Degree of Threat: A : Very threatened throughout its range communities directly exploited or their composition and structure irreversibly threatened by man-made forces, including exotic species
Comments: Assuming habitat protection needs are incorporated into the management plan for Seth Forest Demonstration Area, the greatest potential threats now stem from nearby residential development. A large subdivision is being considered on the largest of the adjacent properties. Development may alter vernal pool hydrology and increase ORV traffic and trash dumping in the forest. Increased groundwater withdrawal from nearby pivot irrigation systems may threaten vernal pool hydrology. Gypsy moth control using Dimilin and many forms of mosquito control (e.g., Gambusia holbrooki stockings in the pools, broad-spectrum adulticides) pose significant threats and could eliminate populations. Stochastic events such as a severe ice storms and hurricanes could be detrimental to the species by altering forest vegetative structure and composition in and adjacent to the pools. Storms could also open the forest canopy over the pool and promote invasion of emergent vegetation which may also be detrimental. Repeated drought years could threaten population(s) - 1998 had one of the driest summers on record and, according to entomologists who have been visiting the type locality since 1972, 1998 was the first year this pool completely dried out. The effects of this drought on the Hydrochus population(s) remain to be seen.