5.9 Natural System Modifcations
patches of habitat surrounded by forest or developed areas. Bobwhite Quail may require large (more than 5,000 acres) areas of contiguous habitat for long-term population viabil- ity (Guthery et al. 2000) . Fragmentation of forests into smaller contiguous blocks is a concern for forest interior birds (like Wood Trush, Cooper’s Hawk, and Worm-eating Warbler), which may occur in lower densities or sufer lower productivity or survival in small habitat patches. Animals with large home ranges or dispersal needs may become isolated or absent in small tracts. Fragmentation by roads and development can be particularly problematic for rep- tiles (particularly Timber Rattlesnake and Box Turtle), amphibians, and small mammals that sufer high mortality on roads when traveling between forest patches. Upland changes will infuence landscapes containing wetlands through changes in down- stream outputs and hydrological and biogeochemical processes. Drainage and agricultural activities can degrade nearby wetlands and cause loss of vegetation diversity and ecosys- tem services (De Steven and Gramling 2013) . 5.9.2 SGCN Priority Species Te Taxa Team evaluation considered the level of threat natural system modifcations represents to SGCN priority species. Table 5.8 provides a list of species for which this threat category is considered very high or high.
T ABLE 5.8 SGCN at very high or high threat from natural system modifcation
Threat Level Very High High
Scientifc Name
Common Name
AMPHIBIAN Eurycea chamberlaini Eurycea quadridigitata Hemidactylium scutatum Rana [Lithobates] capito
Chamberlain’s Dwarf Salamander
X X X X X X X X
Dwarf Salamander Four-toed Salamander Carolina Gopher Frog Brimley’s Chorus Frog Southern Chorus Frog Ornate Chorus Frog Eastern Mud Salamander
X
Pseudacris brimleyi Pseudacris nigrita Pseudacris ornata
Pseudotriton montanus montanus
Pseudotriton ruber BIRD Actitis macularia
Red Salamander
Spotted Sandpiper Henslow’s Sparrow
X
Ammodramus henslowii
X
708
2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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