SPECIES: Scientific [common] fladnizensis - Wulfen [Austrian Draba] Forest: Salmon–Challis National Forest Forest Reviewer: Jessica M Dhaemers; Brittni Brown; John Proctor Date of Review: 09/25/2017; 14 February 2018; 19 March 2018 Forest concurrence (or YES recommendation if new) for inclusion of species on list of potential SCC: (Enter Yes or No)

FOREST REVIEW RESULTS:

1. The Forest concurs or recommends the species for inclusion on the list of potential SCC: Yes_X__ No___

2. Rationale for not concurring is based on (check all that apply): Species is not native to the plan area ______Species is not known to occur in the plan area ______Species persistence in the plan area is not of substantial concern ______

FOREST REVIEW INFORMATION:

1. Is the Species Native to the Plan Area? Yes _X_ No___

If no, provide explanation and stop assessment.

2. Is the Species Known to Occur within the Planning Area? Yes _X _ No___

If no, stop assessment. Table 1. All Known Occurrences, Years, and Frequency within the Planning Area Year Number of Location of Observations (USFS Source of Information Observed Individuals District, Town, River, Road Intersection, HUC, etc.) Date First Not Challis National Forest, Lost IDFG Element Occurrence EO Observed: reported for River Ranger District Number: 1 1987 1987. About EO_ID: 771 75 Kane Lake Cirque proposed Old EO_ID: 2661 Date Last observed in Special Interest Botanical Area: Observed: 1991. northern end of the Pioneer July 26, Mountains, about 13 air miles 1991 NE of Ketchum.

Mesic bottom and mid-slopes, flat and N-aspects; sandy sites on gneiss parent material. 9,400-9,700 feet in elevation. July 18, Less than Salmon–Challis National Forest, Irwin, J. J. 2014. “A Floristic 2011 25 plants Lost River Ranger District Inventory of East-Central Idaho, Year Number of Location of Observations (USFS Source of Information Observed Individuals District, Town, River, Road Intersection, HUC, etc.) U.S.A.” Master’s thesis, Lost River Range: confluence of University of Wyoming, Pass Creek and Blue Jay Canyon, Laramie. 8.8 air miles ENE of Mackay. Custer County. RMH 2017 – see full citation below table. Mesic solid rock on barren ground, 6-degree slope, W aspect, limestone geology. 6,428 feet in elevation.

Collection #6454. Note that Irwin (2014) identified as D. f. var. pattersonii1. July 22, Less than Salmon–Challis National Forest, Irwin, J. J. 2014. “A Floristic 2011 25 plants Lost River Ranger District Inventory of East-Central Idaho, U.S.A.” Master’s thesis, Lemhi Range: Middle Canyon University of Wyoming, circa 1.3 miles N of parking area, Laramie. 25.5 air miles NE of Arco. Butte County. RMH 2017 – see full citation below table. Mesic solid rock on barren ground, 16-degree slope, S aspect, limestone geology. 7,426 feet in elevation.

Collection #6653. Note that Irwin (2014) identified as D. f. var. pattersonii1. 1 the IDFG EO does not specify a variety of this species, while the observations made by Irwin and included in the RMH database are identified as D. f. var. pattersonii. For the purposes of this assessment, this variety was included in the taxon D. fladnizensis.

RMH (Rocky Mountain Herbarium). 2017. RM Herbarium Specimen Database – Query: Draba fladnizensis. Internet website: http://rmh.uwyo.edu/data/results.php?Genus=Draba&Species=fladnizensis&Sort1=AccessionNumber&S ortOrder1=ASC&Limit=100. Accessed on August 31, 2017.

a. Are all Species Occurrences Only Accidental or Transient?

Yes___ No_ X _

If yes, document source for determination and stop assessment. b. For species with known occurrences on the Forest since 1990, based on the number of observations and/or year of last observation, can the species be presumed to be established or becoming established in the plan area?

Yes_ X_ No___

If no, provide explanation and stop assessment

c. For species with known occurrences on the Forest predating 1990, does the weight of evidence suggest the species still occurs in the plan area?

Yes___ No___

Provide explanation for determination: N/A. Occurrences have been recorded since 1990.

If determination is no, stop assessment

d. Map 1, Austrian Draba Range in Idaho and surrounding states and provinces (NRCS 2017)

National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2017. Draba fladnizensis Wulfen Austrian draba. Internet website: https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=DRFL. Accessed on September 1, 2017.

e. Map 2, Austrian Draba observations on the Salmon–Challis National Forest (Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System [January 2017])

3. Is There Substantial Concern for the Species’ Capability to persist Over the Long-term in the Plan Area Based on Best Available Scientific Information?

Table 2. Status summary based on existing conservation assessments

Entity Status/Rank (include definition if Other) Global Rank G4—Apparently secure (Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors)1 State Rank S1—Critically imperiled (At very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity [often 5 or fewer populations], very steep declines, or other factors)1 USDA Forest Region 1: Not listed2 Service Region 4: Not listed3 USDI FWS Not listed as a candidate species4 Other Idaho Native Society: 2016 – on list, not yet ranked5; 2011 – State Priority 2 (Taxa likely to be classified as Priority 1 within the foreseeable future in Idaho, if factors contributing to their population decline or habitat degradation or loss continue)6

BLM: Not listed7 1. Idaho Natural Heritage Program. 2016. IDNHP Tracked Plant Species 2016. Accessed January 12, 2018 2. USFS Region 1. 2011. 2011 Sensitive Species List Idaho and Montana. Website: http://fsweb.r1.fs.fed.us/wildlife/wwfrp/TESnew.htm. Accessed January 10, 2017. 3. USFS Region 4. 2016. Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, and Sensitive Species List. On file. Accessed January 11, 2017. 4. USFWS. 2017. Candidate species believed to or known to occur in Idaho. Website: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/reports/species-listed-by-state-report?state=ID&status=candidate. Accessed January 12, 2018. 5. Idaho Native Plant Society. 2016. INPS Rare Plant List May 2016. https://idahonativeplants.org/rare-plants-list/ Accessed January 10, 2018. 6. Idaho Native Plant Society. 2011. Results of the twenty-fifth Idaho Rare Plant Conference – The Idaho Native Plant Society rare plant list. Website: https://idahonativeplants.org/rpc/pdf/2011_Results_IRPC_v2.2.pdf. Accessed on January 11, 2018. 7. BLM. 2016. Bureau of Land Management Idaho Special Status Plants List Aug 2016. On file. Accessed 15 January, 2018.

Table 3. Status summary based on best available scientific information.

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Draba fladnizensis (Austrian draba)

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations 1 A Austrian draba is known from only three locations on the Forest, all on IDFG. 2017. Idaho Fish and Wildlife Distribution on the Lost River Ranger District (IDFG 2017; RMH 2017), suggesting the Information System, Species Diversity Salmon–Challis species is scarce (Rank A). Although, a floristic inventory of the SCNF took Database, Idaho Natural Heritage National Forest place (Irwin 2014), targeted systematic surveys have not been Data. Accessed on February 27, 2017. conducted. Potential habitat (see Criterion 6) is naturally patchy and Irwin, J. J. 2014. “A Floristic Inventory isolated on the Forest. of East-Central Idaho, U.S.A.” Master’s thesis, University of Wyoming, Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low Laramie.

RMH (Rocky Mountain Herbarium). 2017. RM Herbarium Specimen Database – Query: Draba fladnizensis. Internet website: http://rmh.uwyo.edu/data/results.php ?Genus=Draba&Species=fladnizensis& Sort1=AccessionNumber&SortOrder1= ASC&Limit=100. Accessed on August 31, 2017. 2 C Austrian draba is a circumpolar species, widely distributed outside of the RMH (Rocky Mountain Herbarium). Distribution in SCNF (Rank C). Austrian draba occurs in several other western US states, 2017. RM Herbarium Specimen surrounding including Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. In North America, it ranges from Database – Query: Draba fladnizensis. geographic area , across Canada to ; it also occurs in central and Internet website: southern Europe and Asia (RMH 2017, FNA 2017). http://rmh.uwyo.edu/data/results.php ?Genus=Draba&Species=fladnizensis&

Sort1=AccessionNumber&SortOrder1= Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low ASC&Limit=100. Accessed on August 31, 2017.

FNA (Flora of North America). 2017. Draba fladnizensis in Flora of North

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Draba fladnizensis (Austrian draba)

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations America @ efloras.org. Internet website: http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.asp x?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200009446. Accessed on September 1, 2017. 3 B Literature describing the dispersal capability of Austrian draba is not Chambers, J. C., and J. A. MacMahon. Dispersal available; however, dispersal characteristics may be inferred by 1994. A Day in the Life of a Seed: Capability examining literature available for other alpine Draba species as well as Movements and Fates of Seeds and general dispersal strategies for vascular species that occur in alpine Their Implications for Natural and environments. Managed Systems. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 25:263-292.

Generally, in alpine and tundra ecosystems, seeds are small and few taxa Ladyman, J. A. R. 2004a. Draba invest in specialized seed dispersal adaptations; taxa generally take exunguiculata (O. E. Schultz) C. L. advantage of wind for seed dispersal (Chambers and MacMahon 1994). Hitchcock (Garys Peak Draba): A Technical Conservation Assessment. In technical conservation assessments conducted for two rare Draba Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, species of the Rocky Mountains, Garys Peak draba (D. exunguiculata), Rocky Mountain Region, Lakewood, and Gray’s draba (D. grayana) (Ladyman 2004a; 2004b) indicated that CO. seed dispersal mechanisms are unknown, but that short-distance dispersal by winds may be an important factor in dispersal. Running Ladyman, J. A. R. 2004b. Draba water from melting snowpack and precipitation may also move seeds grayana (Rydb.) C. L. Hitchcock (Gray’s Draba): A Technical Conservation short distances. Assessment. Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Austrian draba likely has a relatively limited dispersal capability given Region, Lakewood, CO. that suspected dispersal mechanisms are likely to only transport seeds relatively short distances (Rank B). Because specific studies for the dispersal capabilities of this taxon have not been completed, confidence is somewhat lowered.

Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Draba fladnizensis (Austrian draba)

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations 4 A As described in Criterion 1, Austrian draba has been documented from IDFG. 2017. Idaho Fish and Wildlife Abundance on the three occurrences on the Lost River Ranger District of the SCNF (IDFG Information System, Species Diversity Salmon–Challis 2017; RMH 2017), and is likely rare on the Forest (Rank A). At known Database, Idaho Natural Heritage National Forest occurrences, abundance ranges from estimates of “less than 25 plants” Data. Accessed on February 27, 2017. to “about 75 plants.” Abundance is presumed to be low enough that RMH (Rocky Mountain Herbarium). stochastic and other factors could lead to potential imperilment. Because 2017. RM Herbarium Specimen the full abundance of this taxon on the Forest is likely not well known, Database – Query: Draba fladnizensis. confidence is somewhat lowered. Internet website: http://rmh.uwyo.edu/data/results.php Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low ?Genus=Draba&Species=fladnizensis& Sort1=AccessionNumber&SortOrder1= ASC&Limit=100. Accessed on August 31, 2017. 5 D There are three documented populations on the Forest, but these Population Trend populations have not been monitored consistently and no population on the Salmon– data is available that would provide an indication as to trends in Challis National population size (Rank D). Forest Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low 6 A D. fladnizensis is known from talus, scree, or rocky slopes or flats, as well Fertig, W. 2008. State Species Abstract Habitat Trend on as in alpine meadows (Fertig 2008). EO 1 indicate the population was – Draba fladnizensis var. pattersonii. the Salmon–Challis found in mesic, shady, bottom and mid-slope areas that were either flat Wyoming Natural Diversity Database. National Forest or with N aspects (IDFG 2017). http://www.uwyo.edu/wyndd/_files/d ocs/reports/speciesabstracts/draba_fl adnizensis_pattersonii.pdf To analyze trends in habitat, current and historical aerial imagery (1999-

2017) of habitat at each EO was assessed for ground disturbing activities. Google Earth. 2017. Salmon–Challis In addition, a USFS (2016) GIS database of existing grazing allotments, National Forest. Internet website: invasive plant populations, historical wildfires, mines, trails, and roads https://www.google.com/earth/. was reviewed for activities that may impact habitat. Notes from historical Accessed on November 15, 2017. collections or observations were also reviewed as they contain

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Draba fladnizensis (Austrian draba)

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations information on threats to habitat (IDFG 2017). No evidence of residential IDFG. 2017. Idaho Fish and Wildlife or agricultural development, wildfires, roads, mining, and grazing was Information System, Species Diversity depicted at any EO. Database, Idaho Natural Heritage Data. Accessed on February 27, 2017. A hiking trail is depicted on the north side of Kane Lake opposite the IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish and slopes which support the Austrian draba populations. The Kane Lake Trail Game). 2017. Idaho State Wildlife is a moderately developed hiking trail that leads up to Kane Lake. There Action Plan, 2015. Boise, ID. are faint trails on the lake shore that suggest hikers travel around the lake and may reach the south shore near where populations of Austrian Mancuso, M., Lehman, R. 2016. Alpine draba are located. plant community sampling and stewardship assessment in the Sheep Approximately 1.2% (~ 51,000 acres) of vegetation on the Forest is Mountain Research Natural Area, classified as alpine and 3% as barren-rock (~130,000 acres) (based on Lemhi Mountains, Idaho. Caribou- Landfire biophysical settings) (USFS 2017). On the SCNF, alpine plant Targhee National Forest, Idaho Falls, communities tend to be dry and largely dominated by graminoids ID and Salmon-Challis National Forest, (Mancuso and Lehman 2016). Although these systems are rare and Salmon, ID.

unique, they are well represented on the Forest (USFS 2017). USFS (United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service). 2017. Because alpine vegetation and barren rock mainly occur in designated Salmon-Challis National Forest Plan wilderness, roadless, or remote areas where human interference Revision Assessments. Topics 1& 2: disturbance is minimal, alpine communities of the Salmon–Challis are Terrestrial Ecosystems, Aquatic considered to exhibit good integrity and relatively stable (IDFG 2017b; Ecosystems, Watersheds, Air, Soil, USFS 2017). In 2016, Mancuso and Lehman resampled plots from a 1992 Water. study on alpine community types on Sheep Mountain. Comparisons between the two dates indicate no substantial change in vegetative USFS. 2016. SDE RMU Range composition or species represented in the intervening 24 years (Mancuso Allotments. GIS Database Information. and Lehman 2016). Data source: S_R04_SCF.rmu_unit. Last updated March 30, 2016.

As there is no evidence of ground disturbing activities, habitat quality for this species is stable (Rank B). Confidence in this rank is high as the alpine

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Draba fladnizensis (Austrian draba)

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations habitat type is remote, isolated, and relatively insulated from disturbance activities.

Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low

7 A D. fladnizensis is most vulnerable to climate change. Ash, J.D., Givnish, T.J., Waller, D.M. Vulnerability of 2016. Tracking lags in historical plants Habitats on the To project the future climate and impacts to resources in the species’ shifts in relation to regional Salmon–Challis Intermountain Region including the Salmon-Challis, the Intermountain climate change. Global Change National Forest Adaptation Partnership (IAP) used Representative Concentration Biology, doi: 10.1111/gcb.13429.

Pathway [RCP] 4.5 and 8.5, which capture a moderate and high future Behrens, P.N., R.E. Keane, D.L. warming, respectively (Halofsky et al. 2018). Although pathways Peterson, and J.J. Ho. 2018. Chapter 6: predicting lower warming exist, the 4.5 and 8.5 pathways were chosen by effects of climatic variability and the IAP because they are, in comparison, well studied providing a large change on forest vegetation. In set of projections that enhance our understanding of the possible range Halofsky, J.E., D.L. Peterson, J.J. Ho, in future climate. Thus, this represents best available science for our N.L. Little, L.A. Joyce, editors. 2018. Forest with regard to a warming climate. Climate change vulnerability and adaptation in the Intermountain Although uncertainty exists about the magnitude and rate of climate Region. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR- change (For a discussion of this see Behrens et al. 2018), warming XXX. Fort Collins, CO: US Department temperatures are the most certain consequence of increased CO2 in the of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. atmosphere. By 2100, median minimum temperature in the Middle

Rockies subregion, which includes the Salmon-Challis, is projected to rise Dirnbock, T., F. Essl, and W. Rabitsch. about 5˚F under the moderate warming scenario and about 10˚F under 2011. Disproportional risk for habitat the high warming scenario. Regardless of scenario, the greatest loss of high-altitude endemic species departure from historical seasonal minimum temperatures occurs in the under climate change. Global Change summer. Annual precipitation projections are highly variable with no Biology, 17:990-996. discernible trend under moderate warming and a slight increasing trend with high warming (Joyce and Talbert 2018). Halofsky, J.E., D.L. Peterson, J.J. Ho, N.L. Little, L.A. Joyce, editors. 2018. Alpine habitat may be vulnerable to climatic factors and have low Climate change vulnerability and adaptive capacity to climate change. Climate change is expected to cause adaptation in the Intermountain Region. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR- increasingly warmer and wetter conditions, with worsening summer xxx. Fort Collins, CO: US Department of drought, and alpine areas may transition from snow-dominated to rain- Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky dominated (Halofsky et al. 2018; IDFG 2017). An extended growing Mountain Research Station. season is projected to occur in the alpine which can result in interspecific competition for resources, changes in plant community composition and Hatfield, R., Jepsen, S., Mader, E., displacement of rare plant populations where they currently occupy Black, S.H., Shepherd, M. 2012. specific niches. The amount of surface water flow and timing of peak Conserving bumble bees: guidelines

runoff may also be impacted. Such changes may reduce the ranges of for creating and managing habitat for high-elevation species. America’s declining pollinators. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Alpine systems are dependent on snowfields and gradual snowmelt to Conservation. maintain moisture for vegetation, and thus warming temperatures, IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish and increased drought, and changes in the depth and persistence of Game). 2017. Idaho State Wildlife snowpack is projected to greatly affect this habitat in the Intermountain Action Plan, 2015. Boise ID. Region (Halofsky et al. 2018; IDFG 2017). While the extent of snowfields, as measured on April 1 and modeled under the RCP emissions scenario Joyce, L.A. and M. Talbert. 2018. 8.5 (a severe scenario), is projected to remain similar on the Salmon- Chapter 3: Historical and projected Challis into the 2080’s, warmer conditions will markedly reduce their climate. In Halofsky, J.E., D.L. Peterson, persistence and depth. In addition, losses will be greater than projected J.J. Ho, N.L. Little, L.A. Joyce, editors. because this modeling provides an overestimate of precipitation at high 2018. Climate change vulnerability and elevations. This is because it uses the Global Climate Model (GCM), which adaptation in the Intermountain does not account for local orographic effects (Halofsky et al. 2018). Region. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR- xxx. Fort Collins, CO: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Summer precipitation is also very important for subalpine and alpine Mountain Research Station. vegetative communities and the RCP 8.5 model projects a 20% decrease in summer precipitation for the SCNF. However, cooler soil temperature Miller-Struttmann, N.E., Geib, J.C., at higher elevation may moderate effects to alpine species (Halofsky et Franklin, J.D., Kevan, P.G., Holdo, R.M., al. 2018). Ebert-May, D., Lynn, A.M., Kettenbach, J.A., Hedrick, E., Galen, C. 2015. Some loss of alpine vegetation communities, especially mesic meadows, Functional mismatch in a bumble bee attributed to upslope migration of trees and shrubs may occur pollination mutualism under climate (Alexander et al. 2015 in Halofsky et al. 2018). Some, subalpine change. Science, 349(6255): 1541- communities may have potential to migrate higher in elevation as a 1544. response to changing conditions, but this may be limited by underdeveloped soils at higher altitudes. Furthermore, the rate of climatic change in alpine communities may outpace the ability of species to shift their distribution (Ash et al. 2016; Dirnbock et al. 2011). Other communities may already exist at the highest elevations in the SCNF and, therefore, may have limited upward migration potential.

Rare plant populations that may be small, isolated, tied to snowpack

abundance and distribution timing changes of spring thaw and fall frost cycles, and/or have limited dispersal capacity, are highly vulnerable to impacts from environmental change including reductions in pollination.

Changes in temperature and precipitation may lead to greater variability in forb flowering, which could create an asynchronistic effect with native pollinator emergence (Halofsky et al. 2018; Miller-Struttmann et al. 2015), leading to decreased reproduction in native plants. As pollinators are critical for successful reproduction and seed set for approximately 85% of flowering species globally (Hatfield et al. 2012), this asynchronistic effect may have profound implications.

Alpine vegetation communities are considered exceptionally vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances including impacts from herbivory/trampling by native ungulates and/or unrestricted livestock grazing, infrastructure development (trails and com sites), increased recreational activities at high elevation sites, and associated trampling. Given potential changes and stressors in alpine communities with regard to climate, it is assumed that the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances may be an additional threat to alpine species.

The degree to which both populations and habitats are vulnerable to loss or disturbance on the Forest are dependent upon variability in severity of impacts from climate change (Rank B).

Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low

8 B Austrian draba is a diminutive, tufted, tap-rooted, perennial herb (FNA FNA (Flora of North America). 2017. Life History and 2017, MNHP 2017). Very little other life history or demographic Draba fladnizensis in Flora of North Demographics information is available for this taxon. However, a review of life history America @ efloras.org. Internet and demographic information of other Draba taxa may provide insights website: into the life history and demographic attributes of Austrian draba. In http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.asp x?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200009446. general, these species, some of which are known to co-occur with Accessed on September 1, 2017. Austrian draba in the Rocky Mountains (Ladyman 2004a; 2004b) showed specific traits geared to the alpine environments they occupy. Ladyman, J. A. R. 2004a. Draba exunguiculata (O. E. Schultz) C. L. Certain types of alpine environments occupied by Austrian draba, Hitchcock (Garys Peak Draba): A particularly fell fields, exhibit severe climatic conditions such as high Technical Conservation Assessment. winds, low snow cover, and extremes in temperature and moisture Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, availability. Garys Peak draba and Gray’s draba have adaptations to cope Rocky Mountain Region, Lakewood, with such environments, such as exhibiting a low-statured growth form CO. and retaining marcescent leaves to protect nascent buds (Ladyman 2004a; 2004b). The low-statured growth form of Austrian draba may Ladyman, J. A. R. 2004b. Draba grayana (Rydb.) C. L. Hitchcock (Gray’s provide similar protections from harsh climatic conditions. Draba): A Technical Conservation Assessment. Prepared for the USDA Rates of seed production, seed accumulation in the seed bank, and seed Forest Service, Rocky Mountain predation in alpine Draba species are unknown (Ladyman 2004a; 2004b). Region, Lakewood, CO. Relative to other species, Draba seed representation in tundra seedbanks is generally low (McGraw and Vavrek 1989). As discussed in Criterion 3, McGraw, J. B., and M. C. Vavrek. 1989. seed dispersal is generally limited to short distances and is primarily Buried viable seeds in alpine and arctic through wind. communities. Pg 96 in: M. A. Leck, V. T. Parker, and R. L. Simpson, editors. Limited demographic studies of alpine Draba exist, and transition Ecology of Soil and Seed Banks. probabilities between seed and flowing adult stages are unknown Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, California. (Ladyman 2004a; 2004b). Price (1979) found that seed production of

Garys Peak draba ranged from 3 to 105 seeds per plant. A study of D. MNHP (Montana Natural Heritage trichocharpa, a rock-dwelling subalpine species in Idaho found that Program). 2017. White Arctic Draba – individuals are relatively long-lived, but that poor seedling recruitment Draba fladnizensis. Montana Field (up to 73 percent seedling mortality) limited population growth and Guide. Internet website: longevity (Moseley and Mancuso 1993). http://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail. aspx?elcode=PDBRA110Z0. Accessed

In general, in long-lived perennial species, the most important life cycle on September 1, 2017. components, more so than seed production, are vegetative growth and survival of adults (Silvertown et al. 1993). This may be the case with Moseley, R. K. and M. Mancuso. 1993. Austrian draba. Demographic Monitoring of Two Stanley Basin Endemics: Draba trichocarpa and Eriogonum Based on the best available information for the study taxon and related meledonum. III. Third Year Results. species in the genus Draba, Austrian draba likely exhibits traits adapted Conservation Data Center, to the alpine environments it occupies. However, this species may also Nongame/endangered Wildlife exhibit demographic risk factors that would limit its ability to recover Program, Idaho Department of Fish from disturbance, such as low seed production and low seedling and Game, Boise, ID. recruitment. As such, this criterion was ranked “B.” Because little taxon- specific information could be located, confidence in this ranking is low. Silvertown, J., M. Franco, I. Paisantry, and A. Mendoza. 1993. Comparative Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low Plant Demography – relative importance of life cycle components to the finite rate of increase in woody and herbaceous perennials. Journal of Ecology 81: 465-476.

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Draba fladnizensis (Austrian draba)

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations Summary and recommendations: Austrian draba is considered globally to be apparently secure (G4), with a Date: September 3, 2017 circumpolar range and distribution encompassing several other western US states. However, in Idaho, the taxon is considered critically imperiled (S1). There are three known occurrences on the SCNF, all from the Lost River Ranger District on the Salmon–Challis National Forest. Abundance within occurrences is low, suggesting that the species is susceptible to stochastic events on the Forest.

D. fladnizensis is restricted to alpine environments, which are generally considered to be in good condition. Species specific reproductive rates and seed dispersal have not been studied, however, studies on similar species suggest it has low seed production and recruitment. Population trends have not been monitored on the Forest, but habitat trends are likely stable. Alpine communities are generally considered stable on the SCNF, but are considered exceptionally vulnerable to long-term threats related to climate change compared to other vegetative communities.

There is substantial concern for the capability of Draba fladnizensis to persist over the long-term on the Salmon- Challis, therefore, it is recommended as a SCC.

Evaluator(s): M. Trieger