CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^112Reptiles Eumeces anthracinus pluvialis Southern Coal Skink 2
Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster Prairie Kingsnake 2
Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata Mole Kingsnake 2
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise 2
Lampropeltis triangulum syspila Red Milk Snake 2
Ophisaurus attenuatus Slender Glass Lizard 2
Crotalus adamanteus Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake 2
Lampropeltis getula nigra Black Kingsnake 3
Masticophis flagellum Eastern Coachwhip 3
Drymarchon couperi Eastern Indigo Snake 4
THREATS TO SGCN ASSOCIATED WITH PINE PLANTATION COMMUNITIES
Incompatible Forestry Practices high
Invasive Species high
Urban/Suburban Development medium
Industrial Development 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 buffers and improve land use practices adjacent to streams (SMZs) and other aquatic/
wetland habitats.
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 Provide public education about conservation of SGCN and/or their habitats.
A Promote and develop landowner incentive and assistance programs for conservation of SGCN
and their habitats.