Chapter 4 Habitats
Much of the aquatic insect data tracked by the NCNHP is provided by the Biological Monitoring group of the NCDWR (formerly Division of Water Quality). However, there is no clear jurisdiction over most of these taxa, and there is a scarcity of biologists focused on these groups. Knowledge levels and data availability for insects, terrestrial gastropods, and arachnids are the lowest of any animal groups in the state. These taxa are an integral part of the ecosystems they share with other invertebrate and vertebrate species. Opportunities to expand our knowledge and understanding of these groups should be taken when possible, and the establishment of habitat-based projects that are mutually beneficial to these groups and to higher taxa should be a focus.
The following recommendations should be considered appropriate to implement statewide and where appropriate in all river basins.
4.5.3.3.1 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. Performing extensive field surveys and collecting voucher specimens are important steps in developing conservation measures for aquatic species. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Complete distribution and status surveys for aquatic snails, crayfish, mussels, fish, and nonnative species.
• Coordinate sampling with other resource management groups and maintain data in shareable database formats.
4.5.3.3.2 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
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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