Chapter 4 Habitats
increase, which would in turn increase the potential for freshwater flooding in the state (Kunkel et al. 2020) .
Invasive Species. Invasive species (e.g., Basket [Asian] Clam, Red Swamp Crawfish, Channel Catfish) have become established in the Chowan River Basin and continue to negatively impact native species populations. 4.5.7.5 Basin Specific Recommendations Conservation priorities that apply statewide to all river basins are presented in Section 4.5.3.3. Priority 12-digit HUCs identified in the Chowan River Basin are shown in Figure 4.5.7-2 at the end of this section. 4.5.7.5.1 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 • Aquatic Snails – conduct baseline distribution surveys for all species. Ridged Lioplax • Crayfish – Continue to conduct distribution surveys for Cambarus sp. C. and Chowanoke Crayfish. Chowanoke Crayfish Cambarus sp. C • Fishes – determine distribution of SGCN and other priority species. Blackbanded Sunfish Bridle Shiner Ironcolor Shiner V-lip Redhorse Atlantic Sturgeon
• Mussels – determine distribution of SGCN and priority species. Alewife Floater Eastern Lampmussel Eastern Pondmussel Tidewater Mucket
Triangle Floater Yellow Lampmussel
4 - 416
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator