Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Conduct herpetofauna monitoring to track population trends for SGCN. Particular attention should be paid to Four-toed Salamanders. • Monitor populations for evidence of disease and pathogens so that protective measures can be designed and implemented when needed. For example, NCWRC biologists and partners have been collecting and analyzing skin swabs from more than 30 different salamander and six frog species in the Mountain ecoregion as a means of detecting the presence of the Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) chytrid fungus. Additional disease monitoring will focus on the salamander equivalent of Bd , called B. salamandrivorans ( Bsal ), as well as ranaviruses. Mountain ecoregion Salamanders Frogs • Continue annual inventory and monitoring for all SGCN and develop new efforts for other priority species. Eastern Hellbender Eastern Tiger Salamander Gopher Frog Mabee’s Salamander Mole Salamander Neuse River Waterdog Ornate Chorus Frog Pine Barrens Treefrog Southern Chorus Frog 3.2.8.3 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. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Formal descriptions for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxonomic status are needed. • Support and expand captive breeding and propagation programs that benefit Hellbenders and other priority species. Continue cooperative work between the NCWRC and the NC Zoo to propagate Eastern Hellbenders at fish hatchery facilities.
• Determine minimum upland buffers required to sustain at-risk amphibian populations.
• Investigate sites and identify opportunities for population augmentation and restoration for all priority species.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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