o ^-1 - 145 - 



Reptiles : 



No reptiles were observed during the 14 April 1979 visit, 

 perhaps because it was a relatively cold day. However, the Carolina 

 diamondback terrapin ( Malaclemys terrapin centrata j , Green anole 



iNorLnern DiacR racer <, v^uiuuer cuim l t j-c uu r cu us ur i c tor ; cercainiy 

 occur on the island, as well as perhaps other species. 



Two rarer rorms that mignt occur on the island are the Carolina 

 salt marsh snake ( Natrix sipedon williamengelsi) which is endemic to 

 coastal North Carolina, and the Outer Banks kingsnake (La mpropel t is 

 getulus sticticeps) , endemic to the Outer Banks between Capes 

 Hatteras and Lookout . 



Mamma Is: 



Tracks of raccoons ( Frocyon locor ) were seen on the island. 

 Eastern Moles ( Scalopus aquaticus ) , River Otters (Lutra canadensis ) , 

 Cottom Mice ( Peromyscu s gossypinus) , and Rice Rats (Oryzomys palustris) 

 probably occur on the island. 



Opossums ( Didelphis marsupialis ) , Norway Rats ( Rattu s norvegicus) 

 and probably one of the rabbits, Marsh Rabbit (Sylvilag us pa lus tris) 

 or Eastern Cottontail Rabbit ( Sylvilagus f loridanu s) may occur on 

 the island. 



Also, domestic cows, horses and pigs graze on the marsh grasses 

 and in the woodlands of Browns Island, 



Evaluation of the site's ecological significance: 



The significant features of Browns Island can be summarized in 

 the following: 



1. The island is undeveloped and in a relatively natural state, 

 which is surrounded by developed areas . 



2. The dynamic process of natural ecological change is easily 

 illustrated (a former barrier island with relict beach ridges). 



3. The unusual plant communities of lon^leaf pine and live oak (I 

 have personnally never seen the comoination before), and a maritime- 

 pocosin-like forest. 



4. The presence of the rare Florida pellitory endemic to maritime 

 forests . 



5. The presence of 15 bird species which are endangered, threatened 

 or of special concern. 



6. The possible presence of endemic reptiles, the Carolina salt marsh 

 snake, and the Outer Banks Kingsnake. 



Management Recommendations: 



Browns Island does not appear to be very suitable for development 

 because of limited "high" ground. It would seem more suitable as a 

 recreation area or open space rather than residential or commercial 

 sites . 



Straits is an important commercial fishing area for the people 

 of Carteret County and is fairly free of pollutants. Heavy development 

 on Browns Island would definitely have an impact. 



The grazing by domestic animals has probably had a great impact on 

 the vegetation of the island. The southern Spartina marsh is heavily 

 frrazed, but provides better shorebird habitat. The woodlands have 

 been grazed decreasing the amount of undergrowth and diversity of species 



