region's cedar wetlands for intensive study because 

 of their distribution patterns or declining populations. 

 Among them are seven species classified by the New 

 Jersey Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife as en- 

 dangered (the Pine Barrens treefrog, bog turtle, and 

 timber rattlesnake); threatened (the northern pine 

 snake and eastern mud salamander); or declining 

 (the four-toed salamander and northern red 

 salamander). The status of the remaining species of 

 special concern has not yet been determined. 



Great Dismal Swamp . The Refuge staff 

 gathered qualitative information on 49 animal 

 species currently found in the cedar wetlands of the 

 Great Dismal. Vertical stratigraphy percent cover, 

 seasonal occurrence, and preferences for forest age 

 class were recorded (USFWS 1986b). The list in- 

 cludes 32 bird species (with 26 nesting in cedar 

 swamps, including 2 waterfowl), 10 mammals (all 

 nesting), and 7 herptiles (5 known breeding). 



5.4 RESEARCH NEEDS 



Qualitative plant surveys, while still in- 

 complete, are abundant; quantitative information is 

 sparse and scattered. As many plants are at the ex- 

 tent of their ranges in cedar wetlands, or have a spe- 

 cial affinity for such sites, multifactorial analysis of 

 available data would help in assessing the factors 

 that control the distribution of flora both locally and 

 in the larger biogeographic realm. This could be of 

 particular value in the protection of rare, endangered, 

 or threatened species. 



Prior to the introduction of new species, or 

 the reintroduction of extirpated natives, it is neces- 

 sary to census the extant community. Faunal sur- 

 veys are essential as baseline information for 

 environmental impact statements and for sensible 

 judgment of the effects of any management techni- 

 que of other potential impact on both plant and 

 animal populations. 



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