North Carolina’s Most Snake-Infested Bodies Of Water You Might Want To Avoid – Yahoo

Report on North Carolina’s Aquatic Ecosystems and Serpentine Biodiversity

Introduction: Biodiversity and Sustainable Development

North Carolina’s diverse landscapes, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to its coastal plains, support a wide array of ecosystems critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). These habitats are home to significant biodiversity, including 37 native snake species. Understanding the distribution and role of these species is essential for promoting safe human-wildlife coexistence, a key component of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). While most species are non-venomous and contribute positively to ecosystem health by controlling rodent populations, six species are venomous, necessitating public awareness. Two venomous species, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake and the eastern coral snake, are listed as endangered, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts under SDG 15.5 to protect threatened species.

Ecological Assessment of Key Water Bodies

Lumber River: A Case Study in Biodiversity and Human Interaction

The Lumber River is a vital blackwater river ecosystem that exemplifies the rich biodiversity central to SDG 15. Its banks support a variety of fauna and flora, contributing to the overall health of the terrestrial and freshwater environment.

• Ecological Significance: The river is a habitat for numerous wildlife species and rare plants, underscoring its value as a protected natural area.
• Serpentine Population: The area is known for its aquatic snake populations. The venomous cottonmouth (water moccasin) is found here, alongside various non-venomous water snakes (genus Nerodia).
• Sustainable Coexistence: The presence of venomous snakes requires public education to ensure safe recreational activities like fishing and paddling, aligning with SDG 3. Recognizing these snakes as integral parts of the ecosystem, rather than threats, is crucial for conservation.

Black River and the Cape Fear Basin: Preserving a Diverse Watershed

The Cape Fear River Basin, the largest in North Carolina, is a critical watershed whose preservation is paramount for SDG 14 and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The Black River, a major tributary, flows through minimally developed floodplain forests and swamps, creating ideal habitats for snakes and other wildlife.

• Habitat Integrity: The pristine, tannin-rich waters and ancient cypress groves represent a significant natural heritage, contributing to the goals of SDG 15.1 to conserve freshwater ecosystems.
• Species Distribution: The southeastern Coastal Plain, including this basin, is prime territory for cottonmouths. Non-venomous species like the brown water snake and northern water snake are also prevalent.
• Responsible Recreation: As a popular waterway, promoting cautious and respectful recreation is essential. Visitors should be aware of snakes basking on overhanging branches or inhabiting shoreline vegetation to prevent negative interactions, supporting sustainable tourism within the framework of SDG 11.

The Waccamaw-Green Swamp Ecosystem: A Contiguous Wildlife Habitat

The interconnected systems of Lake Waccamaw, the Waccamaw River, and the Green Swamp form a massive, contiguous wildlife habitat. This area’s management is a model for integrated conservation strategies that support multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Ecosystem Connectivity: The linkage between the lake, swamp, and river creates a resilient and biodiverse corridor, vital for the long-term survival of many species, including the regionally unusual diamond-backed rattlesnake. This directly supports SDG 15.
2. Balancing Conservation and Recreation: The designation of Lake Waccamaw State Park facilitates sustainable tourism, providing public access while protecting the sensitive environment, in line with SDG 11.7.
3. Public Health and Awareness: While non-venomous snakes like the eastern garter snake are common, the presence of cottonmouths and copperheads necessitates public awareness campaigns regarding snake identification and safety protocols, contributing to SDG 3.

The Great Dismal Swamp: A Significant Marshland Ecosystem

The Great Dismal Swamp is a vast marshland ecosystem of regional importance, straddling North Carolina and Virginia. Its conservation is critical for protecting biodiversity and sequestering carbon.

• High Species Diversity: The swamp provides a habitat for nearly 20 non-venomous snake species and at least three venomous ones: the cottonmouth, copperhead, and the canebrake (timber) rattlesnake.
• Focus on Threatened Species: The timber rattlesnake’s dwindling numbers in some parts of its range underscore the urgency of habitat protection outlined in SDG 15.5 (take action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species).
• Ecological Role: The abundance of snakes, from Northern black racers to various water snakes, indicates a healthy, functioning ecosystem. Their presence helps maintain ecological balance.

Jordan Lake: Urban Proximity and Ecosystem Management

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, located near the Raleigh-Durham metropolitan area, serves as a critical green space for urban communities, directly supporting SDG 11.7 by providing access to nature.

• Urban Green Space: The lake provides essential recreational opportunities that enhance public well-being (SDG 3) while requiring careful management to preserve its natural ecosystems (SDG 15).
• Predominantly Non-Venomous Species: The area is primarily inhabited by non-venomous species like the northern water snake and the eastern rat snake. The absence of established cottonmouth populations reduces public health risks.
• Public Education: Educating visitors about local wildlife, such as the harmless hognose snake, promotes respectful observation and coexistence, ensuring the area remains a safe and sustainable resource for both people and wildlife.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 15: Life on Land

The article’s primary focus is on the biodiversity within North Carolina’s terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. It discusses various snake species, their habitats (swamps, rivers, lakes, forests), their ecological roles, and the conservation status of certain species. This directly aligns with SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss.

• The text details numerous ecosystems like the Great Dismal Swamp, the Cape Fear River Basin, and various state parks, all of which fall under the purview of protecting “Life on Land.”
• It highlights the importance of biodiversity by listing 37 snake species in the state and describing their role in “supporting healthy ecosystems” by controlling rodents.
• The article explicitly mentions threatened species, a key concern of SDG 15.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 15: Life on Land

1. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

   The article describes various inland freshwater ecosystems, such as the Lumber River, Black River, and Lake Waccamaw, and associated wetlands like the Green Swamp and the Great Dismal Swamp. It notes their value for wildlife (“teem with wildlife,” “ideal snake habitats”) and for human recreation (“popular for fishing and paddling”). The mention of designated protected areas like “Lake Waccamaw State Park” and “the Great Dismal Swamp” as a wildlife refuge points directly to efforts in conservation and sustainable use of these ecosystems.

2. Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

   This target is clearly addressed when the article discusses the conservation status of specific snake species. It states, “Two — the eastern diamondback rattlesnake and the eastern coral snake — are listed as endangered in North Carolina and are rarely seen.” Furthermore, it notes that the population of timber rattlesnakes is “dwindling.” This information directly relates to the goal of protecting threatened species and halting the loss of biodiversity.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 15 Targets

• Indicator for Target 15.1 (Ecosystem Health and Conservation):

  The article implies that the presence and diversity of wildlife species can be used as an indicator of ecosystem health. It provides extensive lists of fauna, such as “beavers, minks, muskrats, and otters,” various snakes, and rare flora like the “pitcher plant and Venus flytrap.” The description of the Waccamaw River as “one of the most pristine blackwater rivers in the Southeast” is a qualitative indicator of the condition of these inland freshwater ecosystems.

• Indicator for Target 15.5 (Status of Threatened Species):

  The article provides direct data points that function as indicators for this target:

  • Number and list of species at risk: The article explicitly identifies the “eastern diamondback rattlesnake and the eastern coral snake” as “listed as endangered in North Carolina.” This is a direct measure related to national Red List indices.
  • Population trends of species: The text provides qualitative assessments of population status, noting that the numbers of timber rattlesnakes are “dwindling” and that the endangered species are “rarely seen.” These observations serve as indicators of progress (or lack thereof) in preventing extinctions.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: yahoo.com