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CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,

THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^111

with high pine stocking rates. Even-aged stands often form a closed canopy that strongly restricts
competition. However, once a stand is thinned, more light will reach the forest floor and herb and
shrubs will return. Longer term rotations will allow pines sufficient time to mature. As trees are thinned
in mature pine stands, herbs and shrubs will become more productive.

LOCATION, SIZE, CONDITION AND CONSERVATION STATUS
EGCP, UEGCP

In all upland regions of the state except the Mississippi Delta, parts of the loess
hills and the blackbelt regions, there has been significant conversion of forest
and abandoned croplands to pine plantations, which are estimated to cover
almost 14 percent of the state (over 4 million acres). Parcels range widely in
size but can reach several thousand acres in extent on the most suitable areas.
Blocks of plantations are interspersed with natural regeneration forests,
shrublands, croplands and urban/suburban areas.

Pine tree density is significantly higher in plantations and the understory cover is reduced accordingly.
Some birds find plantations suitable for foraging habitat, and deer and turkey use the heavy cover for
concealment. Understory productivity increases as plantations are thinned. Establishing hardwood trees,
leaving mature mast trees in the plantation, decreasing stocking densities and using controlled burns to
manage brush encroachment can improve the pine plantations for wildlife.

Plantations are a secure subtype as they are common, widespread, and abundant in the state.

SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED ASSOCIATED WITH
PINE PLANTATIONS

GROUP SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME TIER
Amphibians Rana areolata Crawfish Frog 2
Bufo nebulifer Gulf Coast Toad 3
Birds Aimophila aestivalis Bachman's Sparrow 2
Limnothlypis swainsonii Swainson's Warbler 2
Colinus virginianus Northern Bobwhite 3
Scolopax minor American Woodcock 3
Dendroica discolor Prairie Warbler 3
Hylocichla mustelina Wood Thrush 3
Oporornis formosus Kentucky Warbler 3
Caprimulgus carolinensis Chuck-Will's-Widow 3
Sitta pusilla Brown-Headed Nuthatch 3
Mammals Myotis lucifugus Little Brown Myotis 2
Zapus hudsonius Meadow Jumping Mouse 2
Spilogale putorius Eastern Spotted Skunk 2

Range of Pine Plantations