(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CAREX SPECUICOLA
Species Id ESIS702027
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - CAREX SPECUICOLA
OTHER COMMON NAMES - SEDGE and NAVAJO
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Angiosperm
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MAGNOLIOPHYTA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - LILIOPSIDA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - CYPERALES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CYPERACEAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - CAREX,
SPECIES AND SSP - SPECUICOLA,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - CAREX SPECUICOLA
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
No Common Name
Carex specuicola J.T. Howell
KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm
DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Liliopsida
ORDER: Cyperales FAMILY: Cyperaceae
Carex, a genus found throughout the world, is a member of the
family Cyperaceae (01,02,03). Carex specuicola, sometimes called the
Navajo sedge (02,04), belongs to the Section Atratae (01,02,03,05).
The Section Atratae is a group of closely related species with
gynaecandrous and staminate terminal spikes and especially
characterized by three branched styles (01,06). Carex specuicola is a
perennial forb with triangular stems; elongated slender rhizomes;
culms (jointed stems of rhizomes) 2.5-4.5 dm high, slender, clothed at
the base with the dried leaves of the previous year, twice the length
of the leaves; leaves pale green, clustered near the brownish or
reddish-tinged base, 1-2 (rarely 3) mm wide, filiform-attenuate,
slightly channeled, scabrous on the margin, at least above, the
sheaths white-hyaline, fragile, not filamentose; lowest bract
leaf-like, sheathless, not reaching the lowest spike, or rarely
exceeding the inflorescence; spikes 2-4, 0.5-2.0 cm long, 4 mm wide,
the upper subsessile or sessile, the terminal gynaecandrous, the
lateral pistillate, the perigynia erect-ascending; scales oblong-
lanceolate to almost ovate, 2-3 mm long, 1-1.5 mm wide, acute or
apiculate, pale-brown with hyaline margins, and a conspicuous green
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CAREX SPECUICOLA
Species Id ESIS702027
Date 13 MAR 96
mid-rib; perigynia strongly flattened, broadly elliptic or obovate,
very wide at the middle or slightly above, subsessile, 3 mm long,
1.5-2 mm wide whitish below, brownish above, with green margins,
nerveless or slenderly few-nerved on both faces below, thin
membranaceous, strongly papillose, abruptly short-beaked, the beak
measures from 0.25-0.5 mm long, the teeth serrulate-scabrous, achenes
sometimes lenticular, sometimes trigonous, broadly elliptic or
orbicular (05,06,07).
There is not at present, nor has there ever been any disagreement
as to the taxonomic validity or uniqueness of this species (02,03,05,
06,07,08). Frederick J. Hermann continues to treat this taxon as a
distinctive endemic species (02,03,04,05). This species does not have
a Federal Register listed common name. The common name, Navajo sedge
is used in the Recovery Plan for Carex specuicola J.T. Howell (02).
There are no other scientific or common name synonyms in the
literature for Carex specuicola except the common name, Navajo sedge
(02,03,04,05,07,08,09).
The type specimen is housed at California Academy of Science
Herbarium Number 342553. Photographs, slides and additional specimens
are available at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2, Endangered
Species Office, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CAREX SPECUICOLA
Species Id ESIS702027
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
T: Federal Threatened
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Carex specuicola has been designated Threatened pursuant to
the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.12; P.L. 93-205,
87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as amended. The species has this
status wherever found including the State of Arizona. Critical
Habitat has been designated in (3)40 X 5 meter rectangular areas
including moist sandy to silty soils at shady seep-springs within the
Navajo Sandstone Formation, Navajo Indian Reservation, Coconino
County, Arizona (50 CFR 17.96(a)).
Removal and reduction to possession of any federally listed plant
from an area under Federal jurisdiction is unlawful (50 CFR 17.61 and
17.71).
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to possess
any wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) within U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in 18 U.S.C.
7); or to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or
purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any wild plant (including
roots, seeds, and other parts) taken, possessed, transported, or sold
in violation of any State law or regulation. It is also unlawful to
import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any
wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) taken or
possessed in violation of any U.S. law, treaty, or regulation or in
violation of Indian tribal law.
This species is protected as an Endangered species by the Navajo
Nation under Navajo Tribal Code Title 17, Subchapter 507.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
BIA -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for management/recovery on Bureau of Indian Affairs
lands.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CAREX SPECUICOLA
Species Id ESIS702027
Date 13 MAR 96
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Arizona
DESIGNATED STATUS: Protected
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: AZ Comm. of Agriculture and Horticulture
STATE STATUTE: Arizona Native Plant Law Ariz. Rev. Stat. 7,
Sec. 3-901B.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
This species is palatable and grazed by livestock. It may be of
value for some of its yet undetermined phytochemical products and it
has value as a component of Arizona's natural heritage of biotic
diversity.
75/07/01:40 FR 27823/27824 - Notice of Review
76/06/16:41 FR 24523/24572 - Proposed Rule, 1700 species
79/12/10:44 FR 70796/70798 - Withdrawal of Proposed Rule
80/12/15:45 FR 82480/82481 - Notice of Continued Review
84/04/11:49 FR 14406/14410 - Proposed Rule
85/05/08:50 FR 19370/19074 - Final Rule, Threatened w/ Crit. Hab.
85/09/27:50 FR 39526/39527 - Notice of Review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
INLAND AQUATIC
LAND USE -
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
Reservoirs
Forested Wetland
Bare Exposed Rock
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Palustrine EM1
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Carex specuicola populations are located in the Great Basin
Conifer Woodland within the Colorado Plateau (02,11,12,13). The
vegetation is pinyon-juniper woodland (07). It is found on the south
facing Navajo Sandstone Formation cliffs; cliff slopes range from
80-90 percent (02,03,04). The elevation of the known population is
1740-1824 meters with an annual precipitation of 194 millimeters
(02,03,14). Carex specuicola grows in moist sandy to silty soil of
shady seep-spring hanging gardens; the depth of A-horizon is 0-20 cm;
depth of litter is 2 cm; and the soil pH is unknown. The dominant
associated species that are found with Carex specuicola include
Mimulus eastwoodiae (monkey flower), Epipactis gigantea (helleborine),
Andropogon hallii, and Phragmites communis (common reed) (02,04).
In summary, water percolates through the porous sandstone,
contacts the impervious stratum, accumulates, and finally flows
laterally along the impermeable member until a drip or spring-line is
produced along the cliff face on or under which the hanging gardens
are developed (04,11). Welch and Toft define the Navajo Sandstone
Formation garden-bearing strata to be numerous bedding planes in the
cross bedding matrix. Navajo Sandstone, which tends to bear large
quantities of water of high quality, satisfies all the conditions
necessary for development of complex assemblages of plants in alcoves
(11).
The Carex specuicola occurs in two alcove-type hanging gardens,
the Simple Dripline and the Simple Alcove (04,11). The Simple
Dripline is a hanging garden that occurs on a nearly vertical rock
face along the moist, exposed margin of a bedding plane (11). Plants
grow in these margins of the rock face. Competition is low, because
few species of vascular plants grow on these sites. The Simple Alcove
is the early development of a alcove in which the face of the cliff
has been undercut by erosion and a protective hanging wall (or roof
wall) is developed to a greater or lesser degree. This garden usually
has larger and more diverse plants than the Simple Dripline (04,11).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species CAREX SPECUICOLA
Species Id ESIS702027
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
AUTOTROPH
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species CAREX SPECUICOLA
Species Id ESIS702027
Date 13 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G
G Aquatic Features: Springs [flowing]
G Terrestrial Features: Cliffs/ledges
G
G
G
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CAREX SPECUICOLA
Species Id ESIS702027
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
HABIT:
The Carex specuicola is an herb (02,03,05,06).
LIFE CYCLE:
Perennial (03,05,06,08).
TYPE OF REPRODUCTION:
Sexual, vegetative (01,03,12,13).
REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY:
Little is known about the reproductive phenology of this species.
Flowering is known to occur in June and July with seed dispersal
occurring in late July (03,04).
SEX OR SPORE STATUS:
Monoecious (03,04,05,06,11).
POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION:
This species has not been studied beyond its discovery. In 1987,
Donna E. House and Desert Botanical Garden initiated artificial
propagation studies (04). Wind is the pollen dissemination agent
(02,04).
SEED BIOLOGY:
In 1980, 80-90 percent of Carex specuicola observed were setting
fruit (03).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Carex specuicola is currently known from two populations. The
approximate number of individuals in each sub-population is summarized
below:
Date/Reference Location Sub-populations Number
1980/(03) Inscription House Ruin 1A=1 300
1986/(02,04) Inscription House Ruin 1A 300
1980/(03) Inscription House Ruin 1B=2 200
1986/(02,04) Inscription House Ruin 1B 30
1987/(04) Inscription House Ruin 1B est. 75
1980/(03) Inscription House Ruin 1C=3 100
1986/(02,04) Inscription House Ruin 1C 100
1986/(02,03) Toenleshushe Canyon 2A Not surveyed
Sub-population 1B in Inscription House Ruin area has drastically
declined from an estimated 200 individuals in 1980 to less than 30
individuals in 1986 (02,04). This dramatic decline was due to grazing
within a corral that was constructed around part of the sub-population
(02,03,04). Inside the corral, a few inaccessible Mimulus eastwoodiae
(monkey flower) occur and Cirsium sp. dominate the seep (02,04).
In 1987, the Navajo Natural Heritage Program botanist found more
individuals hidden away from the corral (04).
ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS:
Carex specuicola grows in moist sandy to silty soils of shady
seep spring hanging gardens within the Triassic Navajo Sandstone
Formation (02,03). The soil development is very limited in depth.
SCS Soil Association (1972) defines this soil as a sandstone and sandy
shale rock outcrop of Shepard-Rock Outcrop Association (15). The
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CAREX SPECUICOLA
Species Id ESIS702027
Date 13 MAR 96
A-horizon depth ranges from 0-20 centimeters covered with 2
centimeters of litter (03). The soil pH is unknown.
Elevation of the known populations ranges from 1740-1840 meters
on the south facing cliffs (02,03,04). These cliff slopes range from
80-90 percent (02,03,04).
The average annual precipitation is 19.4 centimeters (14).
TROPHIC STATUS:
Phototrophic (11).
CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE:
Dominant/co-dominant (03,04).
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY:
Carex specuicola occurs in hanging gardens within the Great
Basin Conifer Woodland (13). Plant communities in hanging gardens
differ in composition and in kinds of species, not only along an
apparent north-south climatic gradient and along an elevational
gradient, but also from one garden to another on the same cliff face
(10,16). The dominant associated species that are found with Carex
specuicola include Mimulus eastwoodiae (monkey flower), Epipactis
gigantea (helleborine), Agrostis semiverticillata (water bentgrass),
Phragmites communis (common reed), and a Cirsium species.
Succession of plant communities in hanging gardens is tied to the
development of garden and alcove (10).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
None.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CAREX SPECUICOLA
Species Id ESIS702027
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Controlling water levels
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Domestic Animals
Adverse Incidental Capturing/Killing
Existing Incidental Capturing/Killing
Adverse Water Level Fluctuation
Existing Water Level Fluctuation
Adverse Irrigating
Existing Irrigating
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
Adverse
Existing
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Most species of Carex are palatable to livestock and although
the forage value of Carex specuicola is unknown, it is suspected that
domestic livestock (horses, sheep, goats, and cows) and wildlife graze
the plants.
The two major threats to Carex specuicola, are grazing of
accessible sites and a lowering of the water table from water
development for livestock. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) issue
permits for grazing and give final approval for livestock water
development to local Navajo Indians. BIA has no records of the number
of livestock grazing in the areas prior to 1943 and today (04,07).
Heavy trampling in conjunction with livestock watering already occurs
on this species habitat (07).
The two Carex specuicola populations are composed of four
sub-populations. Three of the four sub-populations are accessible to
domestic livestock and have been significantly impacted by grazing and
trampling (02,04). In 1980, one of sub-populations dramatically
declined due to a corral constructed around it (03). In 1986, the
Navajo Natural Heritage botanist, Donna House, observed no Carex
specuicola in the corral just on the outside (04). The corral
continues to be used by the local people (02,04). Presently, BIA has
not reviewed the grazing and corral threats (04).
Water is vital to the survival of the species; thus, any change
in the water table level will have an affect on the populations (02).
Water development (well, troughs) has affected one of the
sub-populations. In the 1930's, BIA approved a livestock water well
and trough (07). This water development has caused livestock to
migrate to the area and forage on Carex specuicola. Presently, the
water trough is not functional due to lack of maintenance. It has not
been used for the last two years. Most of this sub-population has
improved due to this disuse (02,04). BIA has not reviewed the
development of wells and troughs in and near the Carex specuicola
(04).
Accessible habitat in and around Inscription House Ruin Pack
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CAREX SPECUICOLA
Species Id ESIS702027
Date 13 MAR 96
Trail may develop off-road problems and rare plant collectors in the
future (02,04).
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1987. Navajo Sedge (Carex specuicola
J.T. Howell). U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM. 39 pp.
The recovery plan recommends removal of threats to Carex
specuicola by:
1. Permanently protect all known habitats according to the
steps outlined in this plan.
2. Inventory suitable potential habitat.
3. Census and monitor known populations and establish
permanent monitoring plots at these sites.
4. Develop and implement a habitat management plan to
restrict water development projects that would disturb
the water flow and water table.
5. Develop formal documentation outlining long-term
hydrological potential of the existing and potential
habitat of Carex specuicola.
6. Reintroduce Carex specuicola onto several protected sites
within its inferred historic range.
7. Demonstrate long-term stability of populations and
habitat.
8. Fencing to protect remaining populations from grazing may
need to be considered.
Current recovery activities underway are: (1) Monitoring of
known populations and searches for other populations is continuing.
Three possible new populations may have been identified.
(2) Artificial propagation study.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species CAREX SPECUICOLA
Species Id ESIS702027
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Murray, D.F. 1969. Taxonomy of Carex Sect. Atratae (Cyperaceae)
in the Southern Rocky Mountains. Britton 21:55-76.
02 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1987. Navajo Sedge (Carex
specuicola J.T. Howell). U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque,
NM. 39 pp.
03 Phillips, A.M., B.G. Phillips, et al. 1981. Status report for
Carex specuicola J.T. Howell. Prepared for U.S. Fish and Wildl.
Serv., Albuquerque, NM. 12 pp.
04 House, D.E. 1987. Pers. know. P.O. Box 15553, Santa Fe, NM.
05 Hermann, F.J. 1970. Manual of the Carices of the Rocky Mountains
and Colorado Basin. Agric. Handbook #374, USDA Forest Service.
Ft. Collins, CO.
06 Howell, J.T. 1949. Three new Arizona plants. Leaflets of Western
Botany 5(9):148.
07 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Endangered and threatened
wildlife and plants; determination of Carex specuicola to be a
threatened species with critical habitat. Fed. Reg.
50(89):19370-19374.
08 Harvard University. 1968. Gray Herbarium Index, Vol. 2, p. 627.
G.K. Hall & Co., 70 Lincoln St., Boston, Mass.
09 Kearney, T.H., and R.H. Peebles. 1951. Arizona Flora. Univ. of
Calif. Press, Berkeley, CA. 1084 pp.
10 Welsh, S.L., and C.A. Toft. 1981. Biotic communities of hanging
gardens in southeastern Utah. National Geographic Soc. Res. Rept.,
Vol. 13, p. 663-681.
11 Smith, J.P., Jr. 1977. Vascular plant families. Mad River Press,
Eureka, CA. 320 pp.
12 Hunt, C.B. 1974. Natural regions of the U.S. and Canada.
W.H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco, CA.
13 Brown, D.E., and C.H. Lowe. 1980. Map, biotic communities of the
southwest (scale 1:1,000,000). Rocky Mtn. Forest and Range Expt.
Station General Tech. Rept.-RM-78, USDA Forest Service. Ft.
Collins, CO.
14 Sellers, W.D., and R.H. Hill. 1974. Arizona climate 1931-1972.
Rev. Second Ed. Univ. of Ariz. Press, Tucson. 616 pp.
15 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1972.
General Soil Map of Coconino County, AZ.
16 Brotherson, J.D., et al. 1978. Plants of Navajo National
Monument. Great Basin Naturalist 38(1):19-30.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 House, D.E. 1986. Recovery Plan for Navajo sedge, Carex
specuicola J.T. Howell. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque,
NM. 33 pp.
02 House, D.E. 1987. Pers. know. Santa Fe, NM.
03 Phillips, A.M., B.G. Phillips, et al. 1981. Status report for
Carex specuicola J.T. Howell. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv.,
Albuquerque, NM. 12 pp.
04 U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey. 1970.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species CAREX SPECUICOLA
Species Id ESIS702027
Date 13 MAR 96
Inscription House Ruin, Arizona (scale 1:24,000), map by U.S.
Geological Survey, Denver, CO.
References - 2