Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Mussels – populations of native mussels have decreased in the last three decades. More surveys are needed to determine the current distribution of extant populations. Green Floater Purple Wartyback Spike • Determine distribution of nonnative species in the basin. 4.5.13.5.2 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 development activities. These efforts will inform species and habitat management decisions. Long-term monitoring sites need to be identified, and monitoring protocols developed for all priority species. Monitoring plans should be coordinated with other existing monitoring programs where feasible. Monitoring of aquatic taxa is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health and gauging the resilience of organisms to a changing climate. These monitoring efforts will inform future decisions on how to manage aquatic species. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Freshwater Fish – Continue periodic monitoring of priority areas and priority and state-listed fish species. Sharpnose Darter Brook Trout • Freshwater Mussels –Continue periodic monitoring of priority and state-listed mussel species. Spike Purple Wartyback Green Floater Kanawha Darter New River Shiner Logperch Appalachia Darter
• Crayfish –Continue periodic monitoring of priority crayfish species. Cambarus sp. A • Snails – Establish baselines and sites for long-term monitoring of snails in the basin.
• Monitor status of nonnative species (e.g., numerous fish species).
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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