Chapter 4 Habitats
Floodplains are also important as movement corridors for mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Birds use riparian corridors at all times of the year, and these areas are especially important to neotropical migrants during the migration periods. Indeed, floodplain forests generally have the highest nesting bird concentrations in the state, and they are arguably the most important habitats for birds. Floodplain pools that occur in small depressions and are flooded for a portion of the year generally have few or no trees and are especially important sites for breeding amphibians such as Spotted Salamanders, Marbled Salamanders, Four-toed Salamanders, and many frogs. 4.3.6.6 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. 4.3.6.6.1 Surveys Distributional and status surveys need to focus on species believed to be declining or mainly dependent on at-risk or sensitive natural communities.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Design specific surveys to determine status and distribution of birds not adequately picked up by the Breeding Bird Survey in floodplain forests.
Cerulean Warbler Hooded Warbler
Kentucky Warbler Prothonotary Warbler
Swainson’s Warbler Worm-eating Warbler
• Determine the status and distribution of Wayne’s Black-throated Green Warbler.
Wayne’s Black-throated Green Warbler
• Determine the status and distribution of colonial nesting waterbirds and kites. Anhinga Mississippi Kite Swallow-tailed Kite Yellow-crowned Night Heron • Determine the breeding and roosting status and distribution of the Chimney Swift in natural conditions along major floodplains with appropriate habitat conditions (e.g., older, hollow trees).
Chimney Swift
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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