Campbell et al. (1988) recount historical sightings of this species, and outlines protocols for propagation of this species. NatureServe (2001) also discusses more extensive work being done on the propagation of the species. NatureServe and the Campbell paper also hypothesize possible explanations for the apparent drastic decline of running buffalo clover early in the 20th century. As discussed in the life history section of the recovery plan for this species, some research has been done on pathogens that attack this and other clover species, as well as potential treatments for these various pathogens. This section of the recovery plan also discusses the unusual lack of a rhizobial association for this species (see the Ecological Relationship section for more information on this). Seeds from wild populations have been germinated & placed into cultivation, and the US Department of Agriculture is conducting horticultural studies on Trifolium stoloniferum because of its potential economic value (USFWS Species Account 1990).

Crawford et al. (1998) used Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) as markers to assess genetic variation within and among populations of Trifolium stoloniferum throughout its geographic range. The results of this study support past DNA work on the species using allozyme analysis, showing relatively low levels of diversity within populations as well as in the species as a whole. However, variation was detected in all populations, and this study showed that even the smallest population has a high proportion of plants with unique and different genetic make-ups. This helps to make the case that even the smallest populations are important and should be the focus of conservation work. This is significant to the conservation of the species because as it lessens concerns stated in the recovery plan that small populations may be genetically deficient.

104 extant occurrences known, but most populations (72%) are very small, C- or D-ranked occurrences of less than 100 rooted crowns. Nine occurrences (8%) are A-ranked quality with 1000 or more rooted crowns per site (one site in West Virginia with over 100,000 rooted crowns), and 20 occurrencess (20%) are B-ranked quality with between 101-999 rooted crowns. Total estimated number of rooted crowns globally : 106,955. Most historically known sites are extirpated, reducing its known range to small portions of West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, with one C-RANKed site in Missouri. Ohio, and West Virginia rank this element ""S2"", Kentucky ranks it ""S2S3"", and Indiana and Missouri rank it S1. It's habitat is primarily limited to moderately disturbed areas such as old roads, old home sites, cemeteries, jeep trails, etc., which pass through mesic woodlands in regions underlain with limestone (with notable D-RANKed exceptions, e. g. - sandy stream terrace at Cotton Hill, WV), and soils with low Phosphorus content.

Habitat loss Population isolation Excessive grazing Competition from non-native plants Loss of pollinators Susceptibility to new viruses Small population size may lead to inbreeding depression (USFWS 1989)

Apparently extirpated from AR, IL, KS. Extant populations number 2 in Indiana, 23 in Kentucky, 3 in Missouri, 12 in Ohio, and 25 in West Virginia. (all numbers are estimates and subject to change). (USFWS 1989)

Crawford et al. (1998) used Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) as markers to assess genetic variation within and among populations of Trifolium stoloniferum throughout its geographic range. The results of this study support past DNA work on the species using allozyme analysis, showing relatively low levels of diversity within populations as well as in the species as a whole. However, variation was detected in all populations, and this study showed that even the smallest population has a high proportion of plants with unique and different genetic make-ups. This helps to make the case that even the smallest populations are important and should be the focus of conservation work. This is significant to the conservation of the species because as it lessens concerns stated in the recovery plan that small populations may be genetically deficient. Campbell et al. (1988) recount historical sightings of this species, and outlines protocols for propagation of this species. NatureServe (2001) also discusses more extensive work being done on the propagation of the species. NatureServe and the Campbell paper also hypothesize possible explanations for the apparent drastic decline of running buffalo clover early in the 20th century. As discussed in the life history section of the recovery plan for this species, some research has been done on pathogens that attack this and other clover species, as well as potential treatments for these various pathogens. This section of the recovery plan also discusses the unusual lack of a rhizobial association for this species (see the Ecological Relationship section for more information on this).

In the recovery plan for this species, criteria for delisting from endangered to threatened included the discovery or establishment of 30 secure, self-sustaining populations. When this species was listed in 1987, only one population, comprised of four individual plants, was known (USFWS 1987). Since then, intensive searches have been conducted for remnant populations of this species, with successful searches in all but three states. Material from wild populations has been cultivated to ensure that the genetic material represented by the species isn't lost. Reintroduction efforts using material that is representative of the reintroduction site are being carried out at historic locations of the species in many states. A 1998 report issued by then Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt said many species were being considered for downlisting, and Trifolium stoloniferum was among those species. The reasons cited for downlisting by the Fish and Wildlife Service were that at the time of listing the population and distribution of this plant were underestimated, and that many of the recovery goals had been met. Seeds from wild populations have been germinated & placed into cultivation, and the US Department of Agriculture is conducting horticultural studies on Trifolium stoloniferum because of its potential economic value (USFWS Species Account 1990). The Missouri Department of Conservation has created a document that outlines Best Management Practices for this plant. Its purpose is to provide guidance to groups and individuals that want to protect this plant. This document outlines management activities that maintain open woodland habitat in the areas of Running Buffalo Clover. This includes allowing disturbances such as prescribed fire and grazing to continue in order to maintain optimal habitat for the species. (Missouri Department of Conservation 2000)

Determine appropriate mowing regimes that enhance flower/seed production while reducing competition. Assess potential for using grazing and/or fire as a tool to imitate presettlement disturbance conditions. Determine if the species had a rhizobial association in the past (examine old herbarium specimens for nitrogen-fixing nodules), and if the current lack of a rhizobial association has an effect on the long-term viability of the species.

Continue to conserve known genotypes through seed storage, maintain existing cultivated lines of plants from wild populations