4.2 Aquatic Communities
expected climate change impacts in order of importance in comparison with other types of threats.
4.2.4.5 Impacts to Wildlife Appendix G includes a list of SGCN and other species for which there are knowledge gaps and management concern priorities. Appendix H identifes SGCN that use coolwater streams. Te temperature tolerance range of aquatic species can be specifc and the availability of cool waters that do not exceed tolerances can be a limiting factor in determining where species can fnd appropriate habitat, especially as average water temperatures experience warming trends (DeWan et al. 2010) . Appalachian Elktoe is a mussel species that requires cool, clean, well-oxygenated waters, but appropriate aquatic habitat in its range is generally fragmented. Habitat fragmentation can disrupt life-cycle relationships of SGCN priority mussel species and their host fsh because the mussels are unable to move into coolwaters as warming trends occur. But their host-fsh species are more mobile and may move into new coolwater ranges (Opdam and Wascher 2004; DeWan et al . 2010) . Coolwater riverine habitats are important for a number of reptiles and amphibians, includ- ing certain turtles, frogs, and salamanders that utilize aquatic habitats during part or all of their life cycle. Tese habitats are also important for a variety of mammals that are semi-aquatic and/or have an aquatic food base (e.g., Water Shrews, Muskrats, Beavers, River Otters, and certain bats). Selected bird species (such as various waterfowl, wading birds, and certain songbirds like the Louisiana Waterthrush) also rely upon aquatic habi- tats to provide habitat or a food base. 4.2.4.6 Recommendations It is important to preserve the connectivity of cool water systems because they provide a link to coldwater systems that will become refugia as water temperature gradients change and previously cool waters become persistently warmer. As water temperatures change, many species may not be able to migrate into cooler streams if there are barriers to move- ment or habitats are fragmented so that coolwater habitats are interspersed amongst warmer water habitats. Section 4.2.2 provides recommendations appropriate for all aquatic communities, statewide. Actions specifc to the river basins that contain coolwater streams are provided in Section 4.5. Surveys. Distributional and status surveys are needed for aquatic snails, crayfsh, mussels, and fsh (in order of general need).
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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