Chapter 4 Habitats
Because of the link between freshwater mussels and fish, phenological disruptions are a possibility, but exact mechanisms or effects for many species are still uncertain at this time. Freshwater mussel larvae (glochidia) are dependent on host fish for transformation into juveniles. Host fish species are known for some mussel species, yet unknown for others. Temperature cues play a large role in the release of glochidia from female mussels and in the movement and migrations of fish. Therefore, with changing temperatures predicted with climate change, there could be phenological disruptions affecting the reproductive capacity of freshwater mussels. Aquatic species could experience shifts in their range or distribution, and sensitive species may experience decline or extirpation due to changes in water quality and habitat. Recent studies have shown that endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in treated wastewater can inhibit reproduction and cause feminization of mussels and fish (Blaise et al. 2003, Gagne et al . 2010, Langston 2020) . Aquatic species are particularly sensitive to temperature cues, and recent research has shown that many species of freshwater mussels may already be living at the upper thermal tolerances of their early life stages (glochidia and juveniles) (Pandolfo et al. 2010) . Extreme temperature events could be especially harmful. These systems may experience a change in species composition due to various changes in habitat and water quality. 4.2.8.6 Recommendations Considering current conditions in large streams and small rivers, climate change is likely to have a synergistic effect with other threats that are of more immediate concern, such as the development and lack of/removal of riparian vegetation. Piedmont small river system communities will probably persist, but species assemblages will likely change. Very few specific climate change-related impacts have been identified, and the rare species and their habitats are expected to persist.
Section 4.2.2 provides recommendations appropriate for all aquatic communities, statewide. Actions specific to the state’s river basins are provided in Section 4.5 of this chapter.
4.2.8.6.1 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. A habitat survey is a method of gathering information about the ecology of a site. The results of a habitat survey provide basic ecological information that can be used for biodiversity conservation, planning and/or management, including targeting of more detailed botanical or zoological investigations (Smith et al. 2011) . Repeated surveys using the same methods can provide information about conditions and changes to species assemblages and habitat composition over time. Priorities for conducting distributional and status surveys need to focus on species believed to be declining or mainly dependent on at-risk or sensitive communities.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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