3.2 Amphibians
partners have been collecting and analyzing skin swabs from more than 30 diferent salamander and six frog species in the Mountain ecoregion as a means of detecting the presence of the Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) chytrid fungus. Additional dis- ease monitoring will focus on the salamander equivalent of Bd , called B. salamandriv- orans ( Bsal ), as well as ranaviruses. • Continue annual inventory and monitoring surveys for Neuse River Waterdog, Pine Barrens Treefrog, Gopher Frog, Mole Salamander, and Ornate Chorus Frog and develop new surveys for other priority species. Research. Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding, competition, and food web dynamics. Increased understanding of life histories and status helps determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying possibilities for improved management and conservation. All stud- ies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Formal descriptions for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxo- nomic status are needed. • NCWRC is working cooperatively with the NC Zoo to propagate Eastern Hellbenders at fsh hatchery facilities. Support and expand captive breeding and propagation pro- grams that beneft hellbenders and other priority species. • Investigate sites and identify opportunities for population augmentation and resto- ration for all priority species, especially Gopher Frogs, Ornate Chorus Frogs, and Pine Barrens Treefrogs.
• Determine minimum upland bufers required to sustain at-risk amphibian populations.
• Investigate meta-population dynamics and land management efects on Green Salamanders.
• Investigate Mountain Chorus Frog upland habitat use.
• Investigate land use and urbanization efects, habitat augmentation and restoration efects, and larval ecology of Eastern Hellbender.
• Conduct genetic investigations and species’ range delineations for plethodontid sala- manders, for example, endemic Gray-cheeked Salamander complex (Cheoah Bald, Blue Ridge, South Mountain Gray-cheeked Salamander) and Slimy Salamander complex (Chattahoochee Slimy, Northern Slimy, Tellico Salamander).
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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