4.4 Terrestrial Communities
• Develop protocols and procedures for long-term bat banding study and data storage throughout the state.
• Establish protocol for periodic monitoring and assessment of Allegheny woodrat populations.
• Develop and implement systematic, long-term population monitoring protocols for cave-dwelling salamanders.
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. • In some areas of its range, the Longtail Salamander is associated with caves or portions of caves. Investigate its habitat use in North Carolina in conjunction with more general- ized research on this species’ distribution, status, and habitat in the state. • Conduct studies to document maternity sites used by bats from specifc hibernacula (e.g., fnd maternity colonies utilizing radio telemetry of individual Virginia Big-eared Bats that hibernate in known caves/mines, or track any Indiana or Gray bats captured to their maternity sites or hibernacula). 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. • Where feasible and cost efective, install gates to limit access (similar to protective measures used at Cranberry Mine). Inspection and monitoring may be needed to detect vandalism and illegal entry.
• Identify ways to address the efects of WNS where it occurs in the state.
Conservation Programs and Partnerships. Conservation programs, incentives, and part- nerships should be utilized to the fullest extent in order to preserve high-quality resources and protect important natural communities. Protective measures that utilize existing regu- latory frameworks to protect habitats and species should be incorporated where applicable.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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