CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,

THREATS AND CONSSERVATION ACTIONS^193

A classification system was developed based primarily on major drainages in the state as well as

regional differences in soil type and topography that influence stream form and habitat characteristics.
Stream size was used to develop another level of classification within regions. Channel size influences
community structure in and around a stream. Lack of a formal classification system necessitated this
logical grouping of stream habitats. A wide diversity of mussels, fishes, amphibians and reptiles require
lotic (flowing water) habitats for their survival. Stream riparian zones support some of the most
dynamic wildlife assemblages compared to any other habitat. Healthy riparian zones also help stabilize
stream banks and provide organic input and woody structure into stream channels. Mississippi has about
14,000 miles and 350,000 acres of perennial streams. The Geographic Names Information System lists
almost 5,000 named streams that flow within or through the
state and subdivides them into 52 hydrologic units. For the
purposes of this CWCS, streams (lotic or flowing water
systems) are classified into 13 major drainages and then into
smaller subtypes by stream size.

This habitat type includes thirteen subtypes: 12.1
Mississippi River, 12.2 Northeast Hills, Tennessee River
Drainage, 12.3 Tombigbee Drainage, 12.4 Lower
Mississippi North Drainage (LMND) Hatchie and Wolf
Systems, 12.5 Upper Coastal Plain, Yazoo Drainage, 12.6
Big Black River Drainage, 12.7 Upper Coastal Plain,
Pearl River Drainage, 12.8 Mississippi Alluvial Plan
(MAP), 12.9 Lower Coastal Plain, Pearl Drainage, 12.10
Pascagoula Drainage, 12.11 Coastal Rivers Drainage,
12.12 Lake Ponchartrain Drainage and 12.13 Lower
Mississippi South Drainage.

GENERAL CONDITION

Streams throughout Mississippi have been subjected to a wide array of alterations. Stream channels
have been widened, deepened, desnagged and straightened through channelization projects for flood
control. This has resulted in shortening of streams, increases in stream gradient and loss of habitat for
animals both in and near the streams. Levees now prevent many streams and rivers from spreading over

12. STREAMS (LOTIC COMMUNITIES)

1 12.2 Northeast Hills, Tennessee River Drainage 23 TombigbeeDrainage

12.1 Mississippi River

Major Stream Drainages

of Mississippi