WILDLIFE USE OF SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN WETLANDS IN NORTH-CAROLINA

Wetlands provide structurally diverse habitats attractive to varied wi ldlife, both generalist and wetland specialist species. Wetlands in we stern North Carolina occupy a minor portion of the landscape, yet prov ide essential habitat for rare wildlife species. Structural features o f western North Carolina wetlands that influence wildlife occurrence i nclude meadows interspersed with shrub thickets, snags and hollow tree s, fallen logs, deep mud and rivulets, and pools. Species lists keyed to structural features are presented.