Conservation Target : Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) Management Goal: Maintain amphibian and reptile diversity across EBCI lands. Biological Conditions Contributed Service Biodiversity, Supporting, Cultural Inventory History and Adaptive Process: The presence of amphibians, particularly salamanders ( ᏚᏪᎦ ), provides traditional knowledge that water is clean. There are over 60 species of amphibians and reptiles in the western part of North Carolina and the Southern Appalachians represent the greatest diversity of salamanders in the world. Amphibians are the most important vertebrate for ecosystem function in the woodland environment by annually turning over tons of biomass in their consumption of insects. A total of 19 salamander species are recorded to occur on EBCI lands. However, many more are likely undocumented. In previous years, mostly haphazard surveys were conducted but we also deployed pitfall arrays, coverboards, and performed road cruising. In 2015, we hosted a bio-blitz focused on herpetofauna. This included 5 groups of 4-6 biologists from all over the southeast- including students and experts in each taxonomic category. In less than two days, the bio-blitz documented over 40 species. We expanded surveys to include environmental DNA (eDNA) and citizen science. eDNA typically involves the collection of water samples that are filtered and run through several established DNA primers for species identification. We are also using passive acoustic detectors to survey species of frogs on EBCI lands. The major threats to amphibians and reptiles are habitat destruction, persecution, invasive species, and introduced diseases. Conservation Strategies Variable populations, Stable habitat
MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
Current Methodology for Conservation Strategies Inventory: Deployed passive acoustic detectors to record frog calls during the spring and summer months. Collected water samples at wetland sites across the boundary. Worked with external partners (TBC, NCWRC) to develop primers for herpetofauna, including bog turtles and Junaluska salamanders. Contracted external partners (TBC) to perform DNA analysis (quantitative PCR) on collected water samples. Conduct haphazard surveys for herpetofauna. Results and Discussion for Information Transfer and Processing Ecological: We have inventoried 45 of a possible 62 amphibian and reptile species so far. Broken into taxon groups (with percent of total potential): salamanders (76%), anurans (67%), turtles (50%), and lizards (67%). Common Mudpuppy ( Necturus maculosus ) was found on EBCI lands using eDNA methods. Several samples (7) were collected at wetland sites to survey Bog Turtles yet yielded no positive results. Acoustic survey recordings were missing several frog species that should have been identified within recordings (I.e. American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus )) . Social & Cultural:
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