Chapter 4 Habitats
At least six taxa are endemic to northern hardwood forests in the southern Appalachians; three others may also fall in this category but have not yet been formally described as separate subspecies. Additionally, one moth appears to be a major disjunct from the northern Appalachians, and several others are likely to have a similar distribution but are presently too poorly known. All species listed for this ecosystem group are likely to be strongly affected by climate change, as well as the effects of increased fragmentation. 4.4.4.6 Recommendations Although occupying a larger area and probably somewhat more resilient than Spruce-Fir forests, this habitat group contains a similar high proportion of endemics and major disjuncts, the loss of which cannot be replaced. Along with the Spruce-Fir forests, northern hardwood forests should be considered as one of the most threatened by climate change and should receive a high priority for intervention. Like the Spruce-Fir forests, a substantial amount of the acreage of this group is located on public lands or on other conservation lands. Consequently, intervention should be easier to implement for northern hardwood forests than for many others. 4.4.4.6.1 Surveys Surveys are systematic and scientific methods of collecting information about the distribution, abundance, and ecology of wildlife or their habitats in a specific area at a specific time. A habitat survey is a method of gathering information about the ecology of a site. The results of a habitat survey provide basic ecological information that can be used for biodiversity conservation, planning and/or management, including targeting of more detailed botanical or zoological investigations (Smith et al. 2011) . Repeated surveys using the same methods can provide information about conditions and changes to species assemblages and habitat composition over time. Priorities for conducting distributional and status surveys need to focus on species believed to be declining or mainly dependent on at-risk or sensitive communities. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Fill in distribution gaps for Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel. Continue survey work on distributions within and between known populations. Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel • Obtain baseline data on SGCN and priority species, especially species that depend on high- elevation forests. Fill in distribution gaps for Northern Saw-whet Owl, which is known to use high-elevation hardwood stands. Northern Saw-whet Owl
4 - 246
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator