5.10 Invasive and Other Problematic Species and Genes
Invasive and nonnative aquatic plants like Watermilfoil and Hydrilla are economically damaging aquatic weeds (Richardson 2008) and can form dense mats that can clog boat motors and make swimming difcult. Propagation of Hydrilla invades via tubers, turions, plant fragments, and stolons, and is likely spread between lakes by plant fragments attached to boats (Harlan et al. 1985) . In locations where Hydrilla mats do not survive winter temperatures, regrowth can occur from residual tubers and turions and germinate in the spring (Harlan et al. 1985) . ) . Public awareness of the need to clean recreational equipment such as boats, water craft, and trailers as well as fshing tackle and gear should be a high priority. Information is available online on proper techniques for cleaning equipment to reduce or prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (see http://www.protectyourwaters.net/prevention/ prevention_user.php for specifc procedures). Exotic or invasive aquatic snails in the state include Chinese Mystery Snail, Creeping Ancylid, Giant Rams-horn, Japanese Mystery Snail, Red-rim Melania, and Savannah Elimia. Te Red-rim Melania is a host for parasitic trematode worms (e.g., liver fukes and lung fukes) which allows the fukes to complete their life cycle. Trematode fukes afect waterfowl, fsh, and other animals and can be transmitted to humans who eat raw or undercooked fsh or crab that have been infected or who swim in waters that contain the fukes (Wingard et al . 2008) . Although not currently extant in North Carolina, Zebra Mussels, Bighead Carp, and Silver Carp occur in adjacent states and pose extremely high risks to our aquatic ecosystems. Tese species are known to alter community dynamics and even extirpate other species. 5.10.2 Terrestrial Systems—Anticipated Impacts Te results of some studies suggest the synergistic efects between climate warming and the presence of invasive species will negatively afect many wildlife species (Saenz et al. 2013) . Some studies indicate amphibian declines may be attributed to invasive species becoming established in their habitats (Saenz et al. 2013; Doubledee et al. 2003; Brooks et al. 2004; Brown et al. 2006) . Te NC Department of Transportation identifes 74 species in a guide to invasive or exotic trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, vines, and aquatic plants that are considered a threat, moderate threat, or a watch-list concern in the state. Te plant species described in this guide should be considered a priority when addressing problems caused by invasive, intro- duced, or exotic plants. Te guide provides recommendations for management and treat- ment options as well as resources for additional information and is available for download as a PDF document (see Smith 2012) . In addition to the ubiquitous species identifed by the NCDOT Roadside Environmental Unit as invasive (Smith 2012) , there are others that may not yet be as widespread but are emerging concerns because of their potential negative impacts
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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