Reference Document 3-1
Appendix 3
Each of the 11 threat categories is ranked from 1 to 11 for priority as a research subject considering the expected likelihood it will impact the species. The ranking uses “1” as the lowest priority and “11” as the highest priority. For example, pollution may be considered a likely threat to a mussel species and be ranked 8 because some research is already available into the effects of pollution on mussel species. In comparison, biological resource use may be less likely to threaten a mussel species and be ranked 1 to indicate it is a low research priority. The evaluation will rank the results in categories listed as high (ranking priorities 9 – 11), medium (ranking priorities 5 – 8), or low (ranking priorities 1 – 4). These rankings can be used to assess the need for research.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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