Chapter 4 Habitats
4.3.13.3 Problems Affecting Habitats Timber Operations. Intensively managed pine plantations, urban development, a lack of fire, and subsequent habitat fragmentation continue to threaten these communities. Climate change may exacerbate some of these problems. New alternative energy development in the region, such as solar farms, natural gas fracking, and biofuel harvesting, may be an emerging threat, but it is uncertain what direct effect these will have on wildlife. Anticipated indirect impacts will include displacement from loss of habitat and loss of connectivity due to habitat fragmentation. Table 4.3.13-1 identifies the most important threats and summarizes the anticipated impacts. Invasives . Although no invasive exotic plants are a serious problem in these systems now, early detection and control of invasive exotic species (such as Cogongrass) will reduce the ecological damage caused by invasives and the cost of controlling them. Preventative measures such as forbidding sales and transport of invasive species will help reduce the risks and cost. Fire Ants are already serious cause for concern for many of the animal species that inhabit savannas. Climate Change. These systems occur mostly in low-lying areas that are unlikely to become extremely dry even in droughts. Sandhill seeps are probably more vulnerable than other community types in this group because they depend on movement of shallow ground water. Droughts would dry them up, perhaps enough for plants to experience water stress. Many species excluded from them at present by wetness may be able to invade with drought. Increased drought conditions and increased thunderstorm intensity may lead to more wildfires. These systems depend on fire and are often degraded by lack of fire. An increase in wildfires may allow some occurrences to burn in a way that is ecologically beneficial. However, wildfires in drought may be more likely to be too intense or extensive and to harm some species. If droughts are frequent enough, species of drier communities that are currently excluded by wet periods may be able to establish in them. While species of dry Longleaf Pine communities are presumably excluded from wet pine savannas by moisture, most other species are excluded more by frequent fire. Composition is unlikely to change much for sites that can be burned. Longleaf Pines are among the least susceptible trees to wind destruction, and it is unclear how significant increases in windstorms will affect them. Pines with nest cavities of the threatened Red-cockaded Woodpecker frequently snap at the cavity site because much of the internal wood has been removed by the birds. General forecasts suggest an increase in severe storms may cause more wind damage to canopy trees, especially to those with woodpecker nest cavities. Flammability of pocosins varies with season and a change in seasonal phenology that makes them flammable earlier in the season would limit prescribed burning in savannas. Changes in phenology can disrupt pollinator and predator-prey relationships. Warmer temperatures may
4 - 214
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator