Chapter 4 Habitats
Invasve Species. Invasive, nonnative species are a potential problem. The Yellowfin Shiner has apparently been introduced to the upper Little Tennessee River and is expanding downstream from Franklin. Other nonnative fish species (e.g., Flat Bullhead, Bluehead Chub, and Yellow Perch) also inhabit portions of the basin. The Basket (Asian) Clam is established in the Little Tennessee and Tuckasegee rivers. Chinese Mystery Snails have been found in Cowee Creek and Little Tennessee River. The Rusty Crayfish was previously thought to be established in the basin (Cooper 2005; Simmons and Fraley 2010) , but molecular studies have identified these nonnatives as Kentucky River Crayfish (Kessler et al. 2015) . Zebra Mussels are not yet known to be established in North Carolina waters but are known to exist in the Tellico Reservoir (Little Tennessee River) downstream, in Tennessee. Nonnative vegetation can also negatively impact native aquatic animal communities. This includes both nonnative aquatic and riparian plant species and nonnative plant pathogens that can alter riparian vegetation and affect aquatic habitats (e.g., Hemlock Wooly Adelgid). Monoecious Hydrilla has invaded the Santeetlah Reservoir, Cheoah River, and Little Tennessee River since 2005. 4.5.10.5 Basin Specific Recommendations Conservation priorities that apply statewide to all river basins are presented in Section 4.5.3. Priority 12-digit HUCs identified in the Little Tennessee River Basin are shown in Figure 4.5.10-2 at the end of this section. 4.5.10.5.1 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. Lists of SGCN, knowledge gap, and management priority species are available in Appendix 3. Table 3-18 in Appendix 3 provides a list for all SGCN associated with the Little Tennessee River basin. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Snails – complete primary distribution inventories; determine potential habitats and distribution surveys. Slender Walker
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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