4.2 Aquatic Communities
• Gather better information about the status and distribution of more common species associated with Piedmont headwater and associated wetland habitats (e.g., Tree-lined Salamander, Common Ribbonsnake). Monitoring. Monitoring of aquatic taxa is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health and gauging the resilience of organisms to a changing climate. Tese monitoring eforts will inform future decisions on how to manage aquatic species. Long-term moni- toring is needed to identify population trends and to assess performance of conservation actions. Monitoring plans should be coordinated with other existing monitoring programs where feasible. • Determine population trends and persistence of small wetland breeding amphibian populations, particularly the Mole Salamander, Eastern Tiger Salamander, Dwarf Salamander, and Four-toed Salamander. Research. Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genet- ics, feeding, competition, and food web dynamics. Research must also be conducted to determine vulnerability of priority species to specifc threats, and studies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Aquatic species propagation is an area of current and ongoing research. Developing techniques for propagation of aquatic species is critical for preserving those species and their genetic stock, particularly those that are rare, at high risk of extinction or extirpation, and difcult to propagate in a laboratory setting. • Study the efcacy and practicality of “toad tunnels” and other wildlife crossings that allow passage under roadways and help maintain connectivity between headwater community (including associated wetlands) metapopulations.
• Determine minimum upland bufers required to sustain at-risk amphibian populations.
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.
• Use stormwater management techniques that strive to restore or maintain the pre-development hydrograph.
Partnerships and Cooperative Eforts. Conservation programs, incentives, and partner- ships should be utilized to the fullest extent to preserve high-quality resources and pro- tect important natural communities. Protective measures that utilize existing regulatory frameworks to protect habitats and species should be incorporated where applicable.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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