Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • For many of the priority species associated with mountain bogs, we do not have a clear understanding of their current distribution within the state. Surveys need to gather baseline information on the distribution and status of most of these species. 4.3.2.6.2 Monitoring Monitoring involves repeated observation and recording of specific parameters to show trends over time. Long-term monitoring that includes statistical and quantitative analysis in the design is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health and gauging the resilience of organisms to changing conditions (Gitzen et al. 2012, Lindenmayer and Likens 2009) . Monitoring efforts should include identification of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from conservation or development activities. These efforts will inform species and habitat management decisions. Long-term monitoring sites need to be identified, and monitoring protocols developed for all priority species. Monitoring plans should be coordinated with other existing monitoring programs where feasible. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Given the limited availability and number of threats facing mountain bog habitat, considerable effort needs to be expended to determine if populations are increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable.
• Monitor amphibian populations to detect incidence of fungal and viral infections (e.g., iridoviruses, chytridiomycosis).
• Monitor connectivity of populations separated by fragmentation.
• If Beaver activity is detected in nearby streams, monitor to detect problems from flooding or inundation.
4.3.2.6.3 Research Most species and their interrelationship associated with this habitat are poorly understood. Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding, competition, and food web dynamics. Research must also be conducted to determine vulnerability of priority species to specific threats and studies should provide recommendations
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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