Wildlife Action Plan 2015 Revision Process White Paper
mechanisms for this change are through competition that displaces native species or the ability of a species to exploit disturbances caused by other sources (e.g., development, pol- lution) (Scott et al. 2012; Didham et al. 2005) . Some introduced species, such as Feral Swine, Nutria, Flathead Catfsh, and Asian Clam, can be invasive and have considerable negative efects because of their widespread distribution in the state. Others may not be as widely invasive or they may be native species that have population concentrations that can exert com- petitive pressures on surrounding communities (e.g., White-tailed Deer, resident Canada Geese, Tundra Swans). For the purposes of this metric, the term invasive species means those species that are either nonnative or introduced. In addition, a native species that is highly concentrated to the point that they afect ecosystem function may create impacts from competitive pressures similar to an invasive species and should be considered under this metric. Quantifying the efects of invasive species can be difcult because there may also be eco- nomic gains associated with their intentional introduction or value as a harvestable species (Lapointe et al. 2011) . Tis metric is intended to identify and evaluate whether a species is con- sidered invasive or a pest as related to ecosystem function without regard to the economic efects (positive or negative) of their presence. Scores are assigned based on whether a species is considered invasive and creates a threat to native populations.
What is the invasive species threat concern for the species?
(a) High threat, known to have a direct impact on native species.
(b) Moderate threat, suspected to have a direct or indirect impact on native species.
(c) Unknown at this time.
(d) Low threat, suspected to have only indirect or minimal impact on native species.
(e) Has no impact on native species.
17. Economic Infuence in North Carolina. Hunting, fshing, wildlife viewing, and other wildlife-related activities have an important economic infuence in North Carolina. Te perception of a species’ economic infuence, either as a single species or as part of a group of species, can be subjective and difcult to measure because both positive and negative economic infuences are associated with the species. Te economic infuence may be broad and hard to quantify because economic value can be generated in numerous ways and associated with wildlife in general. For instance, purchasing a hunting license could result in additional expenditures for ammunition, clothing, equipment, and travel expenses for lodging, meals, and fuel, but these purchases may also be related to other recreational activities. An individual bird species may not be associated with economic infuence, but
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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