Chapter 4 Habitats
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Conduct habitat use and life-history studies for bat species that may potentially use this habitat. Eastern Small-footed Bat Hoary Bat Silver-haired Bat Northern Long-eared Bat • Study population responses of plant and wildlife species to habitat manipulations (large-scale prescribed burning, oak savannah creation, canopy gap creation, etc.). • Conduct Green Salamander movement studies either around embedded rock outcrops or between rock outcrops. Green Salamander • Establish studies to determine both direct and indirect impacts of pest control measures upon oak forest-dependent species. Example questions are ‘What is the impact of Gypsy Moth control strategies upon local and landscape scale wildlife populations?’ and ‘What is the impact upon invertebrates that serve as food for vertebrates?’ 4.4.13.6.4 Management Practices Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergistically with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources. Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their habitats, and improving degraded habitats.
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats
• Restore highly degraded stands; options include clear cutting and managing succession to control invasive species (i.e., ecological forestry).
• Foster efforts to understand and implement appropriate management techniques (e.g., prescribed fire or thinning) for the benefit of the broadest array of oak forest-dependent wildlife, while taking into account specific needs of wildlife with more restrictive requirements (Artman and Downhower 2003; Ford et al. 2000;) . • Manage existing conservation lands, including the use of prescribed burning to diversify structure and composition of forest understory, and other silvicultural techniques to promote regeneration. This provides an array of age class and structural composition and promotes long-term economic sustainability of montane oak forests.
4 - 314
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator