Chapter 4 Habitats
allow an increase in abundance or rate of spread of Fire Ants and other invasive species. Mild winters, with decreased cold damage, may allow species from the south to move into North Carolina. These systems range well to the south of North Carolina. They and their component species are well adapted to warm temperatures. Increased temperatures might increase the range of these systems in the northern Coastal Plain and in Virginia. Most plants in these systems have limited dispersal ability even locally, so any influx of native species from the south is likely to be slow. The widespread conversion of potential sites in this region, the fragmented distribution of examples, and their dependence on fire make natural expansion difficult. 4.3.13.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats Comparing climate change to other ecosystem threats can help define short- and long-term conservation actions and recommendations. While climate change is not the most severe threat, a combination of synergistic effects with other existing conditions could stress these systems to the point where several species are unable to persist. The effect of a changed climate is likely to vary widely among examples of these communities, depending on topographic sheltering, configuration of rocks, soil depth, size of groundwater pools, and amount of overland runoff. These systems are tied to specialized small environments and will be unable to migrate as the climate changes. Many may change very little, while a few will shrink, will be disturbed by wind or flood, or will change substantially because of temperature changes or drought. A small net loss of acreage may occur, but more seeps may be temporarily affected by drought. Table 4.3.13-1 summarizes the comparison of climate change with other existing threats.
Table 4.3.13-1 Climate change compared to other threats to wet pine savannas.
Rank Order
Threat
Comments
1 Conversion for subdivisions, businesses, and golf courses permanently reduces available habitat and increases stormwater runoff. 2 The threat of agricultural conversion has reduced in recent years (having greatly reduced habitat historically), but conversion to pine plantation continues.
Development
Conversion to agriculture/ silviculture
Many of the drier areas have been cleared for agriculture or converted to intensive forestry operations or development. Increased habitat fragmentation can create islands that become population sinks. Conversion of pine production to biofuel production will increase rotation periods and remove slash debris.
Logging/ Exploitation
2
3 In the current settled landscape, these systems depend on prescribed burning for the fire they need. Inadequate fire is the greatest threat
Fire
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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