Stream Swamps

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The 2015 North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan defines 41 priority habitats for the state. More information about this habitat can be found in Section 4.2.11.

Habitat Priorities

Surveys

  • Determine the components of foraging bat communities along rivers. (Surveys Priority)
  • Establish species-specific surveys to improve our knowledge of the status and distribution of the Least Bittern, American Bittern, Yellow Rail, and Black Rail at all times of the year (Conway et al. 2004). (Surveys Priority)

Monitoring

  • Monitor water quality below large agricultural farms (including livestock and poultry operations).
  • Establish mist net stations for passerine birds in this habitat type at all times of the year.

Research

  • Conduct research on fire management in marsh habitats to determine optimal frequency, timing, and firing techniques (e.g., flanking fire, back fire) to benefit priority birds.
  • Verify the genetic makeup of the Sandhills Salamander, which has yet to be formally described.
  • Examine the extent and impact of exotic species introductions; conduct research on effective control measures for the most problematic exotics.
  • Conduct a systematics study to differentiate between the two subspecies of Least Shrew.
  • Examine habitatuse and conduct nesting habitatresearch on the Black Rail and then on other marshbirds using telemetry (Bogner and Baldassarre 2002).
  • Investigate the past, current, and potential future impact of Nutria.
  • Investigate the effect of Beaver ponds on downstream movement of pollutants (toxins and sediment).

Management Practices

  • Explore techniques for restoration of tidal swamp forest and wetlands.
  • The best benefit for Coastal Plain riverine aquatic communities would be to maintain and enhance riparian buffers.
  • Determine the impacts of snagging (removing woody debris after storms) on wildlife populations.
  • Explore the biological controls recommended for some aquatic plants species, as they can be a problem, particularly in impounded waters and in slower moving waters.

Conservation Programs and Partnerships