4.4 Terrestrial Communities
• Determine the distribution, relative abundance, and status of all wildlife species associ- ated with spruce–fr forests. • Focus survey priorities on species believed to be declining, at risk, or exclusively dependent on spruce–fr forest communities (e.g., the Red Crossbill, Brown Creeper, Black-capped Chickadee, Rock Vole, Rock Shrew, Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel, Weller’s Salamander, Northern and Southern Pigmy Salamanders, etc.). • Focus secondary survey priorities on species for which current distribution infor- mation is more available (e.g., the Northern Saw-whet Owl), or for species associated with additional, more extensive habitats (e.g., the Masked Shrew, Smoky Shrew, Hairy Woodpecker, Canada Warbler, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Slimy Salamander) to collect distribution and abundance data. • Collect baseline microhabitat and microclimate characteristics in spruce–fr salaman- der communities. Monitoring. Long-term monitoring is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health over time and gauging the resilience of organisms to a changing climate. Tese eforts will inform future decisions on how to manage species and their habitats. Studies should include identifcation of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from conserva- tion or development activities. Long-term monitoring sites need to be identifed and moni- toring protocols developed for all priority species. Monitoring plans should be coordinated with other existing monitoring programs where feasible. • Expand and/or target monitoring systems to assess current population status and trend information for all wildlife species associated with spruce–fr forests. • Establish mechanisms for monitoring the distribution and condition of spruce–fr habi- tats over time. • Monitor phenology of priority species and spruce–fr communities in relation to climate change. • Monitor microhabitat and microclimate characteristics in spruce–fr salamander com- munities in relation to climate change. Research. Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding, competition, and food web dynamics. Increased understanding of life histories and status helps determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying possibilities for improved management and conservation. All stud- ies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Formal descriptions
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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