Reference Document 3-1
Appendix 3
Metric 11. Statewide Population Trends (monitoring priorities). Monitoring programs can be developed after sufficient survey information is collected and statewide distribution is better understood for a species (Millsap et al. 1990) . Data collected through population monitoring can be used to evaluate a species’ abundance and detect population trends. Global and regional population trends can be different from what is happening in North Carolina and monitoring program data can help detect trends for both declining and increasing populations. Scores are assigned based on the availability of data or knowledge about trends in a species’ abundance or population in North Carolina.
What is the status of monitoring statewide population trends?
(a) Not currently monitored. (b) Populations in discrete locations are monitored. (c) Monitored statewide but no statistical sensitivity. (d) Monitored statewide with statistical sensitivity or nearly complete census.
Metric 12. Population Limitations (research priorities). When monitoring program results indicate a species is declining in North Carolina, research is likely needed to understand how and why these populations have changed (IUCN 2001, Millsap et al. 1990) . Research programs can be used to investigate when declines may be related to existing or new threats, specific limiting factors, competitive forces, natural processes, or result from multiple factors that are not easily defined. The intent of this metric is to measure the extent of what is known about factors that affect a species’ population or distribution within the state. For example, marsh birds such as rails and bitterns are secretive and hard to observe; this may result in a lack of research data to document their life history in North Carolina. Scores are assigned based on the availability of research data or a body of knowledge about statewide population limitations:
What is the level of knowledge about factors that affect a species’ population size or distribution in the state?
(a) There is little to no knowledge about factors affecting a species’ population size or distribution. (b) There is some knowledge, but numerous factors affecting a species’ population size or distribution are unknown. (c) There is general understanding of most factors affecting a species’ population or distribution but one or more major factors are unknown. (d) All major factors affecting a species’ population size and distribution are known.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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