Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
Several species are a priority in more than one of the three evaluation categories. These changes do not necessarily indicate a change in the concern status of these species; they are more likely to reflect an increase in our knowledge base for the species. When research data improve scientific understanding about relationships among and between species, the taxonomic classification of a species may warrant change. The prevalence of genetic research has contributed to expanded knowledge about species taxonomy. This new information often leads to suggestions for taxonomic revisions, such as those published in the American Ornithological Society’s Checklist of North American Birds (Chesser et al.2024) . NCWRC biologists refer to recognized authorities for naming species when updating taxonomy. We highlight specific conservation issues related to SGCN and their habitats in the following sections. This is not an exhaustive list of species-specific conservation concerns but rather highlights some of the conservation concerns in the state. Recommendations for priority survey, monitoring, and research studies, conservation actions, and partnerships are outlined in Section 3.3.8. 3.3.3 Conservation Concerns Table 3-2 (Appendix 3) provides a list of Bird SGCN and other priority species. Habitat associations for these species are provided in Table 3-17 (terrestrial species). Habitat descriptions and associated conservation priorities are in Chapter 4. 3.3.3.1 Shorebirds North Carolina’s 3,375 miles of tidal shoreline (NOAA 2011) play a key role in the life cycle of many migratory shorebirds; thus, conservation activities directed at shorebird stopover, wintering, or breeding habitats (primarily beach, dune, estuarine, and coastal marsh habitats) can have a substantial impact on shorebird conservation throughout the Atlantic Flyway (Winn et al. 2013) . In addition, coastal areas are often heavily populated, and balancing the needs of conservation and tourism can be challenging without accurate life history data. There is national concern about the decline of many shorebird populations, including species found in North Carolina. Smith (et al. 2023) reports that shorebirds are declining to a greater extent than other avian taxa worldwide. The International Shorebird Survey protocol is followed biannually to obtain population estimates of migratory shorebirds (Howe et al. 1989) . The American Oystercatcher, Wilson’s Plover, Red Knot, and Piping Plover are shorebird species with stabilized or declining populations in North Carolina. • In response to recent monitoring and research attention on American Oystercatcher, its population has stabilized over the last 20 years (personal correspondence, Schulte 2013, 2014, unpublished data). Specific projects have been completed to estimate numbers of American Oystercatcher and Wilson’s Plover during the breeding season (Davis and Smith 2001;
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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