CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^96Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata Mole Kingsnake 2
Lampropeltis getula nigra Black Kingsnake 3
Masticophis flagellum Eastern Coachwhip 3
Drymarchon couperi Eastern Indigo Snake 4
THREATS TO DRY-MESIC HARDWOOD FOREST COMMUNITIES
Forestry Conversion high
Incompatible Forestry Practices high
Invasive Species medium
Urban/Suburban Development medium
Air-borne Pollutants low
Industrial Development: Locally Important low
Incompatible Grazing Practices: Locally Important low
PRIORITY CONSERVATION ACTIONS
A Plan and conduct additional research (i.e. habitat needs, status surveys, breeding status, disease,
etc.) on SGCN.
A Encourage and improve management of habitat by controlled burning at necessary frequencies
and seasons.
A Develop/implement/continue recovery plans for individual SGCN.
A Encourage restoration and improved management of altered/degraded habitat when possible.
A Encourage and improve agricultural/forestry/watershed land-use planning and BMPs to address
nonpoint pollution, erosion and water quality issues.
A Discourage incompatible forestry practices such as bedding as a method of site preparation and
planting extremely high stocking densities.
A Encourage retention, preservation, and conservation of remaining natural habitat through
purchase, easements or MOAs.
A Monitor/limit commercial/residential/industrial point source erosion and sedimentation or
pollution into streams/atmosphere.
A Develop/improve urban/suburban/infrastructure land use development planning/zoning to
address SGCN habitats.
A Control exotic and invasive species (plant and animal).
A Enhance viability of SGCN by providing habitat corridors between disjunct populations or
subpopulations.
A Provide public education about conservation of SGCN and/or their habitats.
A Improve enforcement of existing species protection regulations.
A Promote and develop landowner incentive and assistance programs for conservation of SGCN
and their habitats.