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WHY PLAN FOR LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION? <br /> Habitat connectivity is key <br /> The loss of biological diversity in North Carolina—across all <br /> plant and animal groups—is primarily caused by habitat loss <br /> and fragmentation. As human population density increases, <br /> existing conservation lands are becoming disconnected from <br /> other natural habitats by roads, development, and other BObcat <br /> causes of habitat fragmentation. In the face of increasing s Ik.'. <br /> threats, including climate change, wildlife species need <br /> protected corridors between habitat areas to survive and 711 <br /> thrive. Connecting wildlife habitat also secures benefits for 9 <br /> water quality, native plants, the local economy (including <br /> working farms and forests), and public health. <br /> Planning for and implementing landscape conservation is the <br /> only way to address these issues. Without a plan for 1 <br /> landscape conservation, the existing patchwork of c' <br /> conservation lands will become further isolated, and wildlife <br /> populations will decline. A proactive approach to coordinate <br /> conservation action across communities is needed. 41 <br /> This collaborative project identifies a network of priority <br /> habitats and corridors that, if protected, restored, or Eas ern box turtle <br /> reconnected (through improved wildlife crossing structures), <br /> can support wildlife populations and other ecosystem <br /> services. The wildlife species considered in this project—such <br /> as the Eastern box turtle, Four-toed salamander, and Bobcat <br /> —are identified as species in need of conservation by the NC <br /> Wildlife Resources Commission and the NC Natural Heritage ,� t <br /> Program. <br /> • <br /> This project also reviewed local government policies, <br /> ordinances, and conservation priorities to generate r ; .r <br /> recommendations for landscape conservation planning and <br /> implementation. <br /> Four-toed salamander <br /> �.1 <br /> r � <br /> i �4 � rM <br /> Photo Credit Melissa McGaw <br /> f�l<°drrnation on this project including how to support these efforts,please visit https://ncbg.unc.edu/eno-new-hope-plan <br />