Description

From the Executive Summary: Current Status: Pondberry is listed as an endangered species. A total of 36 naturally occurring populations are extant. The species is currently known from Arkansas (10 populations), Georgia (4 populations), Mississippi (13 populations), Missouri (1 population), North Carolina (3 populations), and South Carolina (5 populations). The species may have been extirpated from Florida, Louisiana, and Alabama. Habitat Requirements and Limiting Factors: Pondberry is closely associated with seasonally flooded wetlands. The species has been adversely affected by wetland drainage, timber-harvesting, road construction, and conversion of its habitat to agricultural use. Recovery Obiective: To delist the species. Recovery Criteria: The species may be downlisted when 15 self-sustaining populations have been protected. The criterion for delisting is the permanent protection of 25 self-sustaining populations. What constitutes a self-sustaining population and what geographical distribution of populations is required to ensure the long-term survival of the species will be determined as recovery tasks. Actions Needed: 1. Search for new populations and protect and monitor existing populations. 2. Study the species and its habitat. 3. Determine the management requirements of the species and implement actions essential for recovery and protection. 4. Place selected material into cultivation and place seeds from all populations into seed banks. 5. Conduct a public education program.