3.4 Crayfshes
• Monitoring the spread of nonnative species (e.g., Kentucky River, Rusty, Coosa River Spiny, Virile crayfshes, and Red Swamp Crawfsh) is a high priority. Research. Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding, competition, and food web dynamics. Increased understanding of life histories and status helps determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying possibilities for improved management and conservation. All stud- ies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Formal descriptions for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxo- nomic status are needed.
• Perform genetic analysis for Broad River Stream, Broad River Spiny, Chauga, French Broad River, Greensboro Burrowing, and Tuckasegee Stream crayfshes.
• Genetic analysis of tissue samples, available from Carnegie Museum of Natural History, is needed to evaluate the closeness of the relationship between Grandfather Mountain Crayfsh and Common Crayfsh (Toma 2012) . • Obtain life history and ecology information for nearly all crayfsh species in North Carolina, most specifcally for Broad River Stream, Chowanoke, Greensboro Burrowing, Little Tennessee, Needlenose, Pamlico, Red Burrowing, Tuckasegee Stream, and Valley River crayfshes. Management Practices. Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergis- tically with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources. Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their habitats, and improving degraded habitats.
• Develop programs that emphasize the prevention of nonnative species introductions.
• Utilize education and outreach eforts to make the public aware of problems associated with bait bucket releases. Conservation Programs and Partnerships. Conservation programs, incentives, and partnerships should be utilized to the fullest extent to preserve high-quality resources and protect important natural communities. Protective measures that utilize existing regula- tory frameworks to protect habitats and species should be incorporated where applicable. Land conservation or preservation can serve numerous purposes in the face of anticipated climate change, but above all, it promotes ecosystem resilience. • Implement recommendations developed by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan Committee (NCANSMP 2015) .
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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