Chapter 4 Habitats
4.2.6.6.2 Monitoring Monitoring involves repeated observation and recording of specific parameters to show trends over time. Long-term monitoring that includes statistical and quantitative analysis in the design is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health and gauging the resilience of organisms to changing conditions (Gitzen et al. 2012, Lindenmayer and Likens 2009) . Monitoring efforts 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. Monitoring of aquatic taxa is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health and gauging the resilience of organisms to a changing climate. These monitoring efforts will inform future decisions on how to manage aquatic species. 4.2.6.6.3 Research Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding, competition, and food web dynamics. Research must also be conducted to determine vulnerability to specific threats, such as fracking and groundwater extraction. Recommendations for mitigation and restoration of degraded systems should be included. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Investigate the interactions between groundwater influence on crayfish, fish, snail, and mussel diversity and abundance. Crayfish Freshwater Fish Freshwater Mussels Snails 4.2.6.6.4 Management Practices Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergistically with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources. Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their habitats, and improving degraded habitats. 4.2.6.6.5 Conservation Programs and Partnerships Conservation programs, incentives, and partnerships should be used to the fullest extent to preserve high-quality resources and protect important natural communities. This includes protective measures that use existing regulatory frameworks to protect habitats and species. When insufficient measures of protection exist, new regulations should be developed.
References are located at the end of this document.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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