Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Investigate the use of eDNA as an early detection system for nonnative species and support developing rapid response techniques for new invaders.
Apple Snails
3.6.8.3 Research Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding, competition, contaminant dynamics and toxicology, impacts of climate change and invasive species, and food web dynamics. Increased understanding of life histories and status helps determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying possibilities for improved management and conservation. All studies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Formal descriptions for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxonomic status are needed. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Refine knowledge of systematics, taxonomy, and genetic structure of species and populations (Newton et al. 2023) . Support taxonomic resolution with completion of species descriptions for undescribed taxa and resolution of species complexes using DNA research. Taxonomic difficulties have yet to be resolved for several genera, most notably Elliptio . Elliptio species • Conduct research to facilitate appropriate conservation actions. Research should focus on life history studies of priority species. • Make pea clam species a research priority because there is little knowledge about them in North Carolina. Family Corbiculidae Family Sphaeriidae • Continue to investigate host fish relationships for all SGCN and priority species.
• Determine appropriate areas of suitable habitat for augmentation or restoration activities, in particular for species included in the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA) and a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) approved by the USFWS in 2022.
Appalachian Elktoe Atlantic Pigtoe Carolina Heelsplitter Cumberland Moccasinshell
Dwarf Wedgemussel Green Floater James Spinymussel Longsolid
Tar River Spinymussel Tennessee Clubshell Yellow Lance
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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