PARENT SESSION
Poster Session 31: Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species
Thursday, August 11, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Exhibit Hall 220 A-E, Level 2, Palais des congrès de Montréal
Implementation of conservation plans for American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in three protected areas of Quebec.
Nault, Andrée*,1, 2, 1 Biodôme de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada2 Groupe de recherche en écologie forestière interuniversitaire, Montréal, Québec, Canada
ABSTRACT- American ginseng is endangered in Canada. Threats from root harvest, habitat loss and wood cultivation have become getting increasingly important in the last 15 years. In Quebec, 75% of recently re-sampled populations (n=59) were extinct or endangered because of their small size (< MVP=170). Only 15 viable populations are presently known in the province. In 2002, conservation plans were prepared for three protected areas to enhance the protection of this highly sensitive species. All previous data available were up-dated and surveys were conducted to evaluate the current status of the species at each site and identify threats. Concrete measures were proposed to protect and restore all sites of interest: 1) Increase security; 2) Apply a confidentiality code; 3) Conduct inventories on a regular basis; 4) Identify potential habitat for restoration purpose; 5) Conduct a demographic survey; 6) Assess deer impact; 7) Complete the exploration of parks; 8) Reintroduce the species. Since the plans were implemented, significant advancements have taken place. At site QC01, exploration lead to major discoveries, increasing 6-times the population size reported before. Trails were partially closed or rerouted to minimize chances of harvest. Permanent plots were established to characterize the population dynamics of this exceptional population and quantify deer impact. At site QC17, one new viable population was discovered. At three sites, highly visible plants from trails were successfully transplanted (survival=80-100%) or hidden with visual screens. Inventories revealed important annual fluctuations in this park. Seeds were collected, stratified and replanted to enhance low natural recruitment. Good germination rates were obtained (site P=58.4%, site M=50.0%, site K=47.3%). At site QC07, where historical observations exist, ginseng was not found. Reintroduction efforts are undertaken. From 2002 to 2004, 148 greenhouse-grown plants were transplanted and 457 seeds were sown. Large individuals introduced show high survival rates (78.0% and 95.8%), but germination is low (4.5% and 8.6%). These conservation plans should significantly raise the level of protection of American ginseng in Quebec. This project is funded by Environment Canada and the Montreal Biodome.
Key words: American ginseng, Endangered species, Restoration, Conservation plans