3.2 Amphibians
A list of amphibian SGCN is provided in Table 3.4 and the Taxa Team evaluation results can be found in Appendix G. River basin and habitat associations for these species can be found in Appendix H. Conservation recommendations for the associated habitats have been incorporated into the natural community descriptions in Chapter 4. Te following paragraphs provide infor- mation about a few of the amphibian species identifed by the Taxa Team as SGCN or a priority species for research or management and for which work has been conducted to implement conservation and management recommendations. 3.2.1.1 Salamanders Te southeastern United States has the largest diversity of salamander species in the world. North Carolina is home to more than 60 species, many of which are located only in specifc isolated habitats and a few of which are endemic to North Carolina.
Te Eastern Hellbender, one of only three giant salamanders from the family Cryptobranchidae, is one of the largest salamanders found in North Carolina and the United States. It was once more common throughout the mid-eastern United States, but has since disappeared from many streams because of declining water quality, over-collecting, barriers such as dams, and persecution. Tis species is state listed as Special Concern and has been
Eastern Hellbender (NCWRC)
designated an SGCN. Hellbenders are fully aquatic salamanders (they do not leave the water) that are found in habitats with swift running, fairly shallow, highly oxygenated waters. Tey feed on crayfsh, fsh, aquatic insects, and other amphibians (Mayasich et al. 2003) . Because Hellbenders are sensitive to silt, sediment, and other pollution in their aquatic habitat, they are considered a biological indicator of water quality. Regional eforts have been undertaken to establish captive breeding programs to assist with recovery eforts through augmentation and restoration of populations in the wild (Reeves and Pfafko 2013) .
Te Neuse River Waterdog is another fully aquatic salamander that has been identi- fed an SGCN and a species for which there are management concerns. Conservation recommendations include the need for survey, research, and monitoring eforts to determine the status and distribution of this
Neuse River Waterdog (Melissa McGaw, NCWRC)
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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