Chapter 4 Habitats
4.3.5.5 Impacts to Wildlife Appendix 3 provides a list of SGCN and other priority species for which there are knowledge gaps and management concerns. Appendix 3-17 provides a list of the SGCN that depend on or are associated with this habitat type. The few brownwater floodplains generally occur far apart on the landscape, are not hydrologically connected, and few have north-south courses, making it difficult for plants and animals confined to brownwater floodplains to move northward as suitable conditions are lost. Large patches of floodplain habitat are absent in much of the Coastal Plain. Fragmentation of stands has contributed to the loss of intact large riparian corridors, and the width of many riparian corridors has been greatly reduced. Breeding area-sensitive bottomland-hardwood birds have likely been impacted by the loss of large patches of intact woodland systems. Swallow-tailed Kite is an area-sensitive species and is now known to breed within the state along the Cape Fear River. High grading of stands has changed plant species diversity and stand vegetative structure. Forestry activities (e.g., logging) have reduced colonial waterbird and eagle nesting areas, but wading birds make more use of timber-cleared wetlands for foraging. Two cane-feeding moths are endemic to the region but also occur in blackwater floodplains and non-riverine swamp forests. Another cane-feeding moth appears to be significantly disjunct within the lower Cape Fear floodplain. Two hawthorn-feeding moths also appear to have disjunct populations in the lower Roanoke floodplain, as does the Cerulean Warbler. None of these species appear likely to be affected by climate change-related impacts. Drainage of wetlands has exacerbated the problems in and adjacent to floodplain forest habitats. This habitat loss impacts all floodplain species, including furbearers, breeding amphibians, overwintering birds, and migrant species that use these areas as stopover sites. Water quality is also an issue in certain major river drainages that negatively affects many invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Long-duration flooding has had impacts on all ground-nesting bird species. Loss of old growth characteristics (canopy gaps, vine tangles, hollow trees, dead and downed woody material) and fragmentation of stands is a major concern. A lack of standing dead or older trees has impacted the availability of quality bat and Chimney Swift roosting and breeding sites and nesting productivity for species such as the Wood Duck and Hooded Merganser. Lack of downed woody debris has impacted a variety of amphibians and reptiles. 4.3.5.6 Recommendations In general, protection and restoration of natural composition and function, and protection of surrounding natural areas are the best ways to improve the ability of these communities to adapt to climate change. Protection of a large and diverse pool of examples is the best way to ensure that many survive the future stresses.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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