Siskiyou Hesperian – Oregon Conservation Strategy

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Overview

Species Common Name Siskiyou Hesperian
Species Scientific Name Vespericola sierranus

Ecoregions

East Cascades

The East Cascade ecoregion extends from the Cascade Mountains’ summit east to the warmer, drier high desert and down the length of the state. This ecoregion varies dramatically from its cool, moist border with the West Cascades ecoregion to its dry eastern border, where it meets sagebrush desert landscapes.

Klamath Mountains

The Klamath Mountains ecoregion covers much of southwestern Oregon, including the Umpqua Mountains, Siskiyou Mountains, and interior valleys and foothills between these and the Cascade Range. The Rogue watershed has the largest population of any coastal watershed in Oregon (Jackson County, Josephine County, and a portion of Curry County). Several popular and scenic rivers run …

Special needs

The Siskiyou hesperian may be found in spring seeps, under leaf litter.

Limiting factors

This species has a very restricted distribution. Habitat loss, including spring alteration and decreased water flow, represents a major threat to Siskiyou hesperian. Sedimentation and nutrient inputs from dredging, mining, road construction, and other land use practices may smother substrates or reduce egg survival.

Data gaps

Assess distribution. Determine species-specific habitat requirements.

Conservation actions

Maintain appropriate water flow and quality. Prevent or mitigate for water diversions, dredging, or other activities that could increase sediment or nutrient levels.