4.4 Terrestrial Communities
While Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are almost exclusively associated with Longleaf Pine systems, most animals that are associated with pines and other dry conifers also occur in mixed stands of hardwoods and conifers. Brown-headed Nuthatches and Chuck-wills- widows are also associated with dry woodlands and/or heathlands more generally. Additional problems faced by individual species associated with dry coniferous forest include the lack of early successional habitat of this type or conversion of this habitat to other pine habitat (i.e., White Pine) for species such as Prairie Warblers, woodpeckers, and nuthatches. Timber Rattlesnake persecution in these habitats also remains a signifcant problem. Lack of management of the stands decreases the quality of habitat for woodland hawks by decreasing prey abundance and limiting their ability to hunt in dense understory growth. Te two species of moths that feed on Bear Oak have a highly confned distribution in North Carolina (as does their host plant). While climate change may create conditions such as increased fre that may favor the oak, the moths are likely to be highly vulnerable to extirpation if fres completely consume all available habitat in the few areas where the moth currently exists. 4.4.10.6 Recommendations Conservation of good examples of all community types remains important. Because of the widespread loss of pine–oak/heath and the likely loss of Carolina Hemlock bluf, res- toration of degraded examples is also important. As in all communities, conservation of surrounding communities and protection or restoration of landscape connections will improve the viability of communities and allow native species to migrate to adjust to the changing climate. • Conduct prescribed burns and control invasive species, as these are the most important conservation actions to take in order to restore degraded sites and allow these commu- nities to be more stable and resilient in the face of climate change. 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. • Determine the current baseline distribution and status of species mainly associated with dry coniferous forest (especially those that are state-listed or believed to be declin- ing). Data is most severely lacking for reptiles, small mammals, and nocturnal birds. • Survey White Pine forest for breeding birds and other fauna. Tis habitat might now be utilized by species that formerly occurred in Canada Hemlock stands that have now shifted to White Pine habitats.
439
2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online