3.2 Amphibians
Natural History Amphibian Species of the World online reference database: http://research. amnh.org/vz/herpetology/amphibia.
3.2.8 Recommendations In general, protection and restoration of natural community composition and function and protection of surrounding natural areas under current conditions are the best ways to ensure that suitable habitats are available for amphibian species. Measures that protect a large and diverse pool of populations are the best way to ensure that species are able to survive future stressors and adapt to changing climate conditions. Surveys. Distributional and status surveys need to focus on species believed to be declin- ing or mainly dependent on at-risk or sensitive natural communities. • Conduct distributional surveys for priority species, especially the Mudpuppy, Neuse River Waterdog, Junaluska Salamander, Longtail Salamander, Wehrle’s Salamander, and Mole Salamander. • Conduct surveys (and monitoring) on all amphibian species associated with small wet- land communities, especially the Mabee’s Salamander, Mole Salamander, Four-toed Salamander, Eastern Tiger Salamander, Oak Toad, Dwarf Salamander, Ornate Chorus Frog, Southern Chorus Frog, Pine Barrens Treefrog, and Carolina Gopher Frog. Monitoring. Long-term monitoring is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health and gauging the resilience of organisms to a changing climate. 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 deci- sions. Long-term monitoring sites need to be identifed and monitoring protocols devel- oped for all priority species.. Monitoring plans should be coordinated with other existing monitoring programs where feasible. • Use inventory and monitoring eforts to build historical data that can be compared over time to identify population trends.
• Conduct herpetofauna monitoring to track population trends for species of concern. Particular attention should be paid to Four-toed Salamanders.
• Continue to support CASP and other monitoring programs and participate in partner- ships where possible.
• Monitor populations for evidence of disease and pathogens so that protective measures can be designed and implemented when needed. For example, NCWRC biologists and
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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