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Integrating herbarium data with spatial biodiversity assessment into conservation plans: A case study of the genus Carex L. (Cyperaceae) in Saskatchewan, Canada

V. Kricsfalusy,K. Chakma,Austin Godfrey

Published 2025 in Natureza & Conservação

ABSTRACT

Sedge (Carex L.) is the largest genus of vascular plants in Saskatchewan, Canada, where it is represented by 105 species. The aim of this study was to develop an effective procedure to assess the conservation status of sedges in the province. Data on 49 target Carex species were collected, validated, and consolidated from the Flora of Saskatchewan Association (FOSA) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) datasets, resulting in 277 specimen-based occurrences. Applying a novel assessment approach, target Carex species were classified as follows: Critically Endangered (CR) – six taxa, Endangered (EN) – four, Vulnerable (VU) – eight, Near Threatened (NT) – three, Least Concern (LC) – 24, and Data Deficient (DD) – four. This allowed for a substantial reduction to a list of rare sedges compiled by the Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre (SKCDC) from 40 species (38.1% in the genus) to 21 species (20.0%). In terms of territorial protection, rare sedges (CR, EN, VU and NT conservation categories) have been recorded only in 13 or 4.0% of protected areas in Saskatchewan. Most sedges (12 species or 57.1%) have no recorded occurrences in the protected areas. This group is followed by five species (23.8%) found in a single protected area, three species (14.3%) recorded in two protected areas, and one species (4.76%) observed in three protected areas. Anthropogenic land use changes such as agriculture, urbanization, and industrial activities are the major threats to sedges in Saskatchewan. An effective action plan for the conservation of Carex species is crucial to reduce threats to this group of plants. Our results provide a scientific basis for the long-term conservation of sedge diversity in Saskatchewan.

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