A natural resource survey of tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has turned up some rare species.

Special finds include two rare salamander species, two endangered bat species, three rare species of plants and four rare species of birds, including an eagle sighting. The survey was conducted by Fish and Wildlife Associates Inc. of Whittier.

The comprehensive survey will be a tool for the tribe to evaluate and analyze its forest and wildlife management plans.

“We are committed to protecting our natural resources and in continuing the stewardship of our ancestors,” said Cherokee Principal Chief Mitchell Hicks. This type of survey is vital to the continuation of that tradition.”

The survey was funded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in cooperation with the tribe’s Fish & Game Management department. The survey will go along with data being collected through the ongoing All Taxa Biological Inventory project in the Park.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee owns and maintains tribal reserve land that is protected from development adjoining the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.