Chapter 4 Habitats
habitat survey is a method of gathering information about the ecology of a site. The results of a habitat survey provide basic ecological information that can be used for biodiversity conservation, planning and/or management, including targeting of more detailed botanical or zoological investigations (Smith et al. 2011) . Repeated surveys using the same methods can provide information about conditions and changes to species assemblages and habitat composition over time. Priorities for conducting distributional and status surveys need to focus on species believed to be declining or mainly dependent on at-risk or sensitive communities.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Document Bald Eagle nesting sites. Bald Eagle
• Survey for poorly known or secretive semi-aquatic snakes. Rainbow Snake Glossy Crayfish Snake
Black Swamp Snake
• Determine the breeding and roosting status and distribution of Chimney Swifts in natural conditions along major floodplains with appropriate habitat conditions (e.g. older, hollow trees). Chimney Swift • Design specific surveys to determine status and distribution of birds not adequately picked up by the BBS in floodplain forests.
Cerulean Warbler Hooded Warbler
Kentucky Warbler Prothonotary Warbler
Swainson’s Warbler Worm-eating Warbler
• Survey for bat species that roost or forage in blackwater systems.
4.3.4.6.2 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. Monitoring of aquatic taxa is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health and gauging the resilience of organisms to a changing climate. These monitoring efforts will inform future decisions on how to manage aquatic species.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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