Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Continue surveys for all amphibian species associated with small wetland communities. Dwarf Salamander Eastern Tiger Salamander Four-toed Salamander Mole Salamander • Gather better information about the status and distribution of more common species associated with Piedmont wetland habitats. Eastern Ribbon Snake Three-lined Salamander 4.4.19.6.2 Monitoring Long-term monitoring is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health over time and gauging the resilience of organisms to a changing climate. These efforts will inform future decisions on how to manage species and their habitats. Studies should include identification of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from conservation or development activities. 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.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Develop long-term monitoring strategies to document population trends, from which conservation strategies can be specifically designed to target those species.
• Expand and/or target monitoring systems to assess current population status and trend information for all wildlife species associated with this habitat.
• Monitor amphibian populations to detect incidence of fungal and viral infections (e.g., iridoviruses, chytridiomycosis).
• Investigate Nutria population densities, population growth rates, dispersal range, and extent of property damage from burrowing and herbivory.
4.4.19.6.3 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. Increased understanding of life histories and status helps
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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