3.2 Amphibians
salamander in the two river basins (Neuse, Tar-Pamlico) where it was historically found. During the last several years, status surveys have involved winter trapping to collect infor- mation for use in determining status trends for the species.
3.2.1.2 Frogs and Toads North Carolina has 31 species of native frogs and toads, which includes a recently identifed species, the Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog (Feinberg et al. 2014) . Molecular DNA analysis, mor- phology, and bioacoustics identifcation techniques were used to examine the genetics and mating calls of related leopard frogs to positively determine the frog as a distinct species (Feinberg et al. 2014) . Surveys have confrmed populations of the new species occur in North Carolina.
Te Carolina Gopher Frog (also referred to as the Gopher Frog) is state listed as a Special Concern species and is under review by the USFWS for listing under the ESA for protection. Te Gopher Frog is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN Red List as “near threated” (IUCN 2014) . It is listed as endangered, threat- ened, or of special concern in all states within their range. In North Carolina, the Gopher Frog is an uncommon species found only in high-quality Longleaf Pine forests and is state listed as threatened. Gopher Frogs live in stumphole cavities in upland
Carolina Gopher Frog (Jef Humphries NCWRC)
Longleaf Pine forests and breed in high-quality isolated ephemeral ponds during late winter. Historically, they are known from over 50 sites that represent over 30 populations. In recent years, extensive surveys throughout the known range of Gopher Frogs in North Carolina have shown substantial declines, and currently, only 6 populations remain active. Degradation, fragmentation, and outright loss of both wetlands and associated uplands are the causes. Fire on the landscape is an extremely important factor for this and many other coastal amphibians (and reptiles, for that matter). Seasonally appropriate fres (hot summer fres) are important to maintain both open grassy upland habitat and open-canopy, her- baceous wetlands. Te Carolina Gopher Frog is an SGCN and the Taxa Team evaluation indicates it is the highest priority amphibian species. It is a management priority due to concerns for loss of breeding habitat and risk of mortality from a viral or bacterial disease.
Te Mountain Chorus Frog is a state Special Concern species and an SGCN for which there are also knowledge gaps and management concerns. Little is known about the use of
41
2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online