Chapter 4 Habitats
4.3.10.6.3 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
• Examine the relationship between habitat patch size and nesting success of shrubland birds and habitat use by small mammals. Shrubland birds Small mammals • Determine the best ways to burn these sites or develop alternative management strategies and methods that will mimic the effects of fire at sites where birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians are being monitored. • Determine how the use of chipping (using a hydro-ax or other heavy chipping machinery) midstory and understory vegetation affects the plant and animal communities. This practice is becoming more common, particularly in areas where Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are present.
• Conduct studies to obtain basic demographic information on priority birds, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.
4.3.10.6.4 Management Practices Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergistically with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources. Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their habitats, and improving degraded habitats. Restoration priorities should include consideration of actions recommended in the North Carolina Natural and Working Lands Action Plan (NCDEQ 2020) , Executive Order 305 (NCOG 2024) , and a soon-to-be-published pocosin restoration map being developed by researchers at Duke University.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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