Chapter 4 Habitats
impoundments. In fact, over 33 exotic fish species have been identified in the basin (NCWRC 2005) . Nonnative vegetation can also negatively impact native aquatic animal communities. This includes both aquatic and riparian plant species and nonnative plant pathogens that can alter riparian vegetation (e.g., Hemlock Wooly Adelgid). Nonnative aquatic plants are also present in the Catawba River Basin and are a known nuisance, especially in reservoirs. Specific impacts in the Catawba River Basin from these and other introduced species are unclear. 4.5.6.5 Basin Specific Recommendations Conservation priorities that apply statewide to all river basins are presented in Section 4.5.3.3. Priority watersheds identified in the Catawba River Basin are shown in Figure 4.5.6-2 (at the end of this section). 4.5.6.5.1 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. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Fish – survey for SGCN and other priority and state-listed species on a routine basis. Santee Chub Seagreen Darter Snail Bullhead Thicklip Chub V-Lip Redhorse • Mussels – continue to track mussel population health in priority areas such as Johns and Catawba rivers, and Upper, Mulberry, and Steel creeks, as well as mainstem Catawba reservoirs and tailraces Johns River Catawba River Upper Creek Mulberry Creek Steel Creek Catawba reservoirs and tailraces • Crayfishes – continue inventories and update status of SGCN and other priority and state - listed species.- Carolina Needlenose Crayfish Foothills Crayfish Grandfather Mtn Crayfish South Mountain Crayfish
4 - 407
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator