Chapter 4 Habitats
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.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Establish monitoring sites in Carolina Bay lakes to track changes over time in species assemblages.
4.2.12.6.3 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 of priority species to specific threats, and studies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Aquatic species propagation is an area of current and ongoing research. Developing techniques for propagation of aquatic species is critical for preserving those species and their genetic stock, particularly those that are rare, at high risk of extinction or extirpation, and difficult to propagate in a laboratory setting.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Promote research to genetically describe endemic species. Lake Phelps Killifish • Investigate how invasive species impact native species assemblages. Lyngbya Hydrilla
Flathead Catfish
• Investigate pathways excess nutrients and toxins enter natural lakes and identify measures to reduce inputs.
4.2.12.6.4 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.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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