Evaluating the extinction risk of Ligusticum canbyi (Osha): Using the IUCN Red List

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened species is a global inventory of the conservation status of biological species. IUCN's Species Information Service database enables application of standardized criteria and thresholds to available species data to evaluate the risk of extinction. The IUCN Red List highlights species that are threatened with extinction thereby prioritizing and guiding conservation efforts by governments and local organizations. Ligusticum canbyi J.M. Coult. & Rose (Apiaceae) is found growing in high altitude habitats in the Pacific Northwest and was traditionally used by First Nations to alleviate symptoms associated with colds. Harvesting pressures due to current market demand and cultivation challenges on L. porteri, a closely related species found in the United States may extend wild-crafting collection practices to L. canbyi populations. Distribution records for L. canbyi were obtained from herbarium databases in the US and Canada and the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy were calculated using a geospatial assessment tool. Results show L. canbyi qualifies as Vulnerable based on criteria and thresholds for geographic range measurements only. Results obtained should be collated with additional metrics on population size reduction, habitat quality and potential exploitation of wild populations obtained from sources across political boundaries to provide a more comprehensive assessment.