CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^117SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED ASSOCIATED WITH
AGRICULTURE FIELDS
GROUP SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME TIER
Birds Falco sparverius paulus Southeastern American Kestrel 1
Grus canadensis pulla Mississippi Sandhill Crane 1
Columbina passerina Common Ground-Dove 2
Asio flammeus Short-Eared Owl 2
Tyto alba Common Barn-Owl 3
Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike 3
Colinus virginianus Northern Bobwhite 3
Mammals Lasiurus cinereus Hoary Bat 2
Myotis lucifugus Little Brown Myotis 2
Spilogale putorius Eastern Spotted Skunk 2
Reptiles Ophisaurus attenuatus Slender Glass Lizard 2
Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster Prairie Kingsnake 2
Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata Mole Kingsnake 2
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise 2
Lampropeltis getula nigra Black Kingsnake 3
Masticophis flagellum Eastern Coachwhip 3
THREATS TO SGCN ASSOCIATED WITH AGRICULTURE FIELD
(ROW CROPS, ETC.)
Invasive Species high
Incompatible Agricultural Practices high
Urban/Suburban Development: Locally Important medium
Industrial Development: 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 Develop/implement/continue recovery plans for individual SGCN.
A Encourage and improve agricultural/forestry/watershed land-use planning and BMPs to address
nonpoint pollution, erosion and water quality issues.
A Encourage buffers and improve land use practices adjacent to streams (SMZs) and other aquatic/
wetland habitats.
A Initiate propagation program or establish nest box program for selected SGCN.
A Limit/discourage surface and ground water withdrawals that are not sustainable and significantly
alter flow, depth or salt intrusion.