Haller's Apple Moss
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| Scientific name: |
Bartramia halleriana |
| Taxonomic group: |
Mosses |
| Range: |
BC AB |
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| Status under SARA*: |
Threatened, on Schedule 1
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Last COSEWIC**
designation: |
Threatened (November 2001) |
*SARA: The Species at Risk Act
**COSEWIC: The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada |
Quick Links: |
Photo |
Description |
Distribution and Population |
Habitat |
Biology |
Threats |
Protection |
Recovery Initiatives |
Recovery Team |
National Recovery Program |
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Description
The species is a medium size moss found in tufts 4-13 cm high, green to yellow or brownish-green in colour. The capsules are on very short seta (stalks), and immersed among the leaves.
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Distribution and Population
Globally, the species occurs in Europe, Asia, Southern America, Australia and New Zealand, and Hawaii. In Canada, Haller’s Apple Moss is known from only three sites in British Columbia and Alberta. A fourth site was documented in 1826, but its precise location and the status of the species there is unknown. The Canadian populations are the only ones known from North America. Population sizes at two sites show very few individuals overall. At one site, 119 individuals were documented averaging about 65 cm2. At a second site, only 11 individuals were counted, averaging about 51 cm2. Although not counted, there are certainly less than 100 individuals at the third site. The total Canadian population is estimated at less than 250 individuals. There is no information available on the population trends of Haller’s Apple Moss.
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Habitat
At the Canadian sites, the species grows in mountainous regions. It has been found in crevices and ledges of forested cliffs, and on exposed stabilized talus slopes. The species occurs associated with siliceous (acidic) rocks.
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Biology
Little is known of the biology of Haller’s Apple Moss. It is a monoicous species (male and female reproductive structures on same plant) At the Canadian sites, the species produces spores frequently and abundantly.
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Threats
It is not clear what the limiting factors are for the species. Although the species produces abundant spores and inhabits very common mountain habitats, it has not dispersed widely or successfully. It is surmised that competition with a closely related species, B. pomiformis, may be an important factor in the limited occurrence of B. halleriana. However, further work is needed to substantiate this idea.There are no imminent threats to any of the three populations. However, one population is potentially threatened if highway upgrading adjacent to the site takes place.
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Protection
The Haller's Apple Moss is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). More information about SARA, including how it protects individual species, is available in the Species at Risk Act: A Guide.
Haller's Apple Moss occurs in Jasper National Park, where it is protected under the Canada National Parks Act.
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Recovery Initiatives
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Status of Recovery Planning
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Recovery Strategy:
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Name: Haller's Apple Moss Recovery Strategy
Status: Recovery planner(s) in place
Number of Action Plans: 0
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Recovery Team
Haller's Apple Moss Recovery Team
Peter Achuff - Chair - Parks Canada
Rene Belland - Member - University or college
Brenda Dobson - Member - Parks Canada
Ted Lea - Member - Government of BC
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Recovery Progress and Activities
Recovery Plan Status: A draft of the Recovery Strategy has been prepared and is currently undergoing review.
Recovery Strategy Goal: The proposed recovery goals are to increase the known population size, number of populations, and area of occupancy of the species by dealing adequately with known threats.
Summary of Research/Monitoring Activities:
1955: First observation at the Fraser River site.
1971: Species was observed at the Fraser River site.
1977: Species was observed again at the Fraser River site
1980: The first observation of the species in Jasper National Park
1995: Observed at the Fraser River site; first observation of the species at the Avola site.
1999: Observed at the Fraser River site; species observed in Jasper National Park
2001: Observed at the Fraser River site; search conducted for the species at the Avola site (species was not found); the species was observed in Jasper National Park.
2002: The species was observed at the Fraser River site; conducted a search for species at the Avola site but species was not found; the species presence was confirmed in Jasper National Park.
Summary of Recovery Activities:
2002: the National Recovery Team was formed and held its first meeting in May. Known occurrences of this species were resurveyed to confirm the presence of Hallers Apple Moss and to assess threats at the sites. The Recovery Strategy was drafted.
Summary of Progress to Date:
A multi-jurisdictional Recovery Team has been formed and known sites were resurveyed in 2002. A preliminary draft Recovery Strategy has been prepared and is being reviewed.
Objectives for 2003-2004:
- Complete the Recovery Strategy
- Prepare required Action Plans
- Resurvey existing sites
- Survey for additional populations
- Prepare and present a public information program
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