Olive Clubtail (Stylurus olivaceus): recovery strategy proposed 2021

Official title: Recovery Strategy for the Olive Clubtail (Stylurus olivaceus) in Canada proposed 2021

Species at Risk Act
Recovery Strategy Series
Adopted under Section 44 of SARA

Part 1 – Federal Addition to the Recovery Plan for the Olive Clubtail (Stylurus olivaceus) in British Columbia, prepared by Environment and Climate Change Canada

Preface

The federal, provincial, and territorial government signatories under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996)^{Footnote 2} agreed to establish complementary legislation and programs that provide for effective protection of species at risk throughout Canada. Under the Species at Risk Act (S.C. 2002, c.29) (SARA), the federal competent ministers are responsible for the preparation of recovery strategies for listed Extirpated, Endangered, and Threatened species and are required to report on progress within five years after the publication of the final document on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change is the competent minister for the Olive Clubtail and has prepared the federal component of this recovery strategy (Part 1), as per section 37 of SARA. To the extent possible, it has been prepared in cooperation with the Province of British Columbia as per section 39(1) of SARA. SARA section 44 allows the Minister to adopt all or part of an existing plan for the species if it meets the requirements under SARA for content (sub-sections 41(1) or (2)). The Province of British Columbia provided the attached recovery strategy for the Olive Clubtail (Part 2) as science advice to the jurisdictions responsible for managing the species in British Columbia. It was prepared in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Success in the recovery of this species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the directions set out in this strategy and will not be achieved by Environment and Climate Change Canada, or any other jurisdiction alone. All Canadians are invited to join in supporting and implementing this strategy for the benefit of the Olive Clubtail and Canadian society as a whole.

This recovery strategy will be followed by one or more action plans that will provide information on recovery measures to be taken by Environment and Climate Change Canada and other jurisdictions and/or organizations involved in the conservation of the species. Implementation of this strategy is subject to appropriations, priorities, and budgetary constraints of the participating jurisdictions and organizations.

The recovery strategy sets the strategic direction to arrest or reverse the decline of the species, including identification of critical habitat to the extent possible. It provides all Canadians with information to help take action on species conservation. When critical habitat is identified, either in a recovery strategy or an action plan, SARA requires that critical habitat then be protected.

In the case of critical habitat identified for terrestrial species including migratory birds SARA requires that critical habitat identified in a federally protected area^{Footnote 3} be described in the Canada Gazette within 90 days after the recovery strategy or action plan that identified the critical habitat is included in the public registry. A prohibition against destruction of critical habitat under ss. 58(1) will apply 90 days after the description of the critical habitat is published in the Canada Gazette.

For critical habitat located on other federal lands, the competent minister must either make a statement on existing legal protection or make an order so that the prohibition against destruction of critical habitat applies.

If the critical habitat for a migratory bird is not within a federal protected area and is not on federal land, within the exclusive economic zone or on the continental shelf of Canada, the prohibition against destruction can only apply to those portions of the critical habitat that are habitat to which the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 applies as per SARA ss. 58(5.1) and ss. 58(5.2).

For any part of critical habitat located on non-federal lands, if the competent minister forms the opinion that any portion of critical habitat is not protected by provisions in or measures under SARA or other Acts of Parliament, or the laws of the province or territory, SARA requires that the Minister recommend that the Governor in Council make an order to prohibit destruction of critical habitat. The discretion to protect critical habitat on non-federal lands that is not otherwise protected rests with the Governor in Council.

Additions and modifications to the adopted document

The following sections have been included to address specific requirements of the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) that are not addressed in the Recovery Plan for the Olive Clubtail (Stylurus olivaceus) in British Columbia (Part 2 of this document, referred to henceforth as “the provincial recovery plan”), and/or to provide updated or additional information.

Under SARA, there are specific requirements and processes set out regarding the protection of critical habitat. Therefore, statements in the provincial recovery plan referring to protection of survival/recovery habitat may not directly correspond to federal requirements. Recovery measures dealing with the protection of habitat are adopted; however, whether these measures will result in protection of critical habitat under SARA will be assessed following publication of the final federal recovery strategy.

1. Species status information

This section replaces “Section 2: Species Status Information” in the provincial recovery plan.

The legal designation of Olive Clubtail on SARA Schedule 1 is Endangered (2017).

2. Critical habitat

This section replaces “Section 7: Species Survival and Recovery Habitat” in the provincial recovery plan.

Section 41(1)(c) of SARA requires that recovery strategies include an identification of the species’ critical habitat, to the extent possible, as well as examples of activities that are likely to result in its destruction. The provincial recovery plan (Part 2, Table 2) provides a summary of the essential functions and features of Olive Clubtail habitat. This science advice was used to inform the following critical habitat section in this federal recovery strategy.

Critical habitat for Olive Clubtail is identified to the extent possible, based on the best available information. A schedule of studies (Section 2.2) has been included that describes the activities required to complete the identification of critical habitat in supporting the population and distribution objectives^{Footnote 4}.

As responsible jurisdictions and/or other interested parties conduct research to address knowledge gaps^{Footnote 5}, the existing critical habitat methodology and identification may be modified and/or refined to reflect new knowledge, either in an updated recovery strategy or action plan(s).

2.1 Identification of the species’ critical habitat

Geospatial location of areas containing critical habitat

Critical habitat for the Olive Clubtail is identified in five geographical locations in southern British Columbia:

• Christina Creek (population 1 in the provincial recovery plan): figure 1
• Penticton (population 3 in the provincial recovery plan): figure 2
• Okanagan (population 4 in the provincial recovery plan): figures 3-5
• Kamloops (population 5 in the provincial recovery plan): figure 6
• Pritchard (population 6 in the provincial recovery plan): figure 7

The geospatial area containing critical habitat for Olive Clubtail is based on four additive components:

(1) Selection of all extant occurrence records (characterized as observations within the last 20 years, in alignment with NatureServe 2002 criteria);

(2) Application of a 500 m distance around all extant occurrence records to encompass essential areas that are necessary to support life history functions (in alignment with the provincial recovery plan, and NatureServe 2019 recommended buffer distance for terrestrial foraging habitat for dragonflies);

(3) Dissolve overlapping polygons to ensure habitat connectivity among local populations; and,

(4) Exclusion of geospatial areas that are unsuitable for Olive Clubtail to the extent possible, and based on the best available information^{Footnote 6}.

Biophysical features and attributes of critical habitat

Olive Clubtail life cycle contains three life stages, each with specific habitat requirements. The biophysical features and attributes required for Olive Clubtail (as outlined in the provincial recovery plan – Part 2, Section 3.3, and summarized in Table 2) overlap biophysically, geospatially, seasonally, and across life history stages.

The areas containing critical habitat for Olive Clubtail (totaling 1253.36 ha^{Footnote 7}) are presented in Figures 1-7. Critical habitat for Olive Clubtail in Canada occurs within the shaded yellow polygons shown on each map where the biophysical attributes described in this section occur. Within these polygons, only clearly unsuitable habitats are not identified as critical habitat. Examples of clearly unsuitable habitats include: existing buildings, roadways, parking lots and gravel pits.

Figure 1. Critical habitat for the Olive Clubtail in the Christina Creek area of B.C. is represented by the shaded yellow polygon, except where clearly unsuitable habitats (as described in section 2.1) occur.

Figure 2. Critical habitat for the Olive Clubtail in the Penticton area of B.C. is represented by the shaded yellow polygon, except where clearly unsuitable habitats (as described in section 2.1) occur.

Figure 3. Critical habitat for the Olive Clubtail in the Okanagan River - north area of B.C. is represented by the shaded yellow polygons, except where clearly unsuitable habitats (as described in section 2.1) occur.

Figure 4. Critical habitat for the Olive Clubtail in the Okanagan River – central area of B.C. is represented by the shaded yellow polygons, except where clearly unsuitable habitats (as described in section 2.1) occur.

Figure 5. Critical habitat for the Olive Clubtail in the Okanagan River – south area of B.C. is represented by the shaded yellow polygons, except where clearly unsuitable habitats (as described in section 2.1) occur.

Figure 6. Critical habitat for the Olive Clubtail in the Kamloops area of B.C. is represented by the shaded yellow polygons, except where clearly unsuitable habitats (as described in section 2.1) occur.

Figure 7. Critical habitat for the Olive Clubtail in the Pritchard area of B.C. is represented by the shaded yellow polygon, except where clearly unsuitable habitats (as described in section 2.1) occur.

2.2 Schedule of studies to identify critical habitat

The following schedule of studies (Table 3) outlines the activities required to complete the identification of critical habitat for Olive Clubtail. This section addresses parts of critical habitat that are known to be missing from the identification based on information that is available at this time. Actions required to address future refinement of critical habitat (such as fine-tuning boundaries, and/or providing greater detail about use of biophysical attributes) are not included here. Priority recovery actions to address these kinds of knowledge gaps are outlined in the recovery planning table in the adopted provincial recovery plan.

2.3 Activities likely to result in the destruction of critical habitat

Understanding what constitutes destruction of critical habitat is necessary for the protection and management of critical habitat. Destruction is determined on a case-by-case basis. Destruction would result if part of the critical habitat were degraded, either permanently or temporarily, such that it would not serve its function when needed by the species. Destruction may result from a single or multiple activities at one point in time or from the cumulative effects of one or more activities over time. The provincial recovery plan provides a description of potential threats to Olive Clubtail (Part 2, Section 4). Activities described in Table 4 include those likely to cause destruction of critical habitat for the species; destructive activities are not limited to those listed.

3. Statement on action plans

One or more action plans for the Olive Clubtail will be posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry within 10 years of the posting of the final recovery strategy.

4. Effects on the environment and other species

A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is conducted on all SARA recovery planning documents, in accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals^{Footnote 10}. The purpose of a SEA is to incorporate environmental considerations into the development of public policies, plans, and program proposals to support environmentally sound decision-making and to evaluate whether the outcomes of a recovery-planning document could affect any component of the environment or any of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy’s^{Footnote 11} goals and targets.

Recovery planning is intended to benefit species at risk and biodiversity in general. However, it is recognized that strategies may also inadvertently lead to environmental effects beyond the intended benefits. The planning process based on national guidelines directly incorporates consideration of all environmental effects, with a particular focus on possible impacts upon non-target species or habitats. The results of the SEA are incorporated directly into the strategy itself, but also are summarized below in this statement.

The provincial recovery plan for the Olive Clubtail contains a section (i.e., Section 9) describing the effects of recovery activities on other species. Environment and Climate Change Canada adopts this section of the provincial recovery plan as the statement on effects of recovery activities on the environment and other species.

Recovery planning activities for the Olive Clubtail will be implemented with consideration for all co-occurring species, with focus on species risk, such that inadvertent negative impacts to these individuals and their habitats are minimized or avoided. Some recovery actions for Olive Clubtail (e.g., inventory and mapping, threat mitigation, habitat conservation, education, and research) may promote the conservation of other species at risk that overlap in distribution and rely on similar habitat attributes.

Other SARA Schedule 1 wildlife species that may benefit from protective measures taken for Olive Clubtail include: Yellow-breasted Chat auricollis subspecies (Icteria virens; Endangered), Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana; Threatened), Western Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium; Endangered), Lewis’s Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis; Threatened), Behr’s Hairstreak (Satyrium behrii; Endangered) and Western Screech Owl macfarlanei subspecies (Megascops kennicotti macfarlanei; Threatened).

5. References

B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2020. BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. B.C Minist. of Environ. Victoria, B.C. Available: http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/. [Accessed: February 2020]

NatureServe. 2002. Element Occurrence Data Standard. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. 199 pp. Available: https://www.natureserve.org/products/element-occurrence-data-standardhttp://www.natureserve.org/conservation-tools/standards-methods/element-occurrence-data-standard [Accessed: June 2019]

NatureServe. 2019. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available: http://explorer.natureserve.org. [Accessed: June 2019]

Part 2 – Recovery Plan for the Olive Clubtail (Stylurus olivaceus) in British Columbia, prepared by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment

Official title: Recovery Plan for the Olive Clubtail (Stylurus olivaceus) in British Columbia

Prepared by B.C. Ministry of Environment

February 2017

Acknowledgements

This recovery plan was written by Jennifer Heron (B.C. Ministry of Environment) with input from Orville Dyer (B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations [FLNRO]), Claudia Copley (Royal BC Museum), Leah Ramsay (B.C. Conservation Data Centre), Darren Copley (Royal BC Museum), Rob Cannings (Curator Emeritus, Royal British Columbia Museum), Richard Cannings (Penticton), Syd Cannings (Canadian Wildlife Service, Whitehorse) and Paul Grant (FLNRO). Orville Dyer, Syd Cannings and Leah Ramsay participated in the updated threats assessment. The maps and figures are from the COSEWIC (2011) status report. Thank you to Lea Gelling and Katrina Stipec at the B.C. Conservation Data Centre for mapping support and element occurrence information. Thank you to Malissa Smith (BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations) for advice on the Water Sustainability Act. Darren Copley took the photographs in the recovery plan. Thank you to Kella Sadler and Matt J. Huntley (Environment and Climate Change Canada – Pacific Region [ECCC–CWS]), and Véronique Brondex (ECCC–Northern Central Region) for thoughtful reviews of this document.

Executive summary

The Olive Clubtail (Stylurus olivaceus) is a large (56–60 mm), dull grey-green dragonfly with large distinctive bright blue eyes; a pale green face with a thin, dark horizontal line; a black abdomen marked by a yellow stripe, or spot, at the top of each segment and yellow lateral stripes. The Olive Clubtail is the only representative of the genus Stylurus in the province.

The Olive Clubtail was designated as Endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in 2011 but is not listed on Schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA).^{Footnote 12} The species range in Canada is restricted to the South Okanagan and Thompson river valleys in southern British Columbia. Within this restricted range, there are 24 known sites for the species grouped into six populations. Five populations are considered extant, and one is considered historical. Olive Clubtail habitat is within small areas along warm, lowland rivers, with a few sites at lakes. The dragonfly has three life stages, each with specific habitat requirements. The egg and nymph life stages reside within the abovementioned freshwater habitats, with the nymph taking up to 2 years to develop. The adults are terrestrial and active from July to October.

Threats to Olive Clubtail populations and habitat are a combination of cumulative shoreline habitat loss from urban, commercial, agricultural, and recreational development; non-native invasive predatory fish and the growth and spread of Eurasian water-milfoil; dams and water management within the freshwater ecosystems of all populations; recreational activities that generate wave wash from boats and other motorized craft along the shoreline; the potential for pollution of waterways from accidental chemical spills along transportation routes; and climate change.

The recovery (population and distribution) goal is to maintain the abundance of Olive Clubtail populations at all extant sites within the province, including any additional populations that may be identified in the future.

The recovery objectives for Olive Clubtail are:

1. to secure protection^{Footnote 13} for the known extant sites of Olive Clubtail with no loss or degradation of occupied aquatic habitat
2. to confirm the distribution of Olive Clubtail within its range in British Columbia
3. to assess the extent of threats to each of the extant sites and reduce their impacts
4. to address knowledge gaps (e.g., habitat requirements for each life stage, dispersal, etc.); and
5. to increase the public knowledge of Olive Clubtail and its associated freshwater and terrestrial habitats

In British Columbia, the Olive Clubtail is ranked S2 (Imperiled) by the Conservation Data Centre and is on the provincial Red list. The B.C. Conservation Framework ranks the Olive Clubtail as a priority 1 under goal three (maintain the diversity of native species and ecosystems). Recovery is considered to be biologically and technically feasible.

Recovery feasibility summary

The recovery of Olive Clubtail in British Columbia is considered technically and biologically feasible based on the following four criteria that Environment Canada uses to establish recovery feasibility.

1. Individuals of the wildlife species that are capable of reproduction are available now or in the foreseeable future to sustain the population or improve its abundance.

Yes. Olive Clubtail is considered extant at five populations within British Columbia. Each of these five populations shows sufficient evidence of sustaining a long-term sustainable presence within the occupied habitat. Most of these populations are composed of multiple sites. Three of these populations have evidence of larval occupancy and breeding as indicated by exuvia collections (South Thompson River at Kamloops; Pritchard and Vaseux Lake); oviposition has been observed at one population (Christina Creek).

2. Sufficient suitable habitat is available to support the species or could be made available through habitat management or restoration.

Yes. There appears to be sufficient suitable habitat at the five extant populations. Additional suitable habitats have been searched for Olive Clubtail without recording the species. These suitable aquatic habitats are within the vicinity of Ashcroft, Cache Creek Chase, Chopaka (Similkameen River), Crawford Bay (Kootenay Lake), Cultus Lake (Sweltzer Creek, lower mainland), Enderby (Ashton Creek), Invermere, Jaffray, Kamloops (North Thompson River and other areas), Kelowna (Mission Creek), Little Shuswap Lake, Mabel Lake, Moyie Lake, Naramata, Osoyoos Lake, Penticton, Rock Creek (West Kettle River), Shuswap Lake (Adams River, Ansley Arm), Slocan, Summerland, Vernon (Kalamalka Lake), Walhachin, Waneta (Pend D’Oreille Reservoir), Wasa Lake, and the West Kettle River (COSEWIC 2011).

3. The primary threats to the species or its habitat (including threats outside Canada) can be avoided or mitigated.

Yes. Most of the primary threats to Olive Clubtail can be mitigated or avoided. Primary threats to Olive Clubtail populations and habitat are a combination of cumulative shoreline habitat loss from urban, commercial, agricultural, and recreational development, and pollution (via household sewage and human waste). Shoreline habitat adjacent to extant populations can be protected through the provincial Riparian Areas Protection Act and through municipal bylaws. Recreational boating activities that create wave wash to shoreline habitats, as well as beach creation and human activities at sites, can be controlled through municipal and regional bylaws, as well as outreach and education.

4. Recovery techniques exist to achieve the population and distribution objectives or can be expected to be developed within a reasonable time frame.

Yes. Recovery techniques to achieve the population and distribution objectives are expected to be developed within a reasonable time frame.

1 COSEWIC* species assessment information

Assessment summary: May 2011

Common name: Olive Clubtail

Scientific name: Stylurus olivaceus

Status**: Endangered

Reason for designation: This highly rare, stream-dwelling dragonfly with striking blue eyes is known from only five locations within three separate regions of British Columbia. It is restricted to small areas along warm lowland rivers, and infrequently lakes, where continuing decline in the quality of habitat is occurring. Threats include loss and disturbance of habitat due to human activity, such as beach recreation, impacts of invasive species of fish, invasive aquatic plants and pollution by pesticides and fertilizing nutrients.

Occurrence: British Columbia

Status history: Designated Endangered in May 2011.

* Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

** Criteria: B2abiii. For the definitions of these quantitative criteria and guidelines, see: http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct0/assessment_process_e.cfm - tbl2

2 Species status information

Olive Clubtail^a

Legal designation:

FRPA:^b No

OGAA:^b No

B.C. Wildlife Act:^c No

SARA:^d No status

Conservation status^e

B.C. List: Red

B.C. Rank: S2 (2015)

National Rank: N1N2 (2011)

Global Rank: G4 (1998)

Other Subnational Ranks:^f United States: California (SNR), Idaho (SNR), Nevada (SNR), Oregon (SNR), Utah (SH), Washington (S4)

B.C. Conservation framework (CF)^g

Goal 1: Contribute to global efforts for species and ecosystem conservation.

Priority:^h 4 (2009)

Goal 2: Prevent species and ecosystems from becoming at risk.

Priority: 6 (2009)

Goal 3: Maintain the diversity of native species and ecosystems.

Priority: 1 (2009)

CF Action groups:^g

Monitor Trends; Compile Status Report; List under Wildlife Act; Send to COSEWIC; Species and Population Management; Planning; Private Land Stewardship; Habitat Protection; Habitat Restoration

^aData source: B.C. Conservation Data Centre (2015) unless otherwise noted.

^b No = not listed in one of the categories of wildlife that requires special management attention to address the impacts of forestry and range activities on Crown land under the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA; Province of British Columbia 2002) and/or the impacts of oil and gas activities on Crown land under the Oil and Gas Activities Act (OGAA; Province of British Columbia 2008).

^c No = not designated as wildlife under the Wildlife Act (Province of British Columbia 1982).

^d No = not on any Schedules under the Species at Risk Act (SARA; Government of Canada 2002). The COSEWIC assessment will be reviewed by the Governor in Council who may, on the recommendation of the Minister, amend the List to include this species on Schedule 1 of SARA.

^e S = subnational; N = national; G = global; X = presumed extirpated; H = possibly extirpated; 1 = critically imperiled; 2 = imperiled; 3 = special concern, vulnerable to extirpation or extinction; 4 = apparently secure; 5 = demonstrably widespread, abundant, and secure; NA = not applicable; NR = unranked; U = unrankable.

^f Data source: NatureServe (2015).

^g Data source: B.C. Ministry of Environment (2009).

^h Six-level scale: Priority 1 (highest priority) through to Priority 6 (lowest priority).

3 Species information

3.1 Species description

The Olive Clubtail (Stylurus olivaceus) is a large (56–60 mm long; 35–36 mm wing width) dull, grey-green dragonfly in the clubtail (Gomphidae) family (Paulson 2009) (Figure 1 of part 2). The clubtail family is characterized by an extended abdomen with the terminal segments expanded into a club; the club may be more pronounced in some species than others (Paulson 2009). Olive Clubtail is a species having a moderately pronounced club (Figure 2 of part 2).

Olive Clubtail adults have a pale face with a thin, dark horizontal line; bright blue and widely separated eyes; a robust grey-green thorax; a black abdomen with a pale or yellow stripe at the top of each segment and yellow lateral stripes (males have stronger stripes than females). The egg and nymph are undescribed. For detailed information on morphological features, see Paulson (2009) and the COSEWIC (2011) status report.

There is some debate regarding subspecies taxonomy (see COSEWIC 2011), although only one subspecies of Olive Clubtail (S. olivaceus olivaceus) occurs in British Columbia (Dunkle 2000).

Three additional gomphid species overlap with the range of Olive Clubtail. These species are distinguished by subtle morphological characters. The apex of the labial palp on Ophiogomphus is bluntly rounded on the Sinuous Snaketail (O. occidentis Hagen) and Pale Snaketail (O. severus Hagen); on Stylurus and Gomphus, the apex is hooked. The third species, Pronghorn Clubtail (Gomphus graslinellus Walsh) has a well-developed burrowing hook at the apex of the tibiae (Cannings and Stuart 1977; Paulson 2009).

Olive Clubtail adults typically hang and rest from vegetation. Olive Clubtail males do not establish fixed territories, which is a typical trait of most dragonfly species. A dragonfly territory is defined as fixed area through which a male patrols for passing females with which to mate. These fixed territorial routes are established in an area of aquatic/riparian habitat that does not overlap with another male’s territory. Males will sometimes leave their territory to forage elsewhere, or move their territory and associated route to a different part of the available habitat.

Figure 1 of part 2. Olive Clubtail showing the cryptic colouration (Darren Copley).

Figure 2 of part 2. The moderately swollen and extended abdomen of Olive Clubtail, a distinguishing characteristic of the clubtail dragonfly family (Darren Copley).

3.2 Populations and distribution

Olive Clubtail is at the northernmost extent of its global range in south-central British Columbia. From British Columbia, the species ranges south through the central interior of Washington State, central and eastern Oregon (almost to the Columbia River at the coast), southeastern Idaho, north-central Utah, northwestern Nevada, and California (Figure 3) (Needham et al. 2000; Manolis 2003; Bick and Mauffray 2005). A detailed description of the species’ patchy geographic distribution throughout its global range is provided in the COSEWIC status report (2011). Approximately 5% of the species’ global range is in Canada.

Figure 3 of part 2. Olive Clubtail (Stylurus olivaceus) distribution in Canada and North America (COSEWIC 2011).

In Canada, Olive Clubtail’s range is restricted to south-central British Columbia, with 24 sites grouped into six populations: Christina Creek; Peachland; Penticton; Okanagan River; South Thompson River and Campbell Creek, east of Kamloops; and Pritchard (Figures 4–7 of part 2; Table 1 of part 2; Appendix 1). Five of these populations are extant, and one population (Peachland) is considered historical. Since the preparation of the COSEWIC (2011) status report, there have been no new records.

Olive Clubtail populations (referred to as element occurrences [EOs] by the B.C. Conservation Data Centre) listed in this recovery plan follow the population and occurrences delineation standards set by NatureServe (NatureServe 2015) and mapped by the B.C. Conservation Data Centre (2015). In summary, the population is based on some evidence of historical or current presence of breeding that includes oviposition (egg laying), nymphs (all ages), exuviae (the shed exoskeletons of nymphs that remain after adult emergence), teneral adults (newly emerged adults with an exoskeleton that has not fully sclerotized), and potential breeding habitat (see Section 3.3). Should there be a large distance of unsuitable habitat between occurrence records, the populations (EOs) are deemed separate. For dragonflies, the separation distance between two populations should be a minimum of 10 km of what is considered unsuitable habitat (NatureServe 2015).

Olive Clubtail surveys to date have focused on recording new natural history and habitat information. Surveys have primarily involved wandering terrestrial transects adjacent to suitable aquatic habitats, searching for adults both in flight and resting on vegetation (using aerial nets or visual surveys), as well as dip-netting for larvae within the aquatic habitats.

Few data are available to estimate Olive Clubtail abundance at extant sites. Most observations and collections are of one or two individuals, or of the shed exuviae at a site. The largest abundance of Olive Clubtail adults was recorded in 2009 from a site along the Okanagan River (extending south of Okanagan Falls to Oliver at Road 18) where 16 adult dragonflies were observed (visual and collection records) on August 22, 2009 (Table 1 of part 2) (COSEWIC 2011). Additional information on abundance counts for the five populations is listed in Table 1 of part 2.

The natural population fluctuations in dragonflies are a result of factors such as parasites, predators, water temperatures and levels, and the previous years’ weather. Olive Clubtail does not likely experience extreme population fluctuations; however, insufficient information exists to estimate fluctuations or trends for the species in Canada or elsewhere in the species’ global range. Many sites have been visited over multiple years (Table 1 of part 2), although these sites were visited on one or two dates of a flight season with the purpose of confirming the species presence and recording the abundance.

Figure 4 of part 2. Olive Clubtail (Stylurus olivaceus) distribution in British Columbia (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2017). Refer to Figure 3 of part 2 for location in Canada.

Figure 5 of part 2. Christina Creek (#1, extant) Olive Clubtail (Stylurus olivaceus) population (COSEWIC 2011; B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2017).

Figure 6 of part 2. Peachland (#2, historical), Penticton (#3, extant), and Okanagan River (#4, extant) Olive Clubtail (Stylurus olivaceus) populations (COSEWIC 2011; B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2017).

Figure 7 of part 2. South Thompson River, Campbell Creek, east of Kamloops (#5, extant) and Pritchard (#6, extant) Olive Clubtail (Stylurus olivaceus) populations (COSEWIC 2011; B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2017).

3.3 Habitat and biological needs of the Olive Clubtail

Olive Clubtail has four life stages, each with specific habitat requirements (Table 2 of part 2). The habitat quality available to one life stage greatly influences the population demographics of the following life stage. Only limited information is available to describe the habitat requirements for each life stage and the water quality attributes necessary for the egg and nymph life stages (e.g., pH, conductivity, stream flow rates, temperature, dissolved minerals, nutrients) are unknown.

3.3.1 Oviposition and egg development habitat

Oviposition (egg laying) is from July through October, during the adult flight period. Females oviposit by flying over suitable freshwater habitat and tapping their abdomen to the surface of the water (Paulson 2009; COSEWIC 2011). It is unknown how many eggs are oviposited at one time. After oviposition, the egg likely remains floating and drifting in the water column before settling on the bottom of the aquatic habitat. The duration from oviposition to egg-hatch is unknown, making it difficult to determine the degree to which the aquatic habitat quality influences egg-hatch success.

Oviposition has been observed once in riffles at Christina Creek (population #1) (Ramsay, pers. obs., 1998). Christina Creek is a 9 km long, slow-moving permanent waterway approximately 20–40 m wide. Females oviposit in direct and rapid flight (Paulson 2009). The depth of the water is typically less than 3 m. After oviposition, it is unknown how long the eggs float within the water column or when the eggs settle on the substrate.

3.3.2 Nymph habitat

Nymphs have not been collected in British Columbia; information to describe nymph habitat is inferred from habitat at exuviae collection sites in the province and nymph habitat information from elsewhere within the species range. Nymphs grow by incomplete metamorphosis and require permanent freshwater habitat for the full 2 years of development (egg-hatch to adult emergence). Nymphs spend a portion of this time hunting for prey and a portion seeking cover and burrowed in the muddy bottom substrate (Corbett 1999; Paulson 2009). Nymphs are presumed to develop in both rivers and creeks (populations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and along lakeshores (population #4). At these populations, river and lakeshore bottoms are generally described as sandy to silty mud. A detailed description of substrate type within the aquatic habitat at each site is not available, and therefore information is limited regarding variables such as alkalinity, salinity, soil bottom type and texture (e.g., rock or soil, fine or coarse sediment substrate), water quality parameters, water depth (maximum, minimum), emergent vegetation, and/or other potentially relevant factors.

3.3.3 Emergence habitat

When nymphs are ready to pupate into adult dragonflies, they require emergence habitat. Pupation from nymph to adult dragonfly occurs from July through October, although pupation has not been observed in British Columbia. Nymphs emerge out of their aquatic habitat and onto a suitable substrate upon which the exoskeleton of the nymph splits on the ventral side, and the adult dragonfly (called the “teneral adult”) emerges. The material left behind as evidence of pupation is the exuvia.

Exuviae have been collected at three populations (# 4, 5, 6). At the South Thompson River (# 5), 18 exuviae were collected in mid-August. Additional exuviae were present at the site and were not collected (Copley, pers. comm., 2015), and thus an abundance estimate for the site cannot be inferred based on exuvia collections. Pupation habitat can be inferred from the exuvia collection site. The exuviae were found on the exposed muddy surface of the gently sloping and shallow riverbank, where the river had drawn down and the muddy bank had become exposed. Emergent vegetation included horsetail (Equisetum spp.) and rushes; the substrate was a fine silty mud (Copley, pers. comm., 2015). Emergence was presumed to have occurred from the silty substrate because the exuviae were not found hanging from the vegetation (Copley, pers. obs.), although available structures, vegetation or other objects may be used for pupation for other Dragonflies (Corbet 1999) there is too little information to suggest that this species uses vegetation as a pupation site. The substrate surface of the river drawdown may have provided the habitat for the species to pupate and emerge. Both in British Columbia and elsewhere in the United States on the lower Columbia River, the species has been observed emerging on rocks (COSEWIC 2011; Ramsay, pers. obs.). More research is needed to characterize the emergence habitat, including associated information about substrate composition; slope, aspect, and ambient temperature of emergence site; minimum size of a nymph for pupation; emergent vegetation indicators; and/or other potentially relevant factors.

3.3.4 Foraging habitat

Olive Clubtail adults are swift aerial predators and both sexes hunt within the terrestrial habitat adjacent to their freshwater habitat. Dragonflies consume a wide variety of insects, mostly while on the wing.

The spatial extent of dragonfly foraging patterns are generally not well studied. When defining dragonfly EOs, NatureServe (2004a, 2004b, 2015) delineation of terrestrial foraging habitat includes a 500-m distance surrounding freshwater habitat where breeding and/or oviposition has been observed and/or nymphs/exuviae have been found. This parameter is based on dragonfly territorial (mating) and foraging (finding prey items) territory studies for New England Bluet (Enallagma laterale; Briggs 1993), Black-tailed Skimmer (Nesciothermis nigeriensis; Corbet 1999), Copper Demoiselle (Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis; Corbet 1999; Beukeman 2002), and Martha’s Pennant (Chorolestes tessalatus; Samways and Steytler 1996). More recent studies of a threatened dragonfly in Europe, the Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum depressiusculum; Dolný et al. 2014), suggest that areas of dense vegetation are important for prey production, and that disturbances to the surrounding terrestrial habitat have an impact on dragonfly populations.

Olive Clubtail adult foraging habitat also includes the aerial areas above the freshwater oviposition habitat. Males tend to patrol for females, fly and forage over open water, as opposed to along the edge (Paulson 2009; COSEWIC 2011). Female foraging behaviour needs further study, although females will also fly over open water when ovipositing. The spatial area of freshwater habitat, aerial height to which dragonflies will fly, foraging distance, and horizontal area that adult dragonflies patrol is difficult to quantify and requires further study.

3.3.5 Perching/roosting and mating habitat

Olive Clubtail requires perching and roosting habitat within which to take cover and rest. As is typical of hanging clubtails, the Olive Clubtail requires trees or large shrubs upon which to roost, positioning itself on the branch and hanging its abdomen vertically downwards (Dunkle 2000; Cannings 2002; Paulson 2009). Perching and roosting is most commonly observed within riparian habitat. In British Columbia, Olive Clubtail adults have been observed both perching or resting on trees, shrubs, and plants, including Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.), western redcedar (Thuja plicata), showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea), spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium var. androsaemifolium), cottonwood (Populus sp.), willow (Salix spp.), birch (Betula sp.), and numerous flowering plants. The species has also been observed lying flat (not hanging) on rocks and the ground (Dunkle 2000; Paulson 2009; COSEWIC 2011; Ramsay, pers. comm., 2015). The perching/roosting habitat described above also appears to be used for copulating pairs (Kennedy 1917; Johnson, pers. comm., 2002 as cited in COSEWIC 2011, p. 36).

Although detailed information is lacking, general habitat descriptions are available for the terrestrial plant communities adjacent to three of the extant populations. The habitat adjacent to Christina Creek (population #1) is a dry coniferous forest dominated by ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Trees growing along the banks of the creek are dominated by paper birch (Betula papyrifera), water birch (B. occidentalis), and mountain alder (Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia). The habitat adjacent to Okanagan River (population #4) has been disturbed and degraded with areas of steep gravel, boulder banks, a gravel dyke, and trails as well as with extensive perennial weeds (COSEWIC 2011). The habitat adjacent to South Thompson River (population #5) is dominated by big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), willow, and the non-native Russian olive tree (Elaeagnus angustifolia). Portions of the habitat have emergent vegetation such as rushes (Eleocharis spp.), sedges (Carex spp.), and horsetails (Equisetum spp.).

3.4 Ecological role

Dragonflies play several important ecological roles as top predators, prey items, and indicators of ecosystem health.

• Top predators – Dragonflies are top predators within an ecosystem, consuming a wide variety of prey at both their nymphal (aquatic) and adult (terrestrial) life stages. Dragonfly nymphs and adults are general invertebrate feeders, and the composition of prey items consumed depends on the abundance of prey items within an environment, ease of capture, and prey size/habits (Pritchard 1964; Corbet 1999)
• Prey items – Dragonflies are prey items for frogs (adults and tadpoles), lizards, birds, bats, amphibians, and fish (Corbet 1999)
• Indicators of ecosystem health – Dragonflies, in their nymphal life stage, are sensitive to water quality and used as indicators of ecosystem health (Cordoba-Anguilar 2008)

3.5 Limiting factors

Limiting factors are generally not human induced and include characteristics that make the species less likely to respond to recovery/conservation efforts. For Olive Clubtail, these factors include freshet and snowmelt, as well as specific habitat needs and effects.

• Freshet and snow melt events that can affect water levels. For example, Christina Creek backs up into Christina Lake about once every 10 years during the spring freshet (May and June) when the Kettle River experiences its highest water levels. The freshet and snowmelt affect the water levels that, in turn, affect the shoreline vegetation and nymphal habitat and littoral zone, which could impact populations of Olive Clubtail. In addition, high water flows and flooding could wash away nymphs and low water levels could affect nymphal habitats
• Specific habitat needs and effects. For example:
  • larvae are consumed by fish, birds, and other predaceous aquatic invertebrates; adults are consumed by birds. If natural predator populations become imbalanced, this could limit Olive Clubtail populations
  • water quality attributes, such as temperature, flow, dissolved oxygen, pH, and dissolved nutrients, can affect the development of dragonfly nymphs. Also important are aquatic habitat attributes, such as the spatial area of suitable muddy-bottomed larval burrowing habitat, as well as suitable oviposition, emergence, and terrestrial foraging habitat
  • weather patterns and ambient temperature can affect dragonfly activity. Dragonflies can fly during inclement weather; however if unseasonally cool ambient temperatures occur, or there is a higher frequency of severe storms (both heavy wind and rain), adults will be unable to fly and mate
  • prey diversity and abundance within freshwater and terrestrial habitats can affect populations. If changes occur, the available food for dragonflies will limit their individual and population growth

4 Threats

Threats are defined as the proximate activities or processes that have caused, are causing, or may cause in the future the destruction, degradation, and/or impairment of the entity being assessed (population, species, community, or ecosystem) in the area of interest (global, national, or subnational) (adapted from Salafsky et al. 2008). For purposes of threat assessment, only present and future threats are considered.^{Footnote 14} Threats presented here do not include limiting factors (see Section 3.5, above).^{Footnote 15}

For the most part, threats are related to human activities, but they can also be natural. The impact of human activity may be direct (e.g., destruction of habitat) or indirect (e.g., introduction of invasive species). Effects of natural phenomena (e.g., fire, flooding) may be especially important when the species is concentrated in one location or has few occurrences, which may be a result of human activity (Master et al. 2012). As such, natural phenomena are included in the definition of a threat, though these should be considered cautiously. These stochastic events should only be considered a threat if a species or habitat is damaged from other threats and has lost its resilience. In such cases, the effect on the population would be disproportionately large compared to the effect experienced historically (Salafsky et al. 2008).

4.1 Threat assessment

The threat classification below is based on the IUCN–CMP (World Conservation Union–Conservation Measures Partnership) unified threats classification system and is consistent with methods used by the B.C. Conservation Data Centre. For a detailed description of the threat classification system, see the Open Standards website (Open Standards 2014). Threats may be observed, inferred, or projected to occur in the near term. Threats are characterized here in terms of scope, severity, and timing. Threat “impact” is calculated from scope and severity. For information on how the values are assigned, see Master et al. (2012) and table footnotes for details. Threats for the Olive Clubtail were assessed for the entire province (Table 3 of part 2).

4.2 Description of threats

Threats to Olive Clubtail throughout its geographic range in Canada are not well documented at the site level and land ownership or tenure adjacent to the aquatic habitat at each site is not known for all sites (e.g., recreational property, permanent residence, commercial property, recreational park). The land ownership and activities at that land greatly influence the type of threat imposed on the adjacent waterways where Olive Clubtail resides.

The overall province-wide threat impact for this species is Low.^{Footnote 16} This new threats assessment is different than the first assessment prepared for the COSEWIC (2011). The more recent assessment takes into account local knowledge of each population, the linkages between causal versus proximal threats that are known for each site, the Unknown severity, and the historical versus ongoing threat at the site. The new information is further explained under each threat heading.

The overall threat impact considers the cumulative impact of multiple threats. The primary threats to Olive Clubtail are recreational activities, household sewage and urban wastewater, residential and commercial development, dams and water management, and invasive non-native alien species. The ongoing cumulative alteration, degradation, and loss of terrestrial habitats, including the shoreline and littoral zones, affect nymphal development sites and water quality. Details are discussed below under the Threat Level 1 headings. Threats with Unknown impact have also been described because of the uncertainty imposed upon the overall impact for the species, given the Pervasive scope of these threats.

Threat 1. Residential and commercial development (negligible impact)

1.1 Housing and urban areas (negligible impact)

The geographic range of Olive Clubtail overlaps with some of the most desirable real estate in the province. There are multiple landowners and private properties adjacent to the aquatic habitats of all five extant populations. There is also potential for cumulative, small-scale development at the numerous private properties along these shorelines (e.g., dock expansion, shoreline hardening and riprapping, beach/vegetation clearing, sand deposition), which can then cause declines in habitat quality and spatial area, and lead to direct mortality of developing larva. The nymphal life stage is most vulnerable to in-water modifications and expansions, which are also subject to permitting under the provincial Riparian Areas Protection Act. In-water modifications and structural development (e.g., works) within the aquatic habitats where Olive Clubtail populations occur would include provisions to limit works within these habitats. At many of these sites, land ownership, development planning, and development scenarios are unknown.

The Okanagan Valley (applicable to populations #2, #3, and #4, Table 1 of part 2) has seen extensive historical development, causing fragmentation of Olive Clubtail habitat. For example, along a 42-km stretch of the southwestern shoreline of Okanagan Lake, 80% has been altered by various developments—41% by lakeshore housing and cottages, 27% by lakeshore road riprap, and 12% by swimming beaches and other recreational developments (Northcote and Northcote 2006).

In the next 10 years, additional shopping and housing complexes are planned within at least one terrestrial Olive Clubtail foraging habitat, including a large development for Green Avenue in Penticton (population #3), which would be within the 500-m foraging distance for the species.

Shoreline development, along with housing development (e.g., waterfront housing), within the Okanagan Valley includes the intentional deposition of sand to create beaches both on the shore and within the muddy-bottomed freshwater littoral zone. The nymphal life stage is the most vulnerable to these types of development. These actions degrade the shoreline and littoral zones by changing the composition of soft sediment where nymphs burrow and seek shelter and by making the substrate harder for nymphs to burrow into. In addition, changes to the composition and structure of littoral zone vegetation result in changes to the benthic invertebrate community, thus affecting the prey available for nymphs. These activities are ongoing throughout the Okanagan Valley and occur close to the Peachland (#2, historical), Penticton (#3, extant), and Okanagan River (#4, extant) populations, although not directly or specifically within these Olive Clubtail sites. The Penticton (#3) population occurs in the highly channelized portion of the Okanagan River between Skaha and Okanagan lakes, and a good deal of the adjacent waterway has been historically altered and is currently a pedestrian/bike walkway. This threat applies to much of the potential, unexamined habitat in the Okanagan Valley.

The shoreline of the South Thompson River from Kamloops (#5) to Pritchard (#6) is also of high potential for development, although how this threat will specifically affect Olive Clubtail and its habitat is Unknown. The municipality of Christina Lake (#1) is not likely to grow, although a potential increase in tourism and recreational use within the summer months may occur.

Under the provincial Riparian Areas Protection Act (Province of British Columbia 1997) and Water Sustainability Act (Province of British Columbia 2014), development activities within the littoral zone and riparian areas require permits, and therefore authorization must be obtained to complete any construction within the river habitats. More data collection is needed to determine the number of landowners along the waterways where the five extant populations occur, as well as a specific threats assessment at each of those properties. This information is uncertain for all populations.

1.2 Commercial and industrial areas (negligible impact)

This threat is similar to what has been described in 1.1, although the overall scope is considered to be less.

1.3 Tourism and recreation areas (negligible impact)

This threat is similar to what has been described in 1.1, although the overall scope is considered to be less. The expansion of existing access to the Okanagan Channel for recreational use (e.g., a business offers floatation device rentals, so one can float down the Penticton Channel) may affect a Negligible amount of habitat (e.g., paving or clearing access points for put-in or pull-out of floatation devices).

Threat 2. Agriculture and aquaculture (negligible impact)

2.1 Annual and perennial non-timber crops (negligible impact)

This threat is most applicable to habitats adjacent to the South Thompson (#5) and Pritchard (#6) Olive Clubtail populations. Land cleared for agriculture would reduce the amount of vegetation and habitat that would otherwise support the production of abundant prey, and provide roosting and mating sites for adult Olive Clubtail individuals.

2.3 Livestock farming and ranching (negligible impact)

Livestock grazing is a potential threat at all five populations, although the threat is greatest along the South Thompson River (#5 and #6). The spatial extent of each population (e.g., how far along the shoreline larvae occupy habitat or to what extent adults utilize terrestrial habitat) is not known. Where livestock grazing occurs, Olive Clubtail emergence habitat (e.g., mud-bottomed substrate exposed during water drawdown) and freshwater nymph habitat (e.g., shallow waters and deep wet mud, where nymphs burrow) may be trampled and compacted by cattle gaining access to the water’s edge. This could result in nymphs that are unable to burrow and seek shelter within mud-bottomed substrates and/or nymph mortality from trampling. Livestock grazing is also possible both at the shoreline/edges of the aquatic habitat and along the riparian vegetation foraging habitats adjacent to known populations, although the impacts to Olive Clubtail terrestrial foraging habitat are not known.

The severity of livestock grazing at each population is Unknown. The Penticton population is adjacent to a channelized portion of the Okanagan River, as well as the South Thompson River and at Pritchard. The current grazing regimes and habitat uses along the river are not known and need clarification.

Threat 4. Transportation and service corridors (negligible impact)

4.1 Roads and railroads (negligible impact)

Dragonflies are susceptible to road mortality (Rao and Girish 2007; Catling and Kostiuk 2008). Following emergence, teneral and adult dragonflies forage within the adjacent terrestrial habitat. Each of the five extant populations are adjacent to provincial Forest Service roads and/or secondary highways with narrow rights-of-way where vehicles travel at speeds in excess of 50 km per hour, the upper limit to which dragonflies can avoid collision (Brunelle 2010). Following vehicular collision, dragonflies will experience shock and drop to the ground. At this point, they may revive and fly away, become vulnerable to predation by birds or other predators, or are run over by road traffic (Rao and Girish 2007).

The highest potential for vehicular mortality occurs in areas where roads cross stream habitat, especially in areas where the posted speed limit is 60 km per hour or higher (Rao and Girish 2007). The bridges that fit this criterion within Olive Clubtail habitat include one at Christina Creek, at least four in the South Thompson River population, at least one in the Pritchard population, at least four in the Penticton population, and at least four in the Okanagan population.

Threat 6. Human intrusions and disturbance (low impact)

6.1 Recreational activities (low impact)

Adult Olive Clubtail emergence coincides with the high season of recreational activity in the Okanagan, Thompson, and Christina Creek areas. Water sports, such as high-speed boating, jet skiing, and water skiing, result in wave wash of the adjacent shoreline, with subsequent collapse of emergent streamside vegetation and erosion of the stream banks (COSEWIC 2011). Collapse of streamside vegetation results in fewer adult perching and resting sites, and affects the emergent aquatic vegetation necessary for a healthy benthic invertebrate community. Cumulative wave action also washes away the soft silty sand aquatic substrate in which nymphs burrow and seek shelter. If the prey necessary for nymphal development decreases along with a loss of soft silty sand sediment for nymphal burrow sites, Olive Clubtail populations will decline.

This threat is directly applicable at Christina Creek (#1; COSEWIC 2011) and potentially within the South Thompson River (populations #5 and #6). Because motorized boats are not permitted within the Okanagan Channel (population #3 and #4), the threat of wave wash does not apply for these habitats. Depending on the timing, wave wash could affect some emerging larva; however, the overall impacts are likely Low. Populations of Olive Clubtail have persisted at these sites for many generations, and the long-term impacts from these recreational activities are considered Low.

Other types of recreational activities, such as sport fishing, have Negligible impacts. For example, most of the popular fishing sites are located on the drop structures of the Okanagan Channel (populations #3 and #4), or on large piles of riprap adjacent to waterways, both of which are considered as unsuitable larval emergence sites.

Threat 7. Natural system modifications (not calculated, outside of assessment time frame)

7.2 Dams and water management (negligible impact)

Most of the dams, channelization, and construction associated with flood control and water management for the Christina Creek, and the Okanagan and South Thompson river waterways are past actions and not relevant to this threats assessment.

The Penticton population (#3) is within the Okanagan Channel, a highly modified stretch of the Okanagan River where Olive Clubtail has been recorded over many years. Records from an unknown stretch of this channel date from 1926 when it was a natural river. Beginning in the 1950s, dredging and channelization of the Okanagan River was part of a flood management program and also included the placement of large cobbles and boulders within the waterway. Construction and channelization started in the early 1950s and the Okanagan River was permanently channelized by 1957, aside from a small stretch of the river near Okanagan Falls that remains as natural oxbows.

Water levels are tightly controlled from Okanagan Lake to Osoyoos Lake and within the Penticton Channel and Okanagan River. Eighteen drop structures occur along the Okanagan River, with each of these structures aiding in the Okanagan Valley’s lake management regime. The International Joint Commission Osoyoos Lake Board of Control governs the minimum water flow through the valley.^{Footnote 17} Future changes to water levels and water management are unlikely to be different from what has occurred over the past 60 years, and therefore are not expected to affect Olive Clubtail populations. For example, it is unlikely that water flows will cease and so Olive Clubtail sites should remain constant throughout the next decade. The construction of new dams, drop structures, or water control structures that would otherwise affect Olive Clubtail aquatic habitats are considered to have a Negligible impact within the next 10 years. Replacement of some drop structures is a possibility, either with similar infrastructure or more natural infrastructure that includes large boulders.

Dredging and channeling reduce habitat heterogeneity and aquatic diversity (Watters 2000), and increase water velocities, scouring, and erosion. After channelization, the fine sediments and muddy-bottomed substrates needed for larval shelter and development are readily washed away by high water flows and subsequent scouring; these materials can accumulate downstream and potentially smother larvae or adversely alter habitat (COSEWIC 2011). Although this is identified as a threat by COSEWIC (2011), the Okanagan Channel (applicable to populations #3 and #4) is not actively dredged, nor has it been dredged within the past 60 years (Burdock, pers. comm., 2016). It is unknown whether active dredging occurs in the areas of the South Thompson (#5 and #6) or Cristina Creek (#1) populations.

Dykes are known to adversely impact dragonflies (Corbet 1999). Historical impacts included the creation of dykes along the Okanagan River channel that decreased 85% of the streamside vegetation, resulting in increased water temperatures in some sections of the river (Rae 2005). Ongoing water management activities could include the small-scale construction of dykes and placement of riprap within streamside areas and lakeshores. It is unknown whether waterway modifications are planned for Olive Clubtail sites. In the event of instream works, a permit will be required under the provisions of the Riparian Areas Protection Act (Province of British Columbia 1997). Ongoing dyke management includes minimizing tree growth within the area between the dyke and the river, which may limit prey productivity and terrestrial resting sites for Olive Clubtail.

Water extraction by a truck (tank) for agriculture, spraying water on gravel roads, and fire management uses are all possible but whether these threats are real needs further confirmation.

7.3 Other ecosystem modifications (negligible impact)

The Okanagan Nation Alliance is organizing ongoing habitat restoration for Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) and future plans involve the installation of spawning gravel in most of the Okanagan River within the next 10–15 years. The more immediate addition of gravel is planned within a section of the river channel in Penticton, from Okanagan Lake to Green Lake Road. The Ministry of Environment placed spawning gravel into this same general area in the 1970s (Dyer, pers. comm., 2016). Records for clubtails still occur so it may not be a complete or long-term impact. The Okanagan Nation Alliance is prioritizing previously known spawning sites, and thus the muddy habitats used by Olive Clubtail are less likely to be targeted (Ward, pers. comm., 2016).

Threat 8. Invasive and other problematic species and genes (unknown impact)

8.1 Invasive non-native/alien species (low impact)

The freshwater habitats of the Okanagan Valley, South Thompson River, and Christina Creek areas have numerous established non-native aquatic species. Non-native fish are major predators of odonate larvae (Hilton 1987; Corbet 1999). Specifically, these include Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) (Wright 1946), Perch (Pushkin et al. 1979), and Sunfish (Crowder and Cooper 1982; Martin 1986). Non-native aquatic plants lead to changes in the native species abundance and composition, which then affects the benthic invertebrate community within these same aquatic habitats and thus the prey availability for Olive Clubtail.

Predatory fish have primarily originated from illegal releases (Dyer, pers. comm., 2015; Pollard, pers. comm., 2015), although some intentional releases were documented in the earlier part of the 20^th century (Mitchell 2008). In the Okanagan Valley, non-native predatory fish species include Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass (M. dolomieu), Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens), Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus, Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas), Brown Bullhead (A. nebulosus), and Carp (Cyprinus carpio). Carp consume odonate nymphs and adversely alter the vegetation structure in the littoral zone (Cannings et al. 1987).

Christina Lake and Christina Creek have resident populations of Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Carp, Walleye (Sander vitreus), and Tiger Muskellunge (a sterile hybrid of Esox masquinongy and E. lucius) (COSEWIC 2011). Although the non-native fish presence in the South Thompson has not been recently inventoried, it is likely that a similar suite of species occur in this river and its tributary waterways.

The overall impacts of non-native fish on Olive Clubtail eggs and nymphs are not known. Nymphs spend much of their time taking cover and buried in the muddy bottom substrate, which makes consumption by predatory fish less likely. Little information is available on the presence of non-native fish within the same aquatic niche or foraging territory as Olive Clubtail nymphs, and more research is needed for an accurate threat assessment. The severity of effect on the nymphs is most likely slight but the distribution of these fish is widespread therefor the threat is considered Low.

Aquatic plants such as Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) are present within the Christina Creek and Okanagan systems. This aquatic weed is increasing annually at the outlet of Christina Lake and within Christina Creek (Haberstock 2005). Eurasian water-milfoil grows in thick mats and outcompetes other aquatic vegetation. The specific impacts of this plant on Olive Clubtail habitat at presently occupied sites is not known; however, these effects are likely adverse, although the severity at the extant population sites is Unknown.

Threat 9. Pollution (unknown impact)

9.1 Household sewage and urban waste water (unknown impact)

The discharge of wastewater and treated sewage water into the waterways is ongoing within the habitats at the Okanagan (#3 and #4) and south Thompson (#5 and #6) Olive Clubtail populations. The specific impacts of wastewater deposition within these habitats needs further study, including the impacts from endocrine disruptor hormones, increased nutrients, and changes in water levels and flow from water deposition.

Two sewage treatment facilities are located along the Okanagan River. The Penticton Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, which discharges into the Okanagan Channel, is in the middle of the Penticton (#3) Olive Clubtail population. At least four major nutrient elements (as inputs of nitrates and phosphates) have been dramatically reduced as a result of tertiary sewage treatment activities implemented in the 1980s. Tertiary sewage treatment has effectively eliminated any concerns of nutrient loading in Okanagan Lake, which is still considered oligotrophic. The Okanagan Falls Wastewater Treatment Facility has been in operation since 2013, and is a recent upgrade to the previous treatment facility. This new facility has improved the sewage treatment before discharge into the Okanagan Channel.

The effect of sewage wastewater on Olive Clubtail populations is not fully known, although the population in the Okanagan Channel (#3) appears stable based on yearly observations. Further research and monitoring is needed. Smaller towns and rural areas are not treating sewage by sewage treatment facilities. Most of the household sewage in the Cristina Creek area is handled by septic systems, and not directly dumped into Cristina Creek or Cristina Lake.

9.2 Industrial and military effluents (negligible impact)

Environmental contaminants may flow into the Okanagan Valley and South Thompson River waterways from industrial activities and discharge adjacent to freshwater habitat. Chemical spills are a possibility where roadways and railways are near Olive Clubtail habitats. Specifically, the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline and Trans-Canada Highway run along the south bank of the South Thompson River (#5 and #6), and the southern trans-provincial Highway 3 crosses Christina Creek (#1). It is difficult to estimate the probability of a chemical spill into these habitats. Nevertheless, the probability of a spill appears low based on an examination of historical spills, safety guidelines, and preventative measures already in place. Provincial government staff are unaware of industrial discharge into the Okanagan River (Reiner, pers. comm., 2016); however, storm drains and some industries discharge into the municipal sewer systems, which then flow into the Okanagan River. More research is needed on the probability, scope, and severity of this threat.

9.3 Agricultural and forestry effluents (unknown impact)

Agricultural runoff may contribute to eutrophication in Okanagan waterways and along the South Thompson River. Historically, this was a greater threat, although in recent years this threat has declined. More research is needed on the water quality parameters associated with Olive Clubtail habitats and how agricultural run-off specifically threatens Olive Clubtail populations.

The pesticide methoxychlor (a DDT-like insecticide used to control black fly larva) is cited as a potential threat to Olive Clubtail in the COSEWIC (2011) status report. As of December 31, 2005, all pesticidal uses of methoxychlor have been discontinued and this substance is no longer registered under the federal Pest Control Products Act (Environment and Climate Change Canada 2015).

No additional information is available on specific pesticide applications within proximate habitat to Olive Clubtail population sites. All extant populations have been continuously exposed to agricultural run-off and pesticides for many years. More research is needed to specifically determine what types of agricultural crops are located adjacent to Olive Clubtail populations, the types of pesticide(s) applied to these crops, and whether pesticide leaching or run-off has been ongoing for many years (e.g., a constant threat to populations), or is increasing/decreasing.

Threat 11. Climate change and severe weather (unknown impact)

11.2 Droughts and 11.3 temperature extremes (unknown impact)

The Okanagan Valley, South Thompson River, and Christina Creek areas of the province are some of the hottest and driest parts of Canada. The change in rainfall patterns over the past decade, as well as a decline in snowpack and subsequent freshet, has led to a greater demand on the water resources within these areas. The effects of drawdown and lower rainfall on water levels within Olive Clubtail habitats are likely detrimental. This is especially applicable to exposed silty sand areas that may have Olive Clubtail nymph populations; nymphs are further exposed to desiccation when less water is available to create the muddy substrate they burrow and seek shelter within.

11.4 Storms and flooding (unknown impact)

The greater frequency and severity of winter storms affects the shoreline habitat at all five extant population areas. The cumulative effects of wave wash, scouring, water runoff from terrestrial habitats, impacts from woody debris washing ashore, and changes in water flow all contribute to a potential decline in Olive Clubtail habitat. The effects of an increase in the severity, frequency, and seasonality of storms and flooding to Olive Clubtail habitat needs further study and long-term monitoring.

5 Recovery goal and objectives

5.1 Recovery (population and distribution) goal

The recovery (population and distribution) goal is to maintain the abundance of Olive Clubtail populations at all extant sites within British Columbia, including any additional populations that may be identified in the future.

5.2 Rationale for the recovery (population and distribution) goal

Olive Clubtail is known from six populations, with five of these considered extant. These records are the result of both targeted searches and incidental collection (i.e., random chance collections when surveying for other species) over many years.

Suitable habitat for Olive Clubtail includes warm, mud-bottomed rivers with sandy banks (Paulson 2009). Suitable habitat for Olive Clubtail may have been more widespread in the past, due mainly to less development along shoreline habitats. Nevertheless, because there is currently no information or evidence from historical sampling to suggest Olive Clubtail was more widespread, a recovery goal to actively increase the number of sites through translocation or other techniques is not recommended at this time. If additional naturally occurring populations are recorded, these will be included in recovery planning.

The recovery goal was set to ensure the persistence of this species in British Columbia and includes maintaining any additional populations that may be found. Specific population targets cannot be quantified at this time. Population information for Olive Clubtail is incomplete and/or outdated. Consequently, there is no information with which to measure abundance trends or to complete a minimum population viability analysis. Lifespan, dispersal, and recolonization capabilities are unknown, and detailed habitat requirements are unclear. Fulfilling these knowledge gaps will provide important information to help maintain the abundance of the populations at known sites and allow future quantification of the recovery goal.

5.3 Recovery objectives

The following are the recovery objectives for Olive Clubtail:

1. to secure protection^{Footnote 18} for the known extant sites of Olive Clubtail with no loss or degradation of occupied aquatic habitat
2. to confirm the distribution of Olive Clubtail within its range in British Columbia
3. to assess the extent of threats to each of the extant sites and reduce their impacts
4. to address knowledge gaps (e.g., habitat requirements for each life stage, dispersal, etc.); and
5. to increase the public knowledge of Olive Clubtail and its associated freshwater and terrestrial habitats

6 Approaches to meet objectives

6.1 Actions already completed or underway

The following actions have been categorized by the action groups of the B.C. Conservation Framework (B.C. Ministry of Environment 2009). Status of the action group for this species is given in parentheses.

Compile status report (complete)

• COSEWIC report completed (COSEWIC 2011)

Send to COSEWIC (complete)

• Olive Clubtail assessed as Endangered (COSEWIC 2011). Re-assessment due 2021

Planning (complete)

• British Columbia Recovery Plan completed (this document, 2016)

Inventory (in progress)

• The most recent inventory is summarized in the COSEWIC (2011) status report
• Non-targeted and opportunistic searches have occurred simultaneously during surveys for other aquatic invertebrates; however, the Olive Clubtail has not been recorded. Although the dates, search times, and sites are not specifically recorded, the dragonfly would have been noted during surveys (R.J. Cannings, pers. comm., 2015; Dyer, pers. comm., 2015; Ramsay, pers. comm., 2015)

Habitat protection and private land stewardship (in progress)

• There is no specific habitat protection in place for Olive Clubtail. Existing mechanisms that could potentially protect Olive Clubtail habitat are listed in Table 4 of part 2
• The provincial Water Sustainability Act (Province of British Columbia 2014) came into force February 29, 2016. This act replaces the provincial Water Act, as well as components of the Fish Protection Act, which has now been renamed the Riparian Areas Protection Act (Province of British Columbia 1997), with some sections repealed. The Water Sustainability Act includes some guidance on the protection of sensitive streams and protection of aquatic ecosystems. For example, under Section 16, the decision maker can require mitigation measures for, and changes in and about, a stream (including the diversion of a stream) when proposed activities are likely to have adverse impact on an aquatic ecosystem. Additional potential protection mechanisms are included in Part 3, Division 4, which refers to “Water Sustainability Plans” (Section 65). Under this section, the Minster may designate an area for the purpose of the development of a water sustainability plan, if the Minister considers it will assist in preventing or addressing risks to aquatic ecosystem health
• The Riparian Areas Regulation, enacted under the Riparian Areas Protection Act, calls on local governments to protect riparian areas during residential, commercial, and industrial development by ensuring that a qualified environmental professional conducts a science-based assessment of proposed activities

6.2 Recovery action table

Recovery planning for Olive Clubtail is concurrent with recovery planning approaches for similar species under the South Okanagan–Similkameen Conservation Program (2015) and other grassland conservation initiatives in the South Thompson River area. Because of the extensive knowledge gaps for this dragonfly, most of the recovery planning activities listed in Table 5 of part 2 centre on inventory, habitat information gathering, habitat mapping, and threat clarification. These activities will help prioritize areas for future surveys and inform habitat protection efforts. A combined approach to recovery also includes engaging the academic, naturalist, and stewardship community in recovery projects for the species, including inventory, natural history, and habitat information gathering.

7 Species survival and recovery habitat

Survival and recovery habitat is defined as the habitat that is necessary for the survival or recovery of the species. This is the area that the species naturally occurs or depends on directly or indirectly to carry out its life-cycle processes or formerly occurred on and has the potential to be reintroduced.

7.1 Biophysical description of the species’ survival/recovery habitat

Section 3.3 (Table 2 of part 2) provides a description of the known biophysical features and attributes of the species’ habitat that are required to support these life-cycle processes (functions). Additional work is required to fulfill habitat knowledge gaps. These knowledge gaps are detailed in Table 5 of part 2.

7.2 Spatial description of the species’ survival/recovery habitat

The area of survival/recovery habitat required for a species is guided by the amount of habitat needed to meet the recovery goal. Although no survival/recovery maps are included with this document, it is recommended that the location of survival/recovery habitat is spatially described to mitigate habitat threats and to facilitate the actions outlined to meet the recovery (population and distribution) goals.

8 Measuring progress

Performance indicators provide a way to define and measure progress toward achieving the recovery (population and distribution) goals and objectives. Performance indicators have been integrated into the Recovery Action Table in Section 6.2 (Table 5 of part 2). The recovery plan will be reviewed in 5 years to assess progress and to identify additional approaches or changes that may be required to achieve recovery.

9 Effects on other species

In addition to Olive Clubtail, 155 provincially listed species and 50 species assessed by COSEWIC occur within similar habitats in the Christina Creek area, and the Okanagan and Thompson river valleys (note some COSEWIC species are also provincially listed) (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2017). These 155 species at risk occur within the foraging habitats, and riparian, lake, stream, river, and wetland habitats where Olive Clubtail could potentially inhabit as larvae or adults (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2017). The number of species that specifically occur within Olive Clubtail habitat is not compiled, and is a knowledge gap for this species.

Protection for Olive Clubtail habitat will benefit some of these species, although no species at risk have been specifically identified within the known sites. Recovery planning activities for Olive Clubtail will be implemented with consideration for all co-occurring species at risk, such that there are no negative impacts to these species or their habitats. Conservation strategies are concurrent with South Okanagan–Similkameen Conservation Program and other programs in the Thompson River valley.

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Personal Communications

Nick Burdock, Flood Hazard Technician, B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Penticton, BC.

Richard J. Cannings, Biologist, Penticton, BC.

Robert A. Cannings, Curator Emeritus, Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, BC.

Sydney Cannings, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Whitehorse, YT.

Claudia Copley, Senior Collections Manager, Entomology, Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, B.C.

Orville Dyer, Species At Risk Biologist, B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Penticton, BC.

Jeremy Gatten, Naturalist, Victoria, BC.

Sue Pollard. B.C. Ministry of Forests, Range and Natural Resource Operations, Victoria, BC.

Leah Ramsay, B.C. Conservation Data Centre, B.C. Ministry of Environment, Victoria, BC.

Mike Reiner, Senior Environment Protection Officer, B.C. Ministry of Environment, Penticton, BC.

Hilary Ward, Fisheries Stock Assessment Biologist, B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Penticton, BC.

11 Appendix 1. Specimen and sight records for Olive Clubtail (COSEWIC 2011)