Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
Some Tribal projects might include both invasive and non-invasive sampling methods, like passive surveys for Hellbender salamanders across 11 sites followed by staggered years of invasive sampling to decrease habitat damage. EBCI biologists have verified the capture of 22 of a possible 28 salamander species within the current Tribal Trust landscape. Of less concern are species that are widespread elsewhere, so they are not prioritized. There are many species not yet documented on Tribal Trust Lands, but they could still occur, like the Marbled Salamander. 3.2.1.2 Frogs and Toads North Carolina has 31 species of native frogs and toads (NCBP 2025) , which includes a recently identified species, the Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog (Feinberg et al. 2014) . Molecular DNA analysis, morphology, and bioacoustic identification techniques were used to examine the genetics and mating calls of related leopard frogs to positively determine the frog as a distinct species (Feinberg et al. 2014) . Surveys have confirmed populations of the new species occur in North Carolina. • The Gopher Frog is state listed as an Endangered species and is under review by the USFWS for listing under the ESA for protection. The Gopher Frog is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as “vulnerable” (IUCN 2024) . It is listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern in all states within its range. In North Carolina, the Gopher Frog is an uncommon species found only in high- quality Longleaf Pine forests where they live in stumphole cavities in upland forests and breed in high-quality isolated ephemeral ponds during late winter. The NCWRC species conservation plan for Gopher Frog is available online https://www.ncwildlife.gov/wildlife-habitat/species-conservation-plans. o Historically, they are known from over 50 sites that represent over 30 populations. Extensive surveys throughout the known range of Gopher Frogs in North Carolina have shown substantial declines. Currently, only seven populations remain active. Degradation, fragmentation, and outright loss of both wetlands and associated uplands are the causes. o Prescribed fire on the landscape is an extremely important factor for this and many other coastal amphibians (and reptiles). Seasonally appropriate fires (hot, summer fires) are important to maintain both open grassy upland habitats, as well as open-canopy, herbaceous wetlands. o The Gopher Frog is a SGCN, and the Taxa Team evaluation indicates it is one of the highest priority amphibian species. It is a management priority due to concerns about loss of breeding habitat and risk of mortality from potential diseases or other pathogens.
• Collinses’ Mountain Chorus Frog is a state Special Concern species and a SGCN for which there are also knowledge gaps and management concerns. Little is known about the use
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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