Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Expand and/or target monitoring systems to assess current population status and trend information for priority wildlife species associated with Spruce-Fir forests.
• Establish mechanisms for monitoring the distribution and condition of Spruce-Fir habitats over time, including examples of restored forest.
• Monitor phenology of priority species and Spruce-Fir communities in relation to climate change.
• Monitor microhabitat and microclimate characteristics in Spruce-Fir salamander communities in relation to climate change.
4.4.3.6.3 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. Increased understanding of life histories and status helps determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying possibilities for improved management and conservation. All studies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Formal descriptions for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxonomic status are needed.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Conduct studies to explore the degree of endemism of Southern Appalachian populations.
Black-capped Chickadee Pine Siskin
Red Crossbill
Northern Saw-whet Owl
• Conduct studies to explore the degree of genetic isolation of species restricted to high elevations.
Weller’s Salamander Northern Saw-whet Owl
Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel
Rock Shrew Rock Vole
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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