Chapter 4 Habitats
Table 4.4.8-1 Climate change compared to other threats to high-elevation cliffs and rock outcrops. Threat Rank Order Comments
3 Logging and development are possible on private tracts. Development may not directly impact outcrops but may increase access and therefore trampling. 3 Trees and shrubs may invade if enough water is available during the growing season. Intrusion by alder, rhododendron, and other woody plants can cause rock outcrops to become overgrown. 4 As temperatures increase, native and exotic species from lower elevations may be able to invade these areas more easily. Coltsfoot is the most common exotic species in high-elevation rock outcrops. 5 There has been a suggestion that air pollution could be having an impact upon the high-elevation rock communities of western North Carolina ( TNC and SAFC 2000 ); however, there has not been definitive evidence of air pollution impacts upon wildlife species associated with high-elevation rock outcrops.
Development
Woody Succession
Invasive Species
Pollution
4.4.8.5 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. While high-elevation rock outcrop habitat and low-elevation cliffs/rock outcrops support many of the same animals and plants, there are species of both plants and animals that are found exclusively at high-elevation rock communities (e.g., the Rock Vole, Longtailed Shrew, Allegheny Woodrat, and several rare plant species), and others found only in low-elevation cliffs/rock outcrop habitats (e.g., the Southern Appalachian Woodrat, Spotted Skunk, and Crevice, Green, and Southern Zigzag salamanders). The elevation limit for each of these species varies; however, there are distinctions in animal assemblages in rock habitats that are defined by elevation. For many species associated with high-elevation rock outcrops, we do not currently know the entire spectrum of threats that are affecting populations due to inadequate levels of study or knowledge. Individual wildlife and plant species may face threats specific to either their particular location or the species itself. For example, Timber Rattlesnakes face threats in addition to habitat loss, including being subject to collection, disturbance of hibernacula/ gestation sites, and persecution. There has been considerable effort undertaken in the northeastern United States to determine the impact upon Allegheny Woodrat populations from a roundworm parasite that may have impacted populations in that region ( McGowan 1993; Stone et
4 - 271
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator