Chapter 4 Habitats
4.3.7.6.3 Research 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 SGCN and other priority species to specific threats and studies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Investigate how reduction in freshwater marsh and increases in higher salinity areas affect alligators. American Alligator
• Conduct research on fire management in marsh habitats to determine optimal frequency, timing, and firing techniques (e.g., flanking fire, back fire) to benefit priority birds.
• Investigate population densities, population growth rates, dispersal range, and extent of property damage from Nutria burrowing and herbivory.
• Determine what circumstances cause organic soils to rapidly decay in coastal wetlands.
4.3.7.6.4 Management Practices Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergistically with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources. Needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their habitats, and improving degraded habitats.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Explore techniques for restoring tidal swamp forest and wetlands.
• Consider planting Bald Cypress to create the next shoreline as sea level rises and blocking ditches to slow saltwater flow into the interior of freshwater tidal marsh as a measure to reduce erosion and buy time for habitat migration inland.
4 - 173
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator