Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
3.2.7 Additional Information Information resources on conservation, survey and monitoring, and taxonomy topics for amphibians are available from a variety of organizations. The following are examples of information available to the public online. The USFWS has added the Eastern Hellbender to Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including both live and dead whole specimens, and all readily recognizable parts, products, and derivatives (see https://www.fws.gov/international-affairs/cites). Listing in Appendix III of CITES allows for adequate monitoring of international trade in the taxon; to determine whether exports are occurring legally with respect to state laws; and to determine whether further measures under CITES or other laws are required to conserve the species (and any subspecies) (Congressional Record 2011) . The US Geological Survey (USGS) established the Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) to document changes in the number of amphibian populations rather than the change in species abundance (Adams et al.2013, Muths et al. 2006) . The ARMI analysis indicates a trend in amphibian declines that includes common species for which there has traditionally been low conservation concern, and these declines are occurring on lands protected and managed for conservation. The ARMI report is available from the USGS website https://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2006/5224/report.pdf . Another online database is the Carolina Herp Atlas, developed by the Davidson College Herpetology Laboratory. This program tracks county-level distribution information for native species in North and South Carolina and is available online at www.carolinaherpatlas.org. NCPARC also maintains an online identification and information guide, Amphibians and Reptiles of North Carolina (www.herpsofnc.org). Taxonomic classification and agreement on naming conventions for some species is likely to be unsettled until scientific evidence supporting any recommended changes becomes widely accepted. Resources for information about changes in classification include The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR) and The Center for North American Herpetology (CNAH). • The SSAR is a nonprofit organization established to advance research, conservation, and education concerning amphibians and reptiles; is the largest international herpetological society; and is recognized worldwide for having the most diverse program of publications, meetings, and other activities. SSAR’s Committee on Standard English and Scientific Names produces a circular every few years with suggestions for standard taxonomy and can be found here: http://ssarherps.org/publications/north-american- checklist.
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
3 - 26
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator