Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Continue routine monitoring of priority and state-listed mussel species. Cataloochee Crayfish French Broad River Crayfish
Grandfather Mountain Crayfish
• Continue routine monitoring of priority and state-listed crayfish species.
Appalachian Elktoe Creeper
Longsolid Slippershell
Tennessee Clubshell
4.5.8.5.3 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 determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying possibilities for improved management and conservation. All studies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Long-term habitat improvement trends in the basin may present more opportunities for reintroduction of native species. Formal descriptions for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxonomic status are needed. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Support research projects on improving the success and efficiency of Pigeon River species restoration projects and other species restoration projects in the basin. • Investigate impacts to vulnerable species from development, habitat fragmentation, point and nonpoint source pollution, and invasive species in the basin. French Broad Crayfish Appalachian Elktoe Longsolid Slippershell Native catfishes • Study the success of existing reintroduction projects and explore further opportunities for species restoration, especially extirpated priority species. Determine measurable habitat requirements and assess basin conditions for additional reintroduction opportunities. Paddlefish Freshwater mussels • Work with partners to resolve taxonomic issues for crayfish in the genus Cambarus .
• Continue to study the success of mussel reintroductions throughout the basin.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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