4.4 Terrestrial Communities
• Expand monitoring frameworks to account for species that are not suited to traditional long-term monitoring protocols (e.g., hawks, nightjars [goatsuckers], owls), or for species missed under systematic monitoring due to small population sizes or limited ranges in North Carolina. • Track oak habitat trends (e.g., rate of loss or conversion of the habitat and disease or pest afects) and consider trends in the development of long-term monitoring strategies for oak forests of the region. 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 for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxo- nomic status are needed.
• Initiate genetic and morphological studies to clarify taxonomic status of numerous birds and amphibians (e.g., high-elevation birds, plethodontid salamanders).
• Conduct life history and habitat use research on Northern Pinesnake.
• Conduct habitat use studies of neotropical migrants (Worm-eating Warblers, Black-capped Chickadees, and many others) using telemetry.
• Conduct habitat use and life history studies for bat species that may potentially use this habitat (Hoary, Silver-haired, Eastern Small-footed, and Northern Long-eared bats).
• Study population responses of plant and wildlife species to habitat manipulations (large scale prescribed burning, oak savannah creation, canopy gap creation, etc.). • Conduct Green Salamander movement studies either around embedded rock outcrops or between rock outcrops. • Establish studies to determine both direct and indirect impacts of pest control mea- sures upon oak forest–dependent species. Example questions are ‘What is the impact of Gypsy Moth control strategies upon local and landscape scale wildlife populations?’ and ‘What is the impact upon invertebrates that serve as food for vertebrates?’ Management Practices. Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergis- tically with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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