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CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,

THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^98

LOCATION, SIZE, CONDITION AND CONSERVATION STATUS

EGCP, UEGCP

Natural stands of dry-mesic shortleaf/loblolly pine forests are found in small and
large patches throughout the central and northern part of Mississippi. Shortleaf
pine forests are usually found in smaller patches on narrow ridgetops. The pine
stands are interspersed with plantations, cutover areas and hardwood stands.
There are approximately 2.2 million acres of this subtype in Mississippi, (7.2% of
state land area).

Increased stocking densities and lack of fire has decreased the quality of this
extensive and widespread subtype. Some mature stands are managed by thinning
and controlled burns. These thinned stands have a more productive ground cover and prove more
valuable for wildlife. Many of the better managed stands are found in state wildlife management areas.

Dry-mesic shortleaf/loblolly pine forests are apparently secure, but there is some cause for long-term
concern due to insufficient use of prescribed fire and increased stocking density for timber production.

SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED ASSOCIATED WITH
DRY-MESIC SHORTLEAF/LOBLOLLY PINE FORESTS

GROUP SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME TIER
Birds Falco sparverius paulus Southeastern American Kestrel 1
Picoides borealis Red-Cockaded Woodpecker 2
Aimophila aestivalis Bachman's Sparrow 2
Sitta pusilla Brown-Headed Nuthatch 3
Caprimulgus carolinensis Chuck-Will's-Widow 3
Colinus virginianus Northern Bobwhite 3
Dendroica discolor Prairie Warbler 3
Melanerpes erythrocephalus Red-Headed Woodpecker 3
Scolopax minor American Woodcock 3
Mammals Ursus americanus luteolus Louisiana Black Bear 1
Lasiurus cinereus Hoary Bat 2
Lasiurus intermedius Northern Yellow Bat 2
Myotis septentrionalis Northern Myotis 2
Myotis lucifugus Little Brown Myotis 2
Spilogale putorius Eastern Spotted Skunk 2
Lasionycteris noctivagans Silver-Haired Bat 4
Reptiles Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi Black Pine Snake 1
Ophisaurus attenuatus Slender Glass Lizard 2
Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata Mole Kingsnake 2
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise 2
Crotalus adamanteus Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake 2

1. 4 Dry-Mesic
   Range of Dry-Mesic (dry to
   moderately moist) Shortleaf/
   Loblolly Pine Forests