Glossary
Emergent —Above the surface; often referring to water but can refer to other situations (e.g., canopy). Endangerment —Refers to a situation in which a species is vulnerable to extinction or extirpation. Endemic (endemism) —Native or confned to a certain region. Refers to species with a rela- tively local distribution, sometimes occurring as small populations confned to a single place, such as a particular stream or mountain cove. Endemic species are more vulnerable to extinction than are more widespread species. Estuarine system —Mixing area of saltwater and freshwater; tidally- and wind-infuenced waters that are usually semi-enclosed by land but have open, partly obstructed, or sporadic access to the ocean, with ocean-derived water at least occasionally diluted by freshwater runof from the land. Te upstream and landward limit is where ocean-derived salts cause the water to have salinity 0.5 ppt during the period of average annual low fow. Te seaward limit is an imaginary line clos- ing the mouth of a river, bay, or sound. Evapotranspiration —Te combination of evaporation of water from plant and ground surfaces and transpiration. Exotic species (also commonly called alien , non-indigenous , or nonnative ) —A species occurring outside of its native range. Exotic species often occur because they have been introduced (either intentionally or accidentally) or they may occur because of opportunistic expansion into habitats where they would not nor- mally occur. Extinct —Of a species, no longer represented by living individuals. Extinction —Te condition in which all members of a group of organisms have ceased to exist. Te loss of a species, which is often a natural process and the ultimate fate for all species. Extirpate (extirpation) —To eliminate a population from a given area. When a species is eliminated from a specifc geographic area of its habitat; to bring a species to extinction within part of its range. Forage —v.: To wander in search of food. n.: Plants, including grains and grasses, eaten by animals. Game species —Tose animals that are regulated for hunting or harvest; includes big game, furbearers, and small game species. Tese species are normally regulated by state law or local ordinances. GSM Transmitter —Tracking device that uses wireless telecommunications standards set
for digital cellular networks (i.e., cell phones). GSM transmitters are used to track and log the locations of wildlife, especially birds or land animals.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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