Chapter 4 Habitats
Table 4.4.4-1 Climate change compared to other threats to northern hardwood forest.
Rank Order
Threat
Comments
2 Logging alters forest structure and composition by removing mature canopy trees and can cause fragmentation in larger stands. Clearcutting negatively affects the availability of mycorrhizal fungi and lichens that are a major part of the Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel’s diet as reviewed in Loeb et al. (2000) . However, cleared areas may provide increased flowering plant food and nesting resources for native bee species (Romey et al. 2007) . In one study, significant increases in native bee species diversity, richness, and abundance were a direct response to logging (Romey et al. 2007) . 3 Gypsy Moth, Emerald Ash Borer, and other invasive species can lead to local destruction of habitat, which may contribute to changes in animal community composition.
Logging/ Exploitation
Invasive Species/ Pathogens
4.4.4.5 Impacts to Wildlife Appendix 3 provides a list of SGCN and other priority species for which there are knowledge gaps and management concerns. Appendix 3-17 (wildlife) and Appendix 3-22 (plants) identify SGCN that depends on or are associated with this habitat type. Northern hardwood forests provide habitat for numerous wildlife species that also rely heavily on Spruce-Fir forests. Because of the spatial relationship between them, and the fact that they share many ecological components and plant species, northern hardwood forests are critical to maintaining many species of birds and mammals dependent upon Spruce-Fir habitats. In addition, northern hardwood plant species may be critical components of Spruce-Fir habitats even in their sub-dominant role. Consider, for example, the fact that many Spruce-Fir- dependent wildlife species are cavity nesters. Yellow Birch, beech, Sugar Maple, and Buckeye often provide more natural cavities and decaying wood than spruce or fir for species such as Northern Flying Squirrels, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Saw- whet Owls, and other wildlife. There is a major concern about salamanders, as this is a key ecosystem group for rare and southern Appalachian endemic species. On the other hand, the bird species are all more common and widespread farther northward, though a few species may become rare in the state. The aging of many northern hardwood stands has resulted in closed canopy conditions and decreasing habitat for bird species that rely on diverse understory development such as the Canada Warbler.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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