4.4 Terrestrial Communities
growing season) and some negative (pest insect survival). Some of the insects most highly tied to dry longleaf habitats may be eliminated by increases in wildfres. Te most extreme Xeric Sandhill Scrub and Sand Barrens are dry enough that vegeta- tion density is limited. Increased drought may possibly cause plant mortality and reduce vegetation density further. It may also cause sand barrens to develop in slightly less dry soils. Tese systems and their component species are well adapted to warm temperatures. Increased temperatures might increase the range of these systems in the northern Coastal Plain and in Virginia. However, the widespread conversion of uplands in this region, the fragmented distribution and lack of seed source for them, and their dependence on fre make natural expansion very unlikely. Warmer temperatures may allow some species of Longleaf Pine systems farther south to move into North Carolina. Te limited tendency of most plants in these systems to invade new areas suggests that any such process would naturally be slow and limited. Warmer temperatures may allow the invasion of Cogon Grass and Nine-banded Armadillos. Once established, they are likely to expand more rapidly with a warming cli- mate. Fire Ants are already a serious invader in these systems. General forecasts suggest an increase in severe storms. Increased drought conditions and increased thunderstorm intensity are likely to produce more wildfre Increased wind storm damage could afect canopy structure. Longleaf Pines are among the least susceptible trees to wind destruction, and it is unclear how signifcant increased wind will be to them. Some young planted coastal longleaf stands have shown signifcant damage from hurricanes and other strong winds. Tis usually occurs within a few years after the longleaf have emerged from the grass stage. Because of their slow reproductive rate and long life span, increased wind mortality would reduce average age and might reduce natural canopy density. Tis would be detrimental to red-cockaded woodpeckers and other species that depend on older Longleaf Pine trees. Increased plant productivity with a longer growing season may partially ofset the efect of reduced tree age on structure. 4.4.13.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats Comparing climate change to other ecosystem threats can help defne short- and long-term conservation actions and recommendations. Te greatest threats to this system do not come from climate change. With their adaptation to dry conditions, fre, wind, and their range well to the south, these may be the most resilient systems to warming climate. Currently, the greatest threat comes from development pressure. Historically, conversion and exploitation destroyed most of this once extensive system, and these forces continue to consume the remnants. Table 4.38 summarizes the comparison of climate change with other existing threats.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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