3.8 Reptiles
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. • Continue mark-recapture program to determine status, life history, and population sizes of Bog Turtles. Telemetry work should also aid in understanding population dynamics. • NCWRC biologists recently began a mark-recapture study on upland snakes throughout the Sandhills Game Land to determine the status of priority species. • Conduct research on the movements and habitat use of upland snake species in the Sandhills and Coastal Plain to guide land use and protection. If possible, radio teleme- try on certain species would be useful in elucidating habitat associations and limiting factors for these species.
• Conduct mark-recapture surveys on Eastern Box Turtles throughout the state to track population trends and determine diferences in populations in relation to land use.
• Continue research on aspects of sea turtle biology, ecology, and recovery along the coast.
• Determine the efects of harvest on the conservation status of aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles. 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. We will • Promote appropriate prescribed fre regimes to maintain open, diverse habitat that sup- ports abundant upland snake populations. • Continue to manage mountain bogs using appropriate techniques, and promote habitat restoration and maintenance on mountain bogs.
• Restore lands where lack of fre, or fre suppression, has altered pine-dominated forests.
• Determine “hot spots” for road mortality and assess ways of alleviating issues, includ- ing underpasses or other techniques.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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