Chapter 4 Habitats
Table 4.2.9-1 Climate change compared to other threats to medium river communities. Threat Rank Order Comments
2 Many rivers that were once free flowing are now flooded by reservoirs, severely fragmenting habitat and often isolating populations of species upstream and downstream of the impoundment. Floodplains and wetlands are natural features designed for flood control through attenuation and dissipation of floodwaters. Development and other impacts can reduce this service. 3 Climate change is predicted to decrease rainfall and therefore limit water supply. Effects will likely compound with other threats to increase the severity of other threats to aquatic systems. Increased frequency and severity of tropical systems will alter riparian and instream habitats and can reduce water quality.
Flood Regime Alteration
Climate Change
Invasive plants in the riparian area can have negative impacts on stream systems by creating a monoculture (such as Japanese Knotweed) with poor nutrient inputs, reducing bank stability, and allowing too much sunlight and therefore, warmer stream temperatures. Invasive aquatic species, like the Basket (Asian) Clam or Rusty Crayfish, may have negative effects on native species, such as competition for space and resources.
Invasive Species
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4.2.9.5 Impacts to Wildlife Appendix 3 includes a list of SGCN and other priority species for which there are knowledge gap and management concern priorities. Appendix 3-18 identifies SGCN that use medium river communities. The temperature tolerance range of aquatic species can be specific and the availability of warm waters that do not exceed tolerances can be a limiting factor for where species can find appropriate habitat, especially as average water temperatures experience warming trends (DeWan et al. 2010) . Warmwater habitats are important for a number of reptiles and amphibians including certain turtles, frogs, and salamanders that use aquatic habitats during part or all of their life cycle. These habitats are also important for a variety of mammals that are semi- aquatic and/or that have an aquatic food base (e.g., Water Shrews, Muskrats, Beavers, River Otters, and certain bats). Selected bird species, such as various waterfowl, wading birds, and certain songbirds, also rely upon aquatic habitats (including rivers and streams) to provide habitat or a food base.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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