Chapter 4 Habitats
al. 1993 ), though no studies have been conducted in North Carolina to assess the level of threat posed to North Carolina woodrat populations.
The decline of Peregrine Falcons during the last half of the 20th century has been widely attributed to the use of DDT and its concomitant effect on bird reproduction. The use of DDT was banned, and Peregrine Falcon restoration efforts occurred in the late 1980s and 1990s; however, the falcons still face threats due to habitat loss to development and recreation impacts at individual cliff sites. Furthermore, the North Carolina population remains at fairly low density, thereby increasing the threat of stochastic events having significant population impacts. The insect fauna of high-elevation rock outcrops is not yet well studied, and a number of additional species may yet be added. The landscape requirements of these guilds also need more study. Two endemic spiders in the Lampshade genus ( Hypochilus ) would be particularly vulnerable to extinction if they are intolerant to increases in temperature and drought, which seems likely (Huff and Coyle 1992) . Their current restriction to extremely small ranges suggests that they have only a low level of dispersal ability and may be unable to shift their ranges fast enough to keep up with environmental change. Competition with the more widespread Lampshade Weaver ( H. pococki ) spider may further limit their ability to shift their ranges. 4.4.8.6 Recommendations Of all the habitats in the state, this ecosystem is among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This habitat type cannot be created, thereby making conservation the only option for these unique areas. Given the high number of endemics and disjuncts, climate- related changes greatly threaten biodiversity here. Several of the species face outright extinction and others, if lost, are unlikely to ever recover within the region. Priority should be given to several measures that may secure them enough time and space to survive both short-term environmental disturbances as well as adapt to longer-term changes in the climate. Since virtually all examples of this theme are located on public lands and already managed to preserve their natural features, implementation of recommended interventions should be feasible. 4.4.8.6.1 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
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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