4.1 Introduction
lands that can be efectively managed and protected and that have signifcant ecological value. Te most recent update of the CELCP Plan (NCDCM 2011) identifes wetlands, coastal forests, working lands (agriculture and forestry), waterfront lands (barrier islands, riparian lands), island ecosystems (including beach and dune systems), foodplains and riparian zones, wildlife preserves and game lands, trails and greenways, cultural and historic sites, and marl outcrops as priority areas for conservation. 4.1.3 Species and Habitat Associations Tis chapter focuses on aquatic, wetland, and terrestrial communities that provide import- ant habitat for SGCN and other priority species as outlined in Required Element 2. Te natural community descriptions discuss problems afecting the habitats and species associated with each community. Recommended priority conservation actions identify surveys, monitoring, research, management practices, and partnerships and cooperative eforts that beneft SGCN and their habitats and address provisions of the Eight Required Elements. Te habitats presented in this document represent the major habitat types in the state. Each description provides information about the wildlife associated with that habitat and high- lights the threats, needs, and conservation priorities of that particular habitat. Appendix H contains a list by taxonomic group for priority species associated with each habitat dis- cussed in this chapter. Some habitat associations refect use as secondary or transitional for a species and are used as corridors or connections when they need to move from their primary habitat to another location. Te usefulness of the habitat association table will depend on the species. For some, the associations can be loosely defned or opportunistic. For others, the relationship is tight or obligate. Te Peregrine Falcon, which usually nests on high-elevation rock outcrops but has been known to nest on top of urban highrise buildings, provides an example of an opportu- nistic habitat association. Other examples include colonial nesting shorebirds that typically use shell middens or fats between sand dunes for nesting, but have also used gravel roof tops of buildings adjacent to the shoreline. Some bats require specifc types of maternity roosts (e.g., tree cavities) and hibernacula (e.g., caves), which is a tight habitat association. However, their use of stream and river corridors or open riparian areas for foraging can be considered a loosely defned habitat association because the community structure will vary by location, depending on vegetation, DA, hydrology, and other landscape factors.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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