Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Determine the current baseline distribution and status of species mainly associated with dry coniferous forest (especially those that are state listed or believed to be declining). Data are most severely lacking for reptiles, small mammals, and nocturnal birds. Nocturnal birds Small mammals Reptiles • Survey White Pine forest for breeding birds and other fauna. This habitat might now be used by species that formerly occurred in Canada Hemlock stands that have now shifted to White Pine habitats. 4.4.11.6.2 Monitoring Long-term monitoring is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health over time and gauging the resilience of organisms to a changing climate. These efforts will inform future decisions on how to manage species and their habitats. Studies should include identification of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from conservation or development activities. Long-term monitoring sites need to be identified and monitoring protocols developed for all priority species. Monitoring plans should be coordinated with other existing monitoring programs where feasible. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Establish long-term monitoring efforts for small mammals and reptiles in the habitat. Monitoring protocols and procedures need to be developed or refined that will allow us to measure population trends of the priority wildlife species, as well as the health and distribution of this relatively rare habitat through time.
• Enhance current monitoring systems and protocols (e.g., MAPS and BBS) to better cover species not well covered by current monitoring efforts.
4.4.11.6.3 Research Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding, competition, and food web dynamics.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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