Census and Reassessment of the Critically Endangered Alabama Canebrake Pitcher Plant (sarracenia Alabamensis), 25 Years Later 1

In this census of the Alabama canebrake pitcher plant, Sarracenia alabamensis Case & R.B. Case (syn. S. alabamensis subsp. alabamensis, S. rubra subsp. alabamensis), we examined and characterized all known remaining sites of the species, their habitat, associate floral communities, and soil composition. The survey methodology of Murphy and Boyd (1999) was utilized heavily in this census to directly compare 2019 data to 1995 data to determine population trends, management need, and site changes over the past 25 years. This includes assessment of population structure through size class assignments, a complete count of plants per site, a categorized associate species list, and physical soil characteristics; additionally, canopy cover and associate diversity data were collected at each site to provide further habitat status and characterization. We conclude that there are five truly viable sites (four populations) for the species, two sites with great recovery potential, five remnant sites that may be unrecoverable, and three sites that are found to be extirpated. With small populations and so few viable or recoverable sites, there is an urgent need for increased management with a focus on associated species, hydrology, maintenance of an open canopy, and landowner relationships.