Project Description

Project Completion:  June 2017. This project has now been completed.
Principal Investigator(s): Nick Haddad, Department of Applied Ecology, NC State University
Implements Science Plan Theme: 1, 2, and 4

Key Points

• Studied the benefits of habitat connection as a climate adaptation strategy
• Made connectivity maps and provided management suggestions
• Studies focused on 3 animals with varied traits and life histories (bat, bear, snake)

Overview

Climate change is already affecting biodiversity. Warmer temperatures shift the ranges of species as they move to cooler places. As species shift their range, their path is often blocked by habitat fragmentation. The most common strategy to protect wildlife in this situation is to connect their habitats, giving them a safe passage. 

We partnered with South Atlantic LCC members for previous research on this topic. We studied current and projected habitat connectivity for three animals. The species were the black bear (Ursus americanus), Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) and the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). These animals inhabit bottomland hardwoods throughout the Southeast US. We observed large variations in connectivity across geographical areas, time periods, and species. These results gave us more questions about what connections are the most important.

In this project, we extended our previous research through four different techniques. This gave us more detail of connectivity in the region. We found low overlap between our connectivity maps and other related connectivity maps. We then made new detailed connectivity maps. These maps give suggestions on how to manage habitat for the three focal species. Maps suggested management actions for both present and future conditions. We also identified key core habitats and links in longleaf pine habitat.

With this data collected, we considered its practical uses. Resource management faces challenges like changing climate and limited resources. We made a strategy for assessing the balance between creating connectivity and working within a set budget. Our results allow managers and other stakeholders to make realistic decisions. There are many key areas of connectivity in the southeastern US. This project provided information on how to effectively conserve connectivity areas under limiting factors.