Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Initiate long-term monitoring for breeding neotropical migrants (especially ground-nesters and cavity-nesters), bats and small mammals (e.g. moles, shrews, rodents), amphibians that use woody debris as a microhabitat, and Timber Rattlesnakes and other secretive reptiles. Neotropical migratory birds Bats Small mammals Amphibians Reptiles Timber Rattlesnake
• Monitor tree infestations and diseases to document potentially destructive organisms shortly after they show up, while there is still a chance to contain or eradicate the pest.
• Develop standardized monitoring programs analogous to the Breeding Bird Survey for reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. Of particular interest is trend information for those species dependent upon snags and woody debris. Amphibians Reptiles Small mammals 4.4.12.6.3 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. Increased understanding of life histories and status helps determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying possibilities for improved management and conservation. All studies should provide recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Formal descriptions for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxonomic status are needed. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Research and identify important wildlife crossing areas; evaluate connectivity issues between intact and fragmented habitats used by priority species; work with partners to improve crossing and connectivity. • Conduct long-term and large-scale replicated studies that have controlled experimental approaches and that focus on population demographics and the response of species to habitat manipulations, where appropriate, for oak/mixed hardwoods forest taxa including birds, bats, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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