Chapter 4 Habitats
renourishment can also lead to more development and possibly decrease washover and increase vegetation, thus decreasing the amount of suitable nesting habitat for beach-nesting birds. Landscaping choices (e.g., introduced species such as Vitex) can also strongly affect the dune system. Shoreline protection measures can limit access to suitable sea turtle and shorebird nesting habitats. Placement of sandbags, hay bales, and riprap stones and other shoreline-hardening measures are barriers to natural sediment transfer that renourishes beaches. Hardening is often associated with protection of nearby development and exacerbates loss of natural sediment renourishment (NCCF 2024) . 4.4.17.6 Recommendations In general, conservation and restoration of natural composition and function, and conservation of surrounding natural areas are the best ways to improve the ability of these communities to adapt to climate change. Development and historically free-ranging livestock have destroyed much of the original maritime grasslands and continue to represent the most severe threats to remaining unprotected examples. Although massive changes are likely, at least some examples can survive if given sufficient protection and where natural beach cycles are allowed to operate. 4.4.17.6.1 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 over time. Priorities for conducting distributional and status surveys need to focus on species believed to be declining or mainly dependent on at-risk or sensitive communities. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Surveys are needed to document the distribution, relative abundance and status of wildlife species associated with beach/dune habitats. Priorities for conducting surveys need to focus on species believed to be declining, at risk, or mainly dependent on these communities.
• Secondary priority for surveys should be for species for which current distribution information is already available or for species that are considered common.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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