4.4 Terrestrial Communities
4.4.6.5 Impacts to Wildlife Appendix G provides a list of SGCN and other priority species for which there are knowl- edge gaps and management concerns. Appendix H identifes SGCN that depend on or are associated with this habitat type. Many wildlife species that use grass and heath balds are threatened by impacts other than habitat loss. Timber Rattlesnakes are threatened not only by habitat loss but also by being subject to collection, disturbance of hibernacula/gestation sites, and persecution. Tere has been considerable efort undertaken in the northeastern United States to determine the impact upon Allegheny Woodrat populations from a roundworm parasite (McGowan 1993; Stone et al. 1993) , though no studies have been conducted within North Carolina to assess the level of threat posed to woodrat populations.
4.4.6.6 Recommendations 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.
• Obtain baseline data on high-elevation bird species of grassy and heath balds, espe- cially Golden Eagle, Vesper Sparrow, and Alder Flycatcher.
• Obtain baseline data on mammal and reptile communities and habitat use (e.g., iden- tify Timber Rattlesnake den sites). 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.
• Monitor priority small mammal and reptile population trends and habitat use.
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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