4.4 Terrestrial Communities
low-elevation rock communities, but for various reasons may reach higher densities or have wider distribution in low-elevation rock outcrops (e.g., Timber Rattlesnakes). Te extent of habitat that each rock outcrop provides is dependent upon the entire set of conditions in and surrounding the surface rock. Tose conditions infuence its use by plants and animals dependent upon the surface rock and may include signifcant amounts of adjacent ecological community types. Water seepage through rock crevices may provide moisture for amphibians, mosses, lichens, and wetland vegetation. Reptile species may use rocky areas exposed to direct sunlight for basking or use openings amongst rocks for dens. No species belonging to these guilds appear to be vulnerable to complete extinction due to the efects of climate change. However, both the Hickory Nut Gorge population of Crevice Salamander and the Piedmont populations of Red-backed Salamander exist as isolated dis- juncts and are likely to be highly vulnerable to the efects of climate change. In both cases, extirpation of these populations would constitute loss of signifcant ecological as well as genotypic variants of their species. DeWan et al. (2010) suggest that habitat specialists and species with restricted ranges will likely be some of the greatest afected by the combined efects of habitat loss and climate change. Tey also note such populations are more vulnerable to extinction by rare events and susceptible to additional stressors such as climate change. 4.4.8.6 Recommendations Given the relative rarity of low-elevation rock outcrops across the state, measures need to be taken to conserve as much of this habitat as possible. Tis includes preservation mea- sures, as well as conservation/management measures to ensure that species which rely upon these outcrops continue to be aforded the desired variety of habitat conditions into the future. Certainly a high priority should be placed upon acquisition or easement of land tracts which support low-elevation rock outcrops due to the fact that they are not abundant, they have numerous rare plant and animal associates, and remaining sites are subject to signifcant threats associated with both recreational and other development pressures. In addition, necessary conservation actions include assigning appropriate management schemes to rock outcrops upon conservation lands to minimize negative impacts from human activities such as recreational use and development. Appropriate restrictions upon use of the areas need to be developed where none currently exist to minimize the direct impact upon the habitat and its occupants. Te results of studies on the impact to low-elevation rock outcrops from surrounding habitat modifcation should be incorpo- rated into appropriate management recommendations to minimize impacts upon wildlife species utilizing the rock outcrop. Mapping of these sites in a GIS format would facilitate
428
2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online