4.5 River Basins
Monitoring. Long-term monitoring is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health over time and gauging the resilience of organisms to continued impacts to state waters. Studies should include identifcation of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from conservation or development activities. Tese eforts will inform species and habitat management decisions. Long-term monitoring sites need to be identifed and monitoring protocols developed for all priority species. • Identify long-term monitoring sites and develop monitoring protocols for priority spe- cies (e.g., Atlantic Pigtoe, Bridle Shiner, Carolina Madtom, Dwarf Wedgemussel, Green Floater, Ironcolor Shiner, and Yellow Lance). Research. Research to facilitate appropriate conservation actions includes investigation of 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 imper- ilment, in addition to identifying possibilities for improved management and conserva- tion. All studies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Formal descriptions for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolv- ing taxonomic status are needed. • Study habitat use and life history characteristics of priority species (e.g., Carolina Ladle Crayfsh, Green Floater, Least Brook Lamprey, Triangle Floater, and V-lip Redhorse). • Support taxonomic research for priority species (e.g., Cambarus sp. C complex, Chameleon Lampmussel, Eastern Rainbow, Mimic Shiner, Panhandle Pebblesnail, and the mussel genus Elliptio) . • Support development of captive propagation techniques for priority species (e.g., Bridle Shiner, Carolina Madtom, Green Floater, Ironcolor Shiner, and Triangle Floater). • Support genetics research that informs augmentation policy for priority species (e.g., Atlantic Pigtoe, Bridle Shiner, Carolina Madtom, Chameleon Lampmussel, Green Floater, Ironcolor Shiner, Triangle Floater, and Yellow Lance).
• Determine impacts of nonnative species on priority species (e.g., Japanese Mystery Snail, Red Swamp Crawfsh, and Flathead Catfsh).
In addition to the SGCN species found in the basin (see Table 4.69), a list of knowledge-gap priority species gaps is provided in Table 4.70. 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
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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