Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
3.8.8 Recommendations In general, protection and restoration of natural community composition and function, and protection of surrounding natural areas under current conditions are the best ways to ensure suitable habitats are available for these species. Measures that protect a large and diverse group of populations are the best way to ensure that species are able to survive future stresses and adapt to changing climate conditions. Conservation measures and recommendations in protected species conservation plans should be implemented.
• State protected species conservation plans are available online https://www.ncwildlife.gov/wildlife-habitat/species-conservation-plans.
• Federal protected species recovery plans are available online https://www.fws.gov/program/recovery/recovery-plans.
Implementation of recommendations for surveys, monitoring, and research should follow best practices and protocols established by recognized authorities (see Chapter 6 for a list of protocols). The following recommendations should be considered appropriate to implement for reptile species. 3.8.8.1 Surveys Surveys are systematic and scientific methods of collecting information about the distribution, abundance, and ecology of wildlife or their habitats in a specific area at a specific time. Repeated surveys using the same methods can provide census information about a species over time. Common survey methods include transect walks, point counts, camera trapping, and acoustic monitoring. Distributional and status surveys need to focus on species believed to be declining or mainly dependent on at-risk or sensitive natural communities. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Conduct distributional surveys of Longleaf Pine habitat snake specialists. Some of these include:
Eastern Coachwhip Eastern Coral Snake
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Northern Pine Snake
Southern Hognose Snake
• Conduct surveys for aquatic or semi-aquatic species of snakes. Black Swamp Snake Glossy Crayfish Snake
Rainbow Snake
• Continue to conduct surveys for aquatic turtle species in the mountains where relatively little is known about turtle assemblages compared to other parts of the state.
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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