Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Conduct studies to explore the degree of hybridization between Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel and Southern Flying Squirrel.
Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel
Southern Flying Squirrel
• Conduct research on population demographics including trends, population structure, survivorship, reproduction, and population viability for all Spruce-Fir associated species/groups.
• Species phenology needs to be investigated, especially where there are endemic populations.
4.4.3.6.4 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. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Develop and/or implement techniques for managing pure spruce stands to include habitat components of the entire Spruce-Fir/northern hardwood community (i.e., thinning or canopy gaps).
• Restore spruce to natural abundance in ecologically appropriate locations where canopy density has been reduced (SASRI 2015) .
• Develop capacity to store seed and grow genetically appropriate spruce seedlings to support resilient restoration projects in the face of climate change (SASRI 2015) .
• Test silvicultural techniques to reintroduce spruce into formerly disturbed areas that have regenerated in northern hardwood communities (i.e., release treatments and underplanting).
• Protect Spruce-Fir communities from wildfire, as this is an important action that can be taken to save the remnants of these communities.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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