A paleobotanical study focusing on the Thread-leaved Sundew, Drosera filiformis, is being conducted. D. filiformis, classified by the Committee On the Status of Endangered Wildlife In Canada (C.O.S.E.W.I.C.) as endangered, is known in Canada from only five raised bogs in Shelburne County, Nova Scotia. Currently, D. Filiformis has a disjunct distribution in the northeastern United States. The object of this study is to determine the minimal residence time of D. filiformis in three bogs of Shelburne County. This is the first time that the residence history of an endangered species will be determined and is possible because the seeds of D. filiformis can: 1) be readily distinguished from other sundew species and 2) preserve well in peat bogs. This paleobotanical study will consist of macrofossil analysis of peat cores extracted from Shelburne County bogs. Preliminary data from a 367cm peat core demonstrates the presence of D. filiformis seeds at a depth of 218cm, which has been dated at 2090 ± 40 yrs BP.

Key words: costal flora, Drosera filiformis, endangered species, minimal residence time