4.4 Terrestrial Communities
disturbance-maintained habitats such as Longleaf Pine ecosystems and will increase with the stresses of a changing climate. 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. • Conduct surveys to document the distribution, relative abundance, and status of prior- ity wildlife species associated with dry Longleaf Pine habitats. 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. • Develop monitoring for any North Carolina dry Longleaf Pine bird species that require specialized attention, since neither BBS nor standard point counts adequately sample for many species like Bachman’s Sparrow, Nightjars, American Kestrel, Henslow’s Sparrow, and Red-headed Woodpecker. • Expand and/or target monitoring systems to be able to assess current population status and trend information for all wildlife species associated with dry Longleaf Pine habi- tats, in particular reptiles such as Northern Pinesnake, Southern Hognose Snake, and Coachwhip. 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. • Develop long-term research studies to investigate various methods for restoring and maintaining Longleaf Pine ecosystems, including herbicides, fre, clearcutting, site preparation techniques, and management practices. 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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