4.3 Wetland Natural Communities
• Examine the impacts of long-term fooding regimes on ground-nesting birds (e.g., Swainson’s Warbler) (Swift et al. 1984) . Similar studies are also needed for salamanders.
• Determine the conservation and restoration eforts needed for canebrake rattlesnakes in foodplain forests (Brantley and Platt 2001) .
• Conduct bird productivity research (especially neotropical migrants) with a focus on nest searching studies to determine the predator community and bird nesting success in patches of diferent sizes and with various landscape contexts (Rodewald and Yahner 2001) . • Study the efects of riverine bufer width characteristics on bird species diversity, rich- ness, survival, nest success, and productivity (Perkins et al. 2003) . Similar studies are also needed for small mammals, bats, amphibians, and reptiles to determine long-term productivity in bufers of various widths.
• Examine the demographics, habitat-use patterns, and impacts of feral hogs on ground-nesting birds, salamanders, and small mammals (Warren and Ford 1997) .
• Study the impacts of beaver and beaver ponds on species composition (both fora and fauna) to determine negative or positive impacts of beaver or beaver control measures. Management Practices. Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergis- tically with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources. Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their habitats, and improving degraded habitats. • Wherever possible, maintain or restore foodplain forest connectivity, as foodplain for- ests are important distribution and dispersal corridors for many species (Bailey et al . 2004) . • Floodplain bufers of 300 to 600 feet provide the most beneft for species such as Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Wood Trush, Swainson’s Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, and Acadian Flycatcher, as well as amphib- ians, snakes, and forest bats. Conservation Programs and Partnerships. Conservation programs, incentives, and partnerships should be utilized to the fullest extent to preserve high-quality resources and protect important natural communities. Protective measures that utilize existing regula- tory frameworks to protect habitats and species should be incorporated where applicable. Land conservation or preservation can serve numerous purposes in the face of anticipated climate change, but above all, it promotes ecosystem resilience.
• Make an attempt to protect waterbird nesting colonies. Continue cooperative eforts with colonial waterbird (wading bird) working groups and follow future management
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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