Wildlife Habitat
Wildlife Habitat
"[UNCA's] Urban Forest is valuable because of its forest cover, representing the terminus of the urban-wildland interface that connects from Dortch Avenue through the Botanical Gardens, Chestnut Ridge (the observatory area), Beaver Lake, and Reynolds Mountain to all of the protected lands in the Craggy Mountains (Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and the Woodfin and Asheville watersheds).
It is this swath of continuous forest that allows our campus to support populations of bears, wild turkeys, breeding wood thrushes, pileated woodpeckers, box turtles and many other species." UNC Asheville Biology Professor, David Clarke [See UNC Asheville Urban Forest valuable to students, wildlife, community; preservation is key]
Urban forests play a crucial role in providing continuity of habitat by connecting fragmented natural areas. They act as ecological corridors that allow wildlife to move between different green spaces within a developed urban landscape. This helps to mitigate the negative effects of habitat fragmentation caused by construction and development.
UNCA's Urban Forest in the Five Points Neighborhood is a home to many species who rely on this habitat.
Wildlife in the Woods
Raptors and Raptor Nesting
UNCA's woods is a known raptor nesting ground.
Raptor Protection: Safeguarding Birds of Prey Under State and Federal Law
Raptors—birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures—play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. These birds are protected by a combination of federal and state laws designed to ensure their survival and prevent harm from human activities.
Federal Protections for Raptors
Several federal laws protect raptors across the United States:
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA): This law makes it illegal to hunt, capture, kill, sell, or transport most native raptor species without a special permit. It applies to birds, their nests, eggs, and feathers.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act: Specifically safeguarding bald and golden eagles, this law prohibits disturbing, harming, or possessing these eagles without authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA): Raptors listed as endangered or threatened receive additional protections, including habitat preservation and strict regulations on activities that could impact their populations.
State-Level Protections
In addition to federal laws, many states have their own regulations to protect raptors. These laws may include:
Prohibiting the collection, injury, or disturbance of raptors and their nests
Regulating falconry and rehabilitation practices
Enforcing stricter penalties for harming state-listed species of concern
What You Can Do to Help Protect Raptors
Observe from a distance – Never disturb nesting sites or attempt to handle wild raptors.
Report violations – If you witness illegal activity involving raptors, contact local wildlife authorities.
Support conservation efforts – Participate in habitat restoration projects and advocate for raptor-friendly policies.
By saving the woods and respecting and following these laws, we can ensure that raptors continue to thrive in UNCA's urban forest.
