Chapter 4 Habitats
4.4.17.6.3 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 • Identify causal factors responsible for low beach-nesting bird reproductive success; initiate predator impact studies (e.g., Ghost Crabs, Fire Ants, gulls, foxes, Raccoons, Coyotes, feral cats, etc.) (Wolcott and Wolcott 1999) .
• Experiment more with creation of overwash fans or ephemeral ponds for nesting or foraging birds.
• Continue sea turtle DNA research to better determine nesting habits and needs.
• Work with owners and managers of buildings containing nesting Least Terns to increase reproductive success while allowing owners/managers to maintain good public relations.
4.4.17.6.4 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 • Although protected by law in North Carolina, feral horse herds should be restricted from some areas where they currently roam free. Such restrictions would be particularly beneficial at Shackleford Banks and Currituck National Wildlife Refuge (Porter et al. 2014) . Fence off portions of barrier islands where feral horses still occur to allow recovery of maritime grassland communities. Shackleford Banks Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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