4.3 Wetland Natural Communities
Large patches of foodplain habitat are absent in much of the Coastal Plain. Fragmentation of stands has contributed to the loss of intact large riparian corridors and the width of many riparian corridors has been greatly reduced. Breeding area–sensitive bottomland-hardwood birds have likely been impacted by the loss of large patches of intact woodland systems. Swallow-tailed Kite is an area-sensitive species and is now known to breed within the state along the Cape Fear River. High-grading of stands has changed plant species diversity and stand vegetative structure. Forestry activities (e.g., logging) have reduced colonial waterbird and eagle nesting areas, but wading birds make more use of timber-cleared wetlands for foraging. Two cane-feeding moths are endemic to the region but also occur in blackwater food- plains and non-riverine swamp forests. Another cane-feeding moth appears to be signif- cantly disjunct within the lower Cape Fear foodplain. Two hawthorn-feeding moths also appear to have disjunct populations in the lower Roanoke foodplain, as does the Cerulean Warbler. None of these species appear likely to be afected by climate change-related impacts. Drainage of wetlands has exacerbated the problems in and adjacent to foodplain forest habitats. Tis habitat loss impacts all foodplain species, including furbearers, breeding amphibians, overwintering birds, and migrant species that use these areas as stopover sites. Water quality is also an issue in certain major river drainages that negatively afects many invertebrates, fsh, amphibians, and reptiles (NCWRC 2005) . Long-duration fooding has had impacts on all ground-nesting bird species. Loss of old growth characteristics (canopy gaps, vine tangles, hollow trees, dead and downed woody material) and fragmentation of stands is a major concern. A lack of standing dead or older trees has impacted the availability of quality bat and Chimney Swift roosting and breeding sites and nesting productivity for species such as the Wood Duck and Hooded Merganser. Lack of downed woody debris has impacted a variety of amphibians and reptiles (NCWRC 2005) . 4.3.4.6 Summary and Recommendations In general, protection and restoration of natural composition and function, and protection of surrounding natural areas are the best way to improve the ability of these communities to adapt to climate change. Protection of a large and diverse pool of examples is the best way to ensure that many survive the future stresses. Surveys. Distributional and status surveys need to focus on species believed to be declin- ing or mainly dependent on at-risk or sensitive natural communities.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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