Notable entries include the bald eagle and the red wolf. One species that has not yet made the list is Eurycea junaluska. This is a salamander that is native to Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. All of these are along the Cheoah River in the Nantahala National Forest. Meanwhile, timber harvesting continues in the area, and more is planned.
Habitat loss is perhaps the gravest threat to regional biodiversity.
The requirement for an official list was mandated by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It s a good idea, at first glance. And many good things have come of it. However, more holistic thinking is needed. All species are part of the web of life.