COTA-SANCHEZ, J. HUGO1,2*, RANDY OLSON2, and JUDY HARALDSON2. 1Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada; 2Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8 Canada. - Saskatchewan's rare plants: an overview.
Canada’s estimated number of vascular plants varies between
4,000-4,150 species and makes up approximately only 1.5% of the
world’s species plant diversity and roughly 17% relative to the
continental flora of USA. In turn, Saskatchewan’s flora includes 120
families, 600 genera, and between 1380 and 1791 species, of which 414
(about 30% of the provincial flora) are rare, including 134 endangered
and 11 endangered/extirpated? species (Harms, 2001). The relatively
high number of rare plants in Saskatchewan is of concern and is, to
some extent, the result of human activities including over-collecting.
Because rare plant species exist in restricted geographic areas with
characteristic habitats, have small populations, and may have a unique
genetic make up, the assessment of rarity status at the specific level
is relevant within the biodiversity and conservation contexts. Here,
we have identified geographic areas with high concentrations of rare
plants. Concentrations of rare plants in Saskatchewan are based on
records of the W.P. Fraser Herbarium Rare Plants Database. The
information has been plotted on a base map of Saskatchewan using
ArcView GIS software. Preliminary data indicates that high numbers of
rare species records occur in ecologically unique areas such as the
Athabasca Sand Dunes on the S shore of Lake Athabasca in the NW
corner; the Cypress Hills in the SW corner; the Pasquia, Porcupine,
and Wildcat Hills areas near the eastern border. In the northern part
of Saskatchewan, concentrations occur in conjunction with roads. Other
northern concentrations occur near uranium mine sites such as Cluff
Lake and Wollaston Lake. Concentrations along the provincial borders
show up because those areas are at the edge of the ranges for some
species rare in Saskatchewan. Additional information regarding the
taxonomic groups and distribution of rare and endangered flora of
Saskatchewan is provided.
Key words: Canada, endangered species, rare plants, Saskatchewan