Chapter 5 Threats
Smith 2012). In addition to the ubiquitous species identified by the NCDOT Roadside Environmental Unit as invasive (Smith 2012) , there are others that may not yet be as widespread but are emerging concerns because of their potential negative impacts to wildlife and habitats. These include Cogongrass, Beach Vitex, and various genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) bores in ash trees, ultimately killing them, and all four of the native ash species (White, Green, Carolina, and Pumpkin [ Fraxinus spp.]) found in the state are susceptible to attack (NCFS 2015) . Mountain Ash ( Sorbus sp.), which is not considered a true ash, is not susceptible. When EAB is known to be present, there is a risk of long-distance dispersal through transportation of ash wood products from an infested area to an uninfested area. Treatment of infected trees requires destruction of infected wood by cutting down dead or dying trees and chipping, burning, or burying the wood on the site. Quarantines will be placed for areas where EAB has been detected (currently Granville, Person, and Vance counties). The quarantine prohibits the movement of any part of an ash tree, the insect itself, and all hardwood (deciduous) firewood from a quarantined area into an area outside the quarantine. Firewood refers to wood that is cut to less than four feet in length. Additional information is available from the NC Forest Service. Kudzu is likely the most recognizable example of an introduced, nonnative species used for biological control that has become a serious invasive problem. In the case of Kudzu, it was originally planted as a ground cover and control for erosion but is now a widespread invasive that takes extensive and repeated treatment to eradicate on a local level. A more recent example includes the release of a beetle species that specializes in an introduced, exotic thistle species. In this case, the beetle has been found to spillover from its weedy, invasive host plant onto multiple nontarget native species, which has ultimately resulted in impacts to native thistle populations in some areas of the United States (Louda et al. 1997; Louda 1998; Rand and Louda 2004; Blitzer et al . 2012) . The Nutria is a mammal native to South America that was introduced to North Carolina in the 1950s. Several populations became established in coastal counties by the 1970s. Their populations have grown, and Nutria can now be found in Piedmont rivers and large streams. Nutria feed on numerous grasses and wetland plants and can eat approximately 25% of their body weight daily. At high densities and under certain conditions, foraging Nutria can significantly impact natural plant communities. Most damage caused by Nutria comes from overgrazing and burrowing into the banks of impoundments, earthen dams, and other waterbody foundations, which can weaken these structures. In North Carolina, they compete for food and burrows with native Muskrats. Coyotes have naturally spread to North Carolina from their native range in central and western North America. They can be found in habitats ranging from grasslands to forests but have also adapted to suburban and urban conditions. Coyotes prey on a variety of animals and plant materials. They will also consume carrion and hunt pets. Their adaptable nature allows them to outcompete foxes and generally replace the niche occupied by wolves. In fact, they have
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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