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Research Document - 2013/103

Information in support of a Recovery Potential Assessment of Lilliput (Toxolasma parvum) in Canada

By Lynn D. Bouvier, Jennifer A.M. Young, and Todd J. Morris

Abstract

In May 2013, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assessed the status of Lilliput (Toxolasma parvum) and determined the designation to be Endangered. The reason provided for this designation is that, “This species has a fairly restricted range in Canada, confined to tributaries of Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. Populations once found in the open Canadian waters of Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie and the Detroit River have disappeared. Overall, the species has lost 40% of its former range in Canada. The invasion of freshwater habitat by the exotic Zebra and Quagga mussels, combined with pollution from urban development and sedimentation are the main cause of populations disappearing and the range shrinking.” Lilliput is currently not listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

This Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) provides information and scientific advice needed to fulfill various requirements of SARA. This Research Document describes the current state of knowledge of the biology, ecology, distribution, population trends, and habitat requirements of Lilliput. Lilliput population sensitivity to perturbations, as well as the threats currently effecting known Lilliput populations is discussed. Mitigation measures and alternative activities related to the identified threats, which can be used to protect the species, are also presented. The information contained in the RPA Science Advisory Report and this document may be used to inform the development of recovery documents and for assessing permits, agreements and related conditions, as per section 73, 74, 75, 77 and 78 of SARA. The scientific information also serves as advice to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) regarding the listing of the species under the SARA and is used when analyzing the socio-economic impacts of adding the species to the list as well as during subsequent consultations, where applicable. This assessment considers the available scientific data with which to assess the recovery potential of Lilliput in Canada.

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