Assessing Conserved Populations of the Rare Relict Trillium (Trillium reliquum)

This research on the federally endangered relict trillium (Trillium reliquum) focuses on documenting viable conserved populations including detailing existing threats and making recommendations for the listing status of this species based on study results. On known conservation sites, we estimate size of the trillium population (mature, juvenile, and reproductive individuals) at each site, both in each year and on average; compare density of the trillium population (mature, juvenile, and reproductive individuals) across years to determine whether populations are increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable; estimate herbivory damage; and estimate the proportion of plots invaded by exotic invasive species at each site. Data are collected from 14 sites in Georgia and South Carolina in 2011 and 2012. These survey efforts are successful in identifying where self-sustaining populations of relict trillium occur to satisfy recovery plan objectives, and where protected populations of adequate size are missing. These analyses also highlight locations where additional management efforts are warranted to ensure relict trillium population success to meet delisting requirements. This effort also helps to prioritize existing sites in need of conservation protection and aid in the establishment of a long-term monitoring program.