3.2 Amphibians
as a formal, mandatory change; it is simply an alternative that should be evaluated along- side other such proposals (Amphibiaweb 2014) . In some cases, published literature will use both genus names in use to refer to the same species ( Rana [ Lithobates ] pipiens Northern Leopard Frog).
Table 3.5 provides a comparison of changes since the 2005 WAP was published.
In the sections below, we highlight specifc conservation issues related to SGCN and their habitats. Tis is not an exhaustive list of species-specifc conservation concerns, but rather highlights some of the conservation concerns in the state. Recommendations for priority survey, monitoring, and research studies, conservation actions, and partnerships are out- lined in Section 3.3.8. 3.2.3 Conservation Concerns In general, protection and restoration of natural community composition and function and protection of surrounding natural areas are the best ways to conserve at-risk and sensitive populations. Riparian bufers and forest habitats adjacent to streams and wetlands provide cool and moist microclimate conditions which are benefcial to amphibians (Shoo et al. 2011) . Te following recommendations should be considered appropriate to implement for all amphibian species. Long-term population and distribution trends can be difcult to assess. Actual declines can sometimes be difcult to separate from natural fuctuations in population numbers. Surveys and monitoring eforts often focus only on breeding sites (Storfer 2003) and may not be able to determine survival or recruitment information. However, scientists have been concerned with apparent worldwide declines in amphibian populations since the 1980s. More recently, a 2004 global assessment indicated a nearly 32% decline of amphibian spe- cies in the United States (Adams et al . 2013) . Climate change is recognized as a major threat to amphibian biodiversity and the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan identifes gaps in sci- entifc knowledge and general management actions for amphibians in response to climate change (Gascon et al. 2007; Shoo et al. 2011) . Te Taxa Team evaluation results indicate that distribution information is uncertain for Cope’s Gray Treefrog, Northern Gray Treefrog, and River Frog (which is believed to be extir- pated in the state). Current levels of knowledge about these amphibians are generally lim- ited to published range maps or have been extrapolated from a few known population loca- tions in the state. Tese species are high priorities for new status surveys to collect data that can be used to develop monitoring programs and future conservation recommendations.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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