Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
3.6.8.1 Surveys General distribution of most priority species is known; however, surveys are needed to complete distributional status for some priority and invasive species. Distributional and status surveys need to focus on species believed to be declining or mainly dependent on at-risk or sensitive natural communities. Distribution and status update surveys are needed for all SGCN and other priority species to maintain prioritization lists and contribute to potential state/federal listing status. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Due to increased focus on barrier assessment and removal, continual baseline surveys are needed downstream of barriers to inform conservation decisions.
• Obtain information on the distribution, taxonomy, and life histories for many species, including information on larval hosts.
• Identify, develop, and synthesize geospatial data on mussel distributions statewide.
• Use emerging molecular tools (i.e., eDNA) to improve detection of rare species.
3.6.8.2 Monitoring Long-term monitoring is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health over time and gauging the resilience of organisms to a changing climate. Studies should include identification of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from conservation or development activities. These efforts will inform species and habitat management decisions. Long-term monitoring sites need to be identified and monitoring protocols developed for all priority species. Monitoring plans should be coordinated with other existing monitoring programs where feasible. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Conduct long-term monitoring to identify population trends for SGCN and other priority species.
• Continue to monitor long-term sites in priority areas.
• Monitor populations and habitats to inform natural resource damage assessments.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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