Appendix 8-1
There are at least 1,340 different terrestrial and aquatic wildlife species native to North Carolina. And there are over three times that many species of so called “insects” but the estimates are likely low because there are significant knowledge gaps about the number and diversity of these invertebrate species in NC. These numbers may seem large, but conservation priorities for wildlife need to include the greatest variety of biological diversity possible as a means of ensuring that genetic diversity and ecosystem services remain viable as our environment is changed by natural and man-made forces.
One way to determine where to focus conservation efforts is to assess what we know about the status of our state’s wildlife species and use this information to prioritize where best to direct conser- vation efforts. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is leading efforts by species experts and research authorities to evaluate our state’s amphibians, birds, crayfishes, freshwater fishes, freshwater mussels, mammals, reptiles, snails, and a group of important pollinators and federally listed “insects.” Evaluation results are used to create a list of species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) that is pub-
lished in the NC Wildlife Action Plan (WAP, Plan). The SGCN list published in the current WAP includes 483 species from these nine taxonomic groups. The Wildlife Resources Commission invites participa- tion from the public to contribute data to the species evaluations or to peer review the evaluation results. If you would like to participate in this process, please send an email to cindy.simpson@ncwildlife.org.
The WRC has recently started the next 10-year revision process. Regional workshops are being planned to provide opportunities for all interested partners, organizations, and individuals to participate in revising the Plan. The first workshops will focus on climate adaptation topics that will help identify conservation priorities to guide manage- ment of wildlife and important habitats. Visit www.ncwildlife.org/Plan for more information about North Carolina’s Wildlife Action Plan and opportunities to participate during the revision process.
Photography: Carolina Northern Flying squirrel, Clifton Avery; Magnificent Ramshorn snail, Jonathon Gruenke/NCWRC
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