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Status and Trends of Terrestrial Vertebrate Species

Natural Heritage classifies 86 percent of southern vertebrate species as secure or apparently secure. The populations of these species appear to be resilient; some species such as white-tailed deer, and beaver have rebounded despite incredible odds. Population trends are positive for several big game, small game, and waterfowl species. In addition, the long-term population projections for several furbearer species appear stable or increasing.

In contrast, declines in the populations of northern bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, and woodcock warrant further management focus. The decline in breeding populations of grassland and shrubland nesting birds also is a concern in the region. The numerous species with G1, G2, or G3 conservation ranks suggest that these vertebrates are sensitive to changes in their environment. Identifying the factors that contribute to the declines of these species may be useful for predicting future conditions. Several of these factors, as well as their associated conservation measures, are examined in Chapter TERRA-5.

Significant losses of community biodiversity have occurred throughout the region. Several communities have been classified as critically endangered, endangered, or threatened. An additional 24 communities have been identified as having a 50-percent loss of presettlement area. It is critical to halt further losses of these communities and to raise public awareness through education.

There appears to be a commonality of threats to sensitive species and communities of the South. Many species and communities experienced declines associated with human disturbance and settlement patterns. The growth of human populations in the South will continue to pressure species and the communities that support them. Vertebrate species and their associated habitats are influenced by urban development, fire suppression, agricultural practices, forest pest and exotic species outbreaks, and recreation activity. Other species are rare due to restrictive or specialized habitat conditions (Chapter TERRA-2).

The future of a majority of these sensitive species and communities in the South depends on active restoration and management. Restoration complements species conservation by maintaining habitat composition, structure, and function. Activities that mimic natural disturbance are particularly important. Prescribed burning can enhance herbaceous diversity and control structural characteristics. Other treatments are useful for suppressing woody growth and enhancing the vigor of other species. These management techniques are described further in Chapter TERRA-4.