4.4 Terrestrial Communities
Increased temperatures may cause some latitudinal shifts in the ranges occupied by mem- bers of this group, but the efects are likely to be mixed. Least Weasels are probably the only species likely to shift its range as a consequence of increased warming. In the Mountains, they may retreat toward the north, becoming less common or even potentially extirpated from the state. In the Coastal Plain, Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes are currently at the very northern edge of their range and very rare in the state. With warming tempera- tures there is the potential they will increase in abundance. However, that potential could very well be ofset by increased development and fragmentation, as well as persecution. 4.4.18.6 Recommendations Conficts with humans have resulted in the restriction of these species to large blocks of mixed habitat where human density and intrusion are minimal. Even Black Bears, which in some areas have adapted to human presence as garbage raiders, are highly unlikely to persist without these large, sparsely settled blocks of habitat. Tese species require large blocks of habitat where density of human settlement or intensity of human intrusion is rel- atively low. More than any other, this group requires landscape-level conservation, partic- ularly the protection of large areas of habitat—natural or mixed—from increased density of human settlement.
Surveys. Distributional and status surveys need to focus on species that utilize this community.
• Conduct surveys for species for which current distribution information is already avail- able or for species that are considered common or invasive (e.g., Gray Fox, Raccoon, Coyote). • Develop long-term monitoring strategies to document population trends, from which conservation strategies can be specifcally designed to target those species (e.g., Coyote). 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. Formal descriptions for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxonomic status are needed. • Research and identify important wildlife crossing areas; evaluate connectivity issues between intact and fragmented habitats used by priority species; work with partners to improve crossing and connectivity. 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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