Chapter 5 Threats
Table 5.2-1. Chapter section and threat category description. Threat Category Section/Category Description 6 5.8 Human Intrusions and Disturbance
Threats are from human activities that alter, destroy, and disturb habitats and species associated with non-consumptive uses of biological resources. These include all recreational activities; military exercises; work; and other activities (research, vandalism, law enforcement, illegal activities). 7 5.9 Natural System Modifications Threats are from actions that convert or degrade habitat in service of “managing” natural or semi-natural systems, often to improve human welfare. These include fire and fire suppression; man-made dams and water management/use; and other ecosystem modifications (land reclamation; shoreline hardening; beach reconstruction, snag removal from streams, etc.). 8 5.10 Invasive and Other Problematic Species and Genes Threats are from nonnative and native plants, animals, pathogens/microbes, or genetic materials that have or are predicted to have harmful effects on biodiversity following their introduction, spread, and/or increase in abundance. These include invasive nonnative/alien species; problematic native species (e.g., Beavers); introduced genetic material (e.g., genetically modified insects; hatchery- or aquaculture-raised species). 9 5.11 Pollution and Contaminants Threats are from introduction of exotic and/or excess materials or energy from point and nonpoint sources. These include household sewage and urban wastewater; industrial and military effluents; agricultural and forestry effluents; garbage and solid waste; airborne pollutants; and excess energy (e.g., ambient noise, sonar, cold or hot water from power plants, beach lights, etc.). 10 5.12 Climate Change Threats are from long-term climatic changes that may be linked to global warming and other severe climatic or weather events outside the natural range of variation that could wipe out a vulnerable species or habitat. These include habitat shifting and alteration; droughts; temperature extremes; storms and flooding. 11 5.13 Disease and Pathogens Threats are from bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and parasites. These include exotic or introduced pathogens; prion (nonviral, nonbacterial) disease; and zoonotic diseases. Wildlife species may act as hosts or reservoirs.
Although some threats may create minor impacts when acting alone, the cumulative impact or the synergistic effects from multiple threats may lead to dramatic ecological changes (Fischlin et al. 2007) , so we have included information in each threat category about expected impacts to Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and priority species.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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