Chapter 4 Habitats
leading to the loss of habitat suitable for Bog Turtles and other species dependent on these types of wetlands (Klemens 1993; Herman and Tryon 1997; Rosenbaum et al. 2007) .
Beavers represent an additional unknown factor in mountain bogs and fens. Many sites, including a number of protected sites, have been affected by Beaver ponds in recent years. Beaver impoundments may kill bog plants, including rare species. However, some characteristic species, such as Bog Turtles, may benefit from them in the long run (NCNHP 2024) . 4.3.2.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats Comparing climate change to other ecosystem threats can help define short- and long-term conservation actions and recommendations. While climate change is not the most severe threat, a combination of synergistic effects with other existing conditions could stress these systems to the point where several species are unable to persist. Climate change effects such as droughts and severe flooding may be particularly problematic in these communities. Climate change, however, is not likely to be as detrimental compared to impacts caused by a number of immediate threats that can cause more drastic destruction than climate change is likely to. The largest scale problem affecting mountain bogs and wetlands in general has been and continues to be the conversion of these habitats to other land uses. Table 4.3.2-1 summarizes the comparison of climate change with other existing threats. Table 4.3.2-1. Climate change compared to other threats to mountain bogs and fens. Threat Rank Order Comments
Significant amounts of mountain bog habitat have been destroyed by development (roads, housing, or other development). Ongoing residential and commercial development and conversion to pasture or agriculture continue to destroy or degrade examples, through direct and indirect effects. Conservation of riparian buffers will benefit these communities as well as aquatic communities of the streams.
Development
1
2 Droughts in the present climate appear to have exacerbated the ongoing invasion of upland and generalist wetland plants in some bogs. Protected examples are subject to ecological problems such as invasion by woody plants or by exotic species. 2 Caused by hydrological alteration that includes loss of ground water input or entrenchment/channelization of streams that lowers water tables. Drainage, water diversion, and ground water depletion make these wetlands more vulnerable to drought and increased temperatures than they would otherwise be. 3 Many bogs are located in bottomland locations that do not regularly flood but which would flood in extreme events. Damaging floods,
Invasive Species
Groundwater Depletion
Flood Regime Alteration
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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