3.2 Amphibians
• Conduct genetic work on Gopher Frog populations to determine extent of genetic diver- sity within each population. Management Practices. Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergis- tically with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources. Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their habitats, and improving degraded habitats. In addition, education about, and reg- ulation and prevention of the introduction and spread of exotic or invasive species are vital. • Restore, create, and protect habitats for all priority species, especially seasonal wet- lands, especially degraded wetland systems, riparian zones, and maintain habitat con- nectivity with uplands. • Protect known breeding sites as well as nearby and surrounding uplands. Protect corri- dors and hydrologic connections between nearby and adjacent breeding sites.
• Restore degraded sites and maintain existing sites through application of prescribed fre during appropriate seasons and at required intervals.
• When feasible, remove populations in immediate danger of destruction from land use changes (e.g., transportation projects, development).
• Where fsh have invaded amphibian breeding sites, such as from fooding from nearby streams, remove them as a means of protecting amphibian eggs and juveniles.
• Manage high-elevation forests for old growth vegetation.
Conservation Programs and Partnerships. Conservation programs, incentives, and part- nerships should be utilized to the fullest extent in order to preserve high-quality resources and protect important natural communities. Protection measures that utilize existing reg- ulatory frameworks to protect habitats and species should be incorporated where applica- ble. Land conservation or preservation can serve numerous purposes in the face of antici- pated climate change, but overall can promote ecosystem resilience.
• Identify high-quality examples of habitat for SGCN and attempt to acquire, or seek alternative conservation actions.
• Continue to support programs that limit collection of priority species, including permit requirements, law enforcement oversight, and legislative action that protects species.
• Implement the state listing process by routinely evaluating conservation status and recommending legislative updates to revise the state species lists.
51
2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online