Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
the species’ occurrence in nearby headwater wetlands led the Tribe to initiate environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling in 2022, focusing on spring-fed wetland habitats likely to support viable populations. • Several reptiles hold cultural and historical significance for the EBCI community. The Eastern Musk Turtle ( Sternotherus odoratus ) was historically recorded in western North Carolina, and though recent records are lacking, its known association with low-gradient aquatic systems suggests a possible lost connection with traditional Cherokee territory. • In 2016, the EBCI began a long-term capture-mark-recapture program for the Eastern Box Turtle, a culturally important species for Cherokee people. The goal of the project is to better understand spatial distribution and longevity of individuals while promoting cultural reconnection through field-based conservation activities. 3.8.5 Management Needs Management needs for reptile species vary widely depending on each species’ habitat use and natural history traits. In general, terrestrial reptiles often require specific habitat types, often in very large tracts of high-quality, well-managed habitat. Reptiles dependent on fire-maintained pine habitats are severely impacted by the absence of proper management, including the use of prescribed fire. Management of these types of habitats needs to take place on a large scale to preserve reptile diversity. Lack of fire, fire suppression, and the conversion of open pine habitat to industrial forests have led to the decline of many habitat specialists such as Northern Pine Snakes, Southern Hognose Snakes, and Chicken Turtles. Information on habitat management for herp species can be found in the PARC technical publication on habitat management for amphibians and reptiles in the Southeast (Bailey et al. 2006) . Diverse reptile populations continue to persist in large, soundly managed tracts of Longleaf Pine forests in the Sandhills region. Working with land managers to emphasize the need for management to maintain diverse forests using prescribed fire is extremely important for maintaining diverse reptile populations. Bog Turtle conservation efforts are another example of implementing management to maintain or increase populations of reptiles. This species is now restricted to very small mountain bogs that are easily shaded out by thick vegetation if active management is not undertaken (Somers et al. 2000) . Though sometimes difficult to implement, current efforts to maintain bogs in an open- canopied state are contributing to the conservation of this rare species. The Bog Turtle Conservation Plan was finalized in 2023 and will be used to implement conservation actions based upon bog specific threats and associated management needs [https://www.ncwildlife.gov/bog-turtle-conservation-plan-final-07132023pdf/open].
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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