CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^114LOCATION, SIZE, CONDITION AND CONSERVATION STATUS
EGCP, UEGCP, MSRAP
Shrublands include cutover areas dominated by young hardwoods and shrub
species released following canopy removal and old fields. Cutover areas are
generally interspersed with pine and hardwood forest lands, and old fields are
more commonly embedded in a landscaped dominated by agricultural fields and
pasturelands. These early-successional, shrub-dominated communities occupy
about 16 percent of Mississippi (approximately five million acres).
The vegetation of this subtype is in transition as trees gain coverage and
dominance of the stand. Wildlife species that thrive in open shrubland habitats are usually common;
however, some, including the gopher tortoise and bobwhite quail, will use them until they become so
congested with young trees and shrubs that herbaceous vegetation is shaded out. Shrublands are
particularly susceptible to invasion by aggressive, exotic vegetation such as cogongrass.
Shrublands are common, widespread, and abundant in the state and are considered secure from
significant decline.
SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED ASSOCIATED WITH
OLD FIELDS AND YOUNG HARDWOODS (SHRUBLANDS)
GROUP SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME TIER
Birds Falco sparverius paulus Southeastern American Kestrel 1
Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's Wren 1
Aimophila aestivalis Bachman's Sparrow 2
Passerina ciris Painted Bunting 2
Dendroica discolor Prairie Warbler 3
Colinus virginianus Northern Bobwhite 3
Scolopax minor American Woodcock 3
Caprimulgus carolinensis Chuck-Will's-Widow 3
Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike 3
Mammals Spilogale putorius Eastern Spotted Skunk 2
Peromyscus polionotus Oldfield Mouse 2
Reptiles Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise 2
Ophisaurus attenuatus Slender Glass Lizard 2
Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster Prairie Kingsnake 2
Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata Mole Kingsnake 2
Crotalus adamanteus Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake 2
Lampropeltis getula nigra Black Kingsnake 3
Masticophis flagellum Eastern Coachwhip 3
Drymarchon couperi Eastern Indigo Snake 4
2.5 Old Fields and
Range of Old Fields and Young
Hardwoods (Shrublands)