5.10 Invasive and Other Problematic Species and Genes
to wildlife and habitats. Tese include Cogongrass, Beach Vitex, and various genetically modifed organisms (GMOs).
Te Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) bores in ash trees, ultimately killing them, and all four of the native ash species (White, Green, Carolina, and Pumpkin [ Fraxinus spp.]) found in the state are susceptible to attack (NCFS 2015) . Mountain Ash ( Sorbus sp.), which is not con- sidered a true ash, is not susceptible. When EAB is known to be present, there is a risk of long-distance dispersal through transportation of ash wood products from an infested area to an uninfested area. Treatment of infected trees requires destruction of infected wood by cutting down dead or dying trees and chipping, burning, or burying the wood on the site. Quarantines will be placed for areas where EAB has been detected (currently Granville, Person, and Vance counties). Te quarantine prohibits the movement of any part of an ash tree, the insect itself, and all hardwood (deciduous) frewood from a quarantined area into an area outside the quarantine. Firewood refers to wood that is cut to less than four feet in length. Additional information is available from the NC Forest Service. Kudzu is likely the most recognizable example of an introduced nonnative species used for biological control that has become a serious invasive problem. In the case of Kudzu, it was originally planted as a ground cover and control for erosion but is now a widespread inva- sive that takes extensive and repeated treatment to eradicate on a local level. A more recent example includes the release of a beetle species that specializes in an introduced exotic thistle species. In this case, the beetle has been found to spillover from its weedy invasive host plant onto multiple nontarget native species, which has ultimately resulted in impacts to native thistle populations in some areas of the United States (Louda et al. 1997; Louda 1998; Rand and Louda 2004; Blitzer et al . 2012) . Te Nutria is a mammal native to South America that was introduced to North Carolina in the 1950s. Several populations became established in coastal counties by the 1970s. Teir populations have grown and Nutria can now be found in Piedmont rivers and large streams. Nutria feed on numerous grasses and wetland plants and can eat approximately 25% of their body weight daily. At high densities and under certain conditions, foraging Nutria can signifcantly impact natural plant communities. Most damage caused by Nutria comes from overgrazing and burrowing into the banks of impoundments, earthen dams, and other waterbody foundations, which can weaken these structures. In North Carolina, they compete for food and burrows with native muskrats. Coyotes have naturally spread to North Carolina from their native range in central and western North America. Tey can be found in a habitats ranging from grasslands to for- ests, but have also adapted to suburban and urban conditions. Coyotes prey on a variety of animals and plant materials. Tey will also consume carrion and hunt pets. Teir adapt- able nature allows them to outcompete foxes and generally replace the niche occupied by
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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