Conservation Target : Hellbender ( Cryptobranchus alleganiensis ) Management Goal: To understand Hellbender population dynamics and develop management procedures. Biological Conditions Contributed Service Conservation Strategies
Non-Native Invasive Species, water quality threats, Man-Made barriers, variable populations.
Inventory, Monitoring, Research
Biodiversity, Regulating
History and Adaptive Process: The eastern hellbender ( ᏧᏩ ) is one of three salamander species in the world designated under the giant salamander family. In North Carolina, these animals are found in fast-flowing mountain streams. The hellbender is classified as a species of concern for North Carolina, as populations are variable. Hellbenders are associated with well- oxygenated, clear, and overall clean waters. On EBCI lands, adult hellbenders are found by anglers, locals, visitors, and biologists alike, however their true distribution on the boundary is unknown. Official s urveys for hellbenders began in 2018 with citizen sightings being recorded and haphazard surveys being performed and catalogued by outside groups in years prior. Surveys are carried out with two different methodologies (active & passive) via snorkeling across 11 sites in Tribal waters. Environmental DNA, or eDNA, has been used since 2021 as an additional tool for detecting hellbenders in sites where presence is unsure or cannot be effectively manually surveyed.
MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
Current Methodology for Conservation Strategies Inventory: Conduct snorkeling surveys via active methods (snorkeling and rock-flipping) at alternating (odd, even) sites each year. Monitoring: Conduct snorkeling surveys via passive methods (snorkeling without disturbing rocks) at all 11 sites each year during breeding season (August – September). Collect water samples for eDNA to determine hellbender presence. Research: After noting that some sites along tribal waters lacked suitable hellbender habitat, we began to build concrete slabs in 2018 to be used as den rocks.
Results and Discussion for Information Transfer and Processing Ecological:
Since 2021, 10 hellbenders have been captured and PIT tagged. While present, compared to surrounding waterways with similar habitat, EBCI waterways appear to have relatively low-density populations. Social & Cultural: Conducted outreach and snorkel event communicating the importance of this species.
Adaptive Decision for 2023
Management or Methodological Changes: Procure funding to conduct a No-Rise study so that concrete slabs can be placed into the river. Potentially accept and raise 30 Hellbenders from Dallas-Fort-worth Zoo.
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