Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Conduct distributional surveys for all SGCN and priority species.
3.1.10.2 Monitoring Monitoring involves repeated observation and recording of specific parameters to show trends over time. Long-term monitoring that includes statistical and quantitative analysis in the design is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health and gauging the resilience of organisms to changing conditions (Gitzen et al. 2012, Lindenmayer and Likens 2009) . Monitoring efforts should include identification of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from conservation or development activities. These efforts will inform species and habitat management decisions. Monitoring plans should be coordinated with other existing monitoring programs where feasible. Priority Conservation Action, Examples of Focal Species or Focal Habitats • Use inventory and monitoring efforts to build historical data that can be compared over time to identify population trends. Develop and maintain online databases with analytical and visualization capabilities. • Long-term monitoring sites need to be identified and monitoring protocols developed for all SGCN and priority species. Coordinate monitoring and collaborate with other monitoring programs. • Monitor known populations of SGCN that are potentially endemic to the state or otherwise have limited distribution to specific habitats or localities (e.g., high elevations, rock outcrops, isolated wetlands). 3.1.10.3 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.
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
3 - 16
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator