CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^1597.2 Pine Seeps
Value to SGCN - 48
Rank - 19th of 29 Inland Terrestrial Complexes
(Terrestrial, Wetland, Subterranean and Anthropogenic)
DESCRIPTION
Pine seeps have a similar composition to bog habitats described in habitat type 8 and a somewhat similar
complement of ferns as found in hardwood seeps. Pine seeps are named after the piney woods region of
the state where they are found. The overstory typically includes slash pine but there may be a large
presence of other swamp species such as sweetbay and blackgum. Virginia chainfern and poison sumac
are particularly common.
LOCATION, SIZE, CONDITION AND CONSERVATION STATUS
UEGCP, EGCP
Pine seeps are found in a variety of habitats and are often surrounded by pine
timberland. They are usually small in size, less than one acre, but the spring
waters may feed larger wetland complexes nearby. It is estimated that about
500 acres of pine seeps exist in Mississippi.
Pine seeps may be destroyed if they are in the way of some developments, such
as highway construction, and alternatives to conserve the spring are not
apparent. Hill top sand and gravel mining and surface and gully erosion will
affect the subsurface flows that feed springheads. Sometimes seeps are less likely to be impacted by
humans because of construction hazards in seepage zones. Little is known about the number or overall
condition of pine seeps. Pine seeps are highly regarded as wildlife habitat.
Pine seeps are considered imperiled in the state because of their average small size and vulnerability to
further decline due to land use changes and other developments.
SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED ASSOCIATED WITH PINE SEEPS
GROUP SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME TIER
Amphibians Hemidactylium scutatum Four-Toed Salamander 2
Plethodon websteri Webster's Salamander 2
Pseudotriton ruber Red Salamander 3
Birds Scolopax minor American Woodcock 3
Crustaceans Procambarus barbiger Jackson Prairie Crayfish 1
Procambarus cometes Mississippi Flatwoods Crayfish 1
Procambarus connus Carrollton Crayfish 1
Procambarus fitzpatricki Spiny-Tailed Crayfish 1
Range of Pine Seeps