Cover

CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,

THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^172

were drained for conversion to agriculture. Large-scale federal navigation, flood-control, and drainage
projects have played a large role in these conversions by making previously flood-prone lands dry
enough for planting crops. The increase in the population of the South also has accelerated the rate of
wetland losses. Conditions around the state range from losses of around 80 percent in the Delta to more
natural conditions in parts of the Pascagoula River watershed. The Pascagoula is the largest unimpeded
main stem river in the lower 48 states surrounded largely by bottomland hardwoods and coastal marsh.

10.1 Bald Cypress/Gum Swamp Forests

„ Value to SGCN - 67

„ Rank - 8th of 29 Inland Terrestrial Complexes

(Terrestrial, Wetland, Subterranean and Anthropogenic)

DESCRIPTION
Oxbow lakes, low floodplain terraces, bottomland flats,
backwater areas or springheads are common areas to find
swamp-forest vegetation. The soils of swales or depressions are
seasonally to semi-permanently flooded and remain saturated
for long periods throughout the year. These swamps contain a
variety of mixtures and densities of bald cypress, blackgum,
water tupelo and other hardwood trees. Silver and red maple,
persimmon, green ash, ironwood and water oak are occasional
associates. Shrubs may include buttonbush, eastern
swampprivet and Virginia sweetspire. A suite of herbs similar to those listed in the marsh section are
also present, and their abundance is greatly influenced by shade. Whitegrass, waterwillow, swamp
sedge and opposite-leaf spotflower are persistent in shady swamps. Some swamp wetlands are shrubby,
containing large patches of buttonbush, swamp privet and/or planertree.

LOCATION, SIZE, CONDITION AND CONSERVATION STATUS
EGCP, UEGCP, MSRAP

The bald cypress/gum swamp forests subtype is found in a wide range of sizes,
generally conforming to the size of the depression in which they occur. The
swamps occur around oxbow lakes and along abandoned stream channels.
They often occur along abandoned riverine channels that transect cropland areas
in the Mississippi Delta and in the batture lands along the Mississippi River.
They also are situated in smaller backwater areas of creeks in other parts of the
state, where they occur adjacent to other bottomland hardwood forest types.

10.1 Bald Cypress/

Range of Bald Cypress/Gum

Swamp Forests