PINE SAVANNAH: Population/Habitat Objectives

Due to the current lack of adequate savannah habitat to support target species and the condition of remaining patches, objectives should focus on the restoration and aggressive management of both inland and maritime pine savannahs. Most of the priority species are well represented on BBS surveys (species detected in >20% of routes) or have been the focus of targetted surveys within the region. However, the Brown-headed Nuthatch is poorly represented on BBS surveys. Currently, population estimates are inadequate to establish conservation objectives. A focused study is needed to better refine habitat requirements and breeding densities so that population estimates may be generated.

Objective 1) To restore enough pine savannah habitat to support 20-25 clans (60-80 individuals) of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (pre-1980 population).

Justification: The Red-cockaded Woodpecker is in eminent danger of extinction within the planning unit. A recent comprehensive survey of the breeding range has failed to locate additional active breeding sites. Intensive management of extant clans along with extensive habitat restoration is needed to stabilize the population and bring it back to pre-1980 levels. Even so, it seems unlikely that a viable population may be maintained within the region without importing additional breeding stock from other populations.

Assumptions: It is assumed that restoration and management of old-growth pine savannahs and planning for future habitat needs will be adequate to stabilize and ultimately increase the Red-cockaded Woodpecker population. Success with projects further south support this position.

Objective 2) To manage pine savannahs to support >100 pairs of Bachman's Sparrows.

Justification: Though not as restricted in terms of habitat use as the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, the Bachman's Sparrow is also in eminent danger of extinction within the planning unit. A recent survey of the core of the species range in southeastern Virginia revealed a dramatic decline over the past 10 years. There are likely fewer than 50 breeding pairs remaining within the planning unit. Bachman's Sparrows are more sensitive to understory conditions than are Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. An understory management plan that is designed for Red-cockadeds may not be adequate to maintain habitat quality for Bachman's Sparrows. Understory vegetation within restored pine savannahs should be managed specifically for Bachman's Sparrows.

Assumptions: Managing savannah habitat with prescribed burn on a 3-5 year rotation will support Bachman's Sparrows, Prairie Warblers and the other species within the habitat suite. Several studies further south have documented the benefit of this management regime for Bachman's Sparrow. However, Bachman's Sparrows have never been documented in pine savannahs within the planning unit (likely due to the lack of such habitats in the recent past).

Objective 3) To maintain enough maritime pine savannahs to support xxx pairs of Brown-headed Nuthatches.

Justification: Trends from BBS data indicate that the Brown-headed Nuthatch has declined significantly throughout the region. However, the primary habitat within the region is poorly represented on BBS routes. Many observers within the region believe that this species has declined more sharply than has been indicated by BBS trends. The Brown-headed Nuthatch reaches its highest density within maritime pine savannahs and is the best indicator species for this ecosystem. Where they currently exist, maritime savannahs need to be identified and protected from further degradation. Where they have been lost, restoration should be considered where appropriate.

Assumptions: Restoring and maintaining adequate maritime savannahs for Brown-headed Nuthatches will have a significant positive influence on populations of Prairie Warblers, Chuck-will's-widows, and other species within the habitat suite.