snake (Elaphe gloydi) occurs only in the coastal zone of the central Great
Lakes, with approximately 70% of the population in Ontario in 3 disjunct regional populations
(Wilson 2008). The map (author’s fig. 2) shows both dots for observations and enclosing
polygons. More detail than typical is given for how AOO was calculated (with a 2  2-km grid),
9 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
with decline in AOO found over the past 20 years. However, this is not based on systematic
surveys or constant sampling effort. The recommendation of endangerment is based on declining
AOO (using a 2  2-km grid) and projected continuing loss of habitat to shoreline homes, but
data do not exist for computing an AOO trend. EOO is projected to decline based on anticipated
urban development.
Butler’s garter snake (Thamnophis butleri) has the most restricted range of any snake in
North America, being found only near the Great Lakes, with 4 small disjunct regions in
southwestern Ontario (Choquette and Noble 2010). Currently occupied and extirpated polygons
indicate a shrinking range (for both AOO and EOO) in Ontario (authors’ fig. 2), but this was not
quantified in the status report.
Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) occurs in several small disjunct areas in southern
Ontario, as well as widely across the Midwest (Rouse and Willson 2002). EOO trend is listed as
unknown. The species is too rare and hard to capture for AOO data or to allow estimation of
trends but is listed as declining, evidently based on trends in assumed habitat (the text is
ambiguous).
Queen snake (Regina septemvittata) is a widespread species in the eastern United States,
but in Canada is found only in extreme southwestern Ontario (Smith 1999). AOO and EOO are
quantified and listed as declining but no methods, scales, or data are presented for either areas or
trends.
Night snake (Hypsiglena torquata) extends from Central America northward through the
Rocky Mountain western United States and barely into Canada (Gregory 2001). It is exceedingly
rare and no EOO or AOO values or trends have been computed. Status assessment is based on
very small AOO, small population, and habitat loss (to date and projected).
10 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Eastern ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus) is widespread in the eastern United States,
but extends into Canada only in Ontario and Nova Scotia (Smith 2002). Although areas are
reported for AOO and EOO in both areas, no methods are reported and base data appear to be
unsystematic (encounter data). The trend for EOO is unknown but for AOO is described as
“probably declining,” although data may be inadequate for this determination.
Five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus) occurs across the eastern United States with 2 small
regional populations in Canada (Howes and Lougheed 2007). The Carolinian population is
sparsely distributed. The reported declining trends for both AOO and EOO are based on the
Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary, but it is not clear whether this data source is adequate for
determining trends because it utilizes contributed data (reports sent in by volunteers and
researchers) rather than systematic surveys.
Prairie skink (Eumeces septentrionalis) is found from the Texas Gulf Coast northward
through the Great Plains, with a small population in southwestern Manitoba (Seburn et al. 2004).
Because it is confined to clearly identifiable friable soils within the regions where it is found and
all skinks found have been on these soils, the EOO is clearly defined. No method is identified for
computing AOO. The categorization of both AOO and EOO as “declining” is based on assumed
habitat loss, not on occurrence data.
Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) is distributed across the western Lake States
and into the Great Plains of the United States, with populations in Nova Scotia and the Great
Lakes–St. Lawrence regions of Canada (Edge and Jones 2005). No methods (e.g., scale) are
described for computing AOO or EOO in either region. The “declining” designation for AOO
and EOO in both areas is not documented clearly but appears to be based on literature and the
Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary Atlas.
11 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) is found along the eastern seaboard and around the Lake
States of the United States (Litzgus 2004). Many historical sites are now ranked as extirpated,
but it is not clear if these justify a ranking of “declining” in the recent present, because both EOO
and AOO estimates and trends are not quantitative.
Western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii) is found west of the Great Lakes in the
United States, with northward extensions into Canada (Dupuis 2006). The Pacific Coast
subpopulation is noted as having declining EOO and AOO, but with no text documenting
methods or data used to reach this conclusion.
Lake Erie water snake (Nerodia sipedon insularum) is found only on islands at the
western end of Lake Erie (Bolton 2006). It was lost from some islands 70 years ago. EOO and
AOO are reasonably precise, but “decline” in both is based on a comparison with long-ago
historical range rather than reflecting a continuing recent trend.
Eastern yellow-bellied racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) is found from Texas
northward through Montana, with only a few records across the border in Canada (Welstead
2004). Observations of the species in Canada have largely been incidental to rattlesnake surveys,
and are thus not systematic. EOO is listed as stable. AOO is described as declining, but no text or
data are supplied to support this claim. Decline in AOO is questionable given the lack of longterm systematic surveys for this species.
Eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is found across the lower Great Plains
and eastern United States, with an extension into southern Ontario (Bériault 2001). Methods for
calculating AOO and EOO are not given. Some losses of occupied sites are noted when the
current range is compared with the historical range, but the conclusion that EOO and AOO are
declining cannot be verified with the text presented.
12 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
LITERATURE CITED
Beauchesne, S. 2006. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the vesper sparrow Affinis
subspecies Pooecetes gramineus affinis in Canada. Committee on the Status of
Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Beauchesne, S. M., and J. M. Cooper. 2003. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on
the horned lark Strigata subspecies Eremophila alpestris strigata in Canada. Committee
on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Bériault, K. 2001. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the eastern hog-nosed snake
Heterodon platirhinos in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in
Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Bogart, J. P. 2010. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Jefferson salamander
Ambystoma jeffersonianum in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife
in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Bogart, J. P., and L. E. Licht. 2004. Update COSEWIC status report on the small-mouth
salamander Ambystoma texanum in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered
Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Bolton, R. M. 2006. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Lake Erie watersnake
Nerodia sipedon insularum in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife
in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Bonin, J. 1999. COSEWIC status report on the spring salamander Gyrinophilus porphyriticus in
Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada.
Burger, A. 2012. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the marbled murrelet
13 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Brachyramphus marmoratus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife
in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Cannings, R. J. 2010. COSEWIC status report on the sage thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus in
Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada.
Choquette, J., and D. Noble. 2010. COSEWIC assessment and status report on Butler’s
gartersnake Thamnophis butleri in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered
Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2008. COSEWIC assessment and
update status report on the spotted owl Strix occidentalis caurina subspecies, in Canada.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Craig, V. 2011. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Oregon spotted frog Rana
pretiosa in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa,
Ontario, Canada.
Dauphiné, T. C. 1989. Update COSEWIC status report on the wolverine Gulo gulo in Canada.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Dupuis, L. 2006. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the western painted turtle
Chrysemys picta bellii (Pacific coast population, intermountain-Rocky Mountain
population and prairie/western boreal-Canadian Shield population) in Canada. Committee
on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Edge, C. B., and S. E. Jones. 2005. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the
Blanding’s turtle Emydoidea blandingii in Canada. Committee on the Status of
Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
14 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Gates, C., and Jung, T. 2013. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Plains Bison bison
bison bison and the Wood Bison Bison bison athabascae in Canada. Committee on the
Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Gauthier, J., M. Dionne, J. Potvin, M. Cadman, and D. Busby. 2007. COSEWIC assessment and
status report on the chimney swift Chaetura pelagica in Canada. Committee on the Status
of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Green, D. M., and M. A. Smith. 2010. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Fowler’s
toad Anaxyrus fowleri in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in
Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Gregory, L. 2001. COSEWIC status report on the night snake Hypsiglena torquata in Canada.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Gummer, D. L., and D. J. Bender. 2006. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the
Ord’s kangaroo rat Dipodomys ordii in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered
Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Gyug, L. W. 2005. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Williamson’s sapsucker
Sphyrapicus thyroideus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in
Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Howes, B. J., and S. C. Lougheed. 2007. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the
five-lined skink Eumeces fasciatus (Carolinian population and Great Lakes/St. Lawrence
population) in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
James, J. 2007. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the greater short-horned lizard
Phrynosoma hernandesi in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in
15 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Kirk, D. A. 1999. Update COSEWIC status report on the northern spotted owl Strix occidentalis
caurina. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada.
Litzgus, J. D. 2004. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the spotted turtle
Clemmys guttata in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Mills, A. M. 2009. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the whip-poor-will Caprimulgus
vociferus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa,
Ontario, Canada.
Nagorsen, D. 2006. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Pacific watershrew
Sorex bendirii in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Ovaska, K. 2007. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Great Basin spadefoot
Spea intermontana in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in
Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Picard, I., J.-F. Desroches, and F. W. Schueler. 2008. COSEWIC assessment and update status
report on the western chorus frog Sphyrapicus thyroideus Carolinian population and
Great Lakes/St. Lawrence – Canadian Shield population in Canada. Committee on the
Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Rouse, J. D., and R. J. Willson. 2002. Update COSEWIC status report on the massasauga
Sistrurus catenatus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in
Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
16 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Row, J. 2007. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the gray ratsnake Elaphe
spiloides (Great Lakes/St. Lawrence population and Carolinian population) in Canada.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Schock, D. M. 2001. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the tiger salamander
Ambustoma tigrinum in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in
Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Seburn, D. C., C. N. L. Seburn, and E. Bredin. 2004. COSEWIC assessment and update status
report on the prairie skink Eumeces septentrionalis in Canada. Committee on the Status
of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Smith, K. 1999. COSEWIC status report on the queen snake Regina septemvittata in Canada.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Smith, K. 2002. COSEWIC status report on the eastern ribbonsnake Thamnophis sauritus in
Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada.
Thomas, D. C., and D. R. Gray. 2002. Update COSEWIC status report on the woodland caribou
Rangifer tarandus caribou Atlantic–Gaspésie population, boreal population, southern
mountain population, northern mountain population, Newfoundland population in
Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada.
Welstead, K. 2004. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the eastern and western
yellow-bellied racers Coluber constrictor flaviventris and Coluber constrictor mormon in
Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada.
17 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Wiggins, D. A. 2004. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the loggerhead shrike
excubitorides subspecies Lanius ludovicianus in Canada. Committee on the Status of
Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Wilson, R. 2008. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the eastern foxsnake Elaphe
gloydi in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa,
Ontario, Canada.
18 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Supplemental Table 1. Summary of geographic range data adequacy, percent range within Canada, trend, and status. Contribution to
assessment is how many of total negative findings relate to geographic range. For data adequacy, “Good” means systematic surveys
with adequate coverage, “Adequate” means not ideal coverage but reasonable sample sizes, “Poor” category includes use of some
anecdotal data, and “Anecdotal” means only reports and commentary used. Contribution to assessment taken from summaries in each
report. EN is Endangered, and TH is Threatened. EOO is Extent of Occupancy and AOO is Area of Occupancy. % Range is the % of
the range within Canada.
Data adequacy
Species
Ideal example
Mapping methods
%
Status
Historical
Current
Historical
Current
Range
EN
Good
Good
EOO and
EOO and
100%
AOO
AOO
Contribution
Trend inference
Decline—calculated based on
to assessment
100%
changes in EOO and AOO
between periods.
Bison bison
TH
Good
Good
EOO
bison
Gulo gulo
(eastern
population)
EOO and
Stable
≈50%
AOO
EN
Anecdotal
Poor
EOO
EOO/AOO
hybrid
100%
Decline—anecdotal data
contribute to liberal estimate of
historical EOO; current range
delineated using a data-derived
EOO/AOO hybrid.
50% (2 of 4)
19 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Dipodomys
EN
None
Good
EOO
ordii
EOO and
<1%
AOO
Decline—decline is assumed,
50% (2 of 4)
although no historical estimate
of AOO is available.
Sorex bendirii
EN
None
Poor
None
EOO
5%
Unknown—species listed based
66.6% (2 of 3)
primarily on a small and
fragmented range.
Rangifer
TH
Poor
Good
EOO
tarandus
EOO and
Decline—EOO and AOO
AOO
deemed to have declined
caribou
50% (1 of 2)
significantly from historical
sizes.
Oreoscoptes
EN
Poor
Reasonable
None
montanus
EOO and
<1%
AOO
Stable/no trend—large extant
50% (4 of 8)
populations in United States
seem to stabilize Canadian
portion of range.
Caprimulgus
TH
Good
Good
Not shown
vociferus
EOO and
15%
AOO
Decline—recent (<30 yr) work
50% (1 of 2)
has documented AOO range
declines in some areas.
Chaetura
pelagica
TH
Good
Good
EOO
EOO and
AOO
26%
Decline—recent AOO
estimation indicates decline in
some areas; EOO trend less
clear.
100% (1 of 1)
20 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Lanius
TH
Poor
Good
EOO
ludovicianus
EOO and
<10%
AOO
Decline—historical EOO was
50% (1 of 2)
much larger than currently,
although it is unclear by how
much; AOO based on personal
communication.
Sphyrapicus
EN
Poor
Anecdotal
None
EOO
<5%
Unknown—although status
50% (1 of 2)
report suggests “possibly
thyroideus
declining;” anecdotal trends.
Eremophila
EN
Poor
Good
None
alpestris
EOO and
Decline—last seen 1981.
77% (10 of 13)
100% (1 of 1)
AOO
strigata
Brachyramphus
TH
Poor
Poor
None
marmoratus
EOO and
40–
Decline—current estimates
AOO
50%
based on habitat suitability
models; declines are anecdotal.
Strix
EN
Poor
Good
None
occidentalis
EOO and
<10%
AOO
Decline—few historical data
50% (6 of 12)
are available; declines in
caurina
breeding pairs, and hence
range, are considered
significant.
Pooecetes
gramineus
affinis
EN
Poor
Reasonable
None
EOO and
AOO
<10%
Decline—poor and anecdotal
records used to infer larger
historical EOO.
55% (6 of 11)
21 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Pseudacris
TH
Reasonable
Good
None
triseriata
Rana pretiosa
EOO and
9%
Decline—no reasons provided.
50% (1 of 2)
5%
Decline—data not systematic.
77% (10 of 13)
<1%
Decline—based on loss of
55% (6 of 11)
AOO
EN
Reasonable
Good
EOO
EOO and
AOO
Anaxyrus
EN
Good
Good
EOO
fowleri
EOO and
AOO
some local populations and
models.
Spea
TH
None
Good
None
intermontana
Ambystoma
EN
None
Good
EOO
TH
Poor
Poor
None
EN
Reasonable
Reasonable
None
tigrinum
Ambystoma
EOO and
<1%
Poor
Reasonable
None
EOO and
0.7–
AOO
8.6%
EOO and
<10%
jeffersonianum
EOO and
50% (2 of 4)
Stable—very small EOO;
75% (9 of 12)
Decline—ponds lost.
AOO
EN
Stable—very small EOO, AOO
trend unknown.
AOO
porphyriticus
Ambystoma
<5%
AOO
texanum
Gyrinophilus
EOO and
Stable.
80% (8 of 10)
Decline—based primarily on
50% (2 of 4)
changes to southern BC range.
~5%
AOO
Decline—based on estimates of
70% (7 of 10)
ponds that no longer support
populations.
Elaphe
spiloides
(Carolinian
population)
EN
None
Good
None
EOO and
AOO
<5%
Decline—no reasons provided.
75% (3 of 4)
22 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Elaphe
TH
None
Good
None
spiloides (Great
EOO and
<5%
Decline—no reasons provided.
75% (6 of 8)
<5%
Possibly declining—some
50% (1 of 2)
AOO
Lakes
population)
Phrynosoma
EN
Poor
Reasonable
None
hernandesi
EOO and
AOO
former sites now abandoned,
leading to some range
retraction.
Elaphe gloydi
EN
Reasonable
Good
EOO
EOO and
~50%
AOO
Decline—range estimates
50% (2 of 4)
generated every 4–5 yr since
1984 suggest range retraction.
Thamnophis
EN
Reasonable
Good
None
butleri
EOO and
16%
AOO
Decline—range estimates
83% (5 of 6)
projected or observed to be in
decline, although not
quantified.
Sistrurus
EN
Reasonable
Good
EOO
catenatus
EOO and
~20%
AOO
Unknown or declining—fewer
83% (5 of 6)
extant locations than in the
past, but no systematic surveys.
Regina
septemvittata
EN
Reasonable
Good
None
EOO and
AOO
5%
Decline—determined by
considering areas without
observations over the past 30 yr
as lost.
66% (4 of 6)
23 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information
Hypsiglena
EN
None
Poor
None
None
<0.5% Unknown—no reasons
torquata
Thamnophis
provided.
TH
None
Poor
None
sauritus
Eumeces
EN
Poor
Reasonable
None
EN
Poor
Reasonable
None
EN
Poor
Reasonable
None
EN
Poor
Reasonable
None
declining.
<1%
Decline—based on some
71% (5 of 7)
former sites now abandoned.
1%
Decline—based on habitat loss.
83% (10 of 12)
EOO and
20%
Decline—no reasons provided.
50% (4 of 8)
EOO and
<5%
Decline—no reasons provided.
63% (5 of 8)
10%
Decline or unknown—few data
60% (6 of 10)
AOO
EN
Poor
Poor
None
picta bellii
Nerodia
EOO and
50% (2 of 4)
AOO
guttata
Chrysemys
EOO and
Unknown or possibly
AOO
blandingii
Clemmys
<10%
AOO
septentrionalis
Emydoidea
EOO and
AOO
fasciatus
Eumeces
50% (2 of 4)
EOO and
AOO
EN
Reasonable
Reasonable
None
sipedon
EOO and
available.
<40%
AOO
Decline—based on historical
66% (6 of 9)
records.
insularum
Coluber
TH
Poor
Reasonable
None
constrictor
EOO and
<5%
AOO
Stable EOO/declining AOO—
50% (2 of 4)
no reasons provided.
flaviventris
Heterodon
platirhinos
TH
Poor
Reasonable
None
EOO and
AOO
<10%
Declining—no reasons
provided.
50% (1 of 2)
24 | Loehle and Sleep Supplemental Information