CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSSERVATION ACTIONS^213SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED ASSOCIATED WITH
UPPER COASTAL PLAIN, PEARL RIVER DRAINAGE
GROUP SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAMEM TIER
Amphibians Pseudotriton ruber Red Salamander 3
Crustaceans Hobbseus attenuatus Pearl Rivulet Crayfish 1
Hobbseus valleculus Choctaw Rivulet Crayfish 1
Procambarus elegans A Crayfish 2
Fish Fundulus dispar Northern Starhead Topminnow 2
Mussels Elliptio arctata Delicate Spike 1
Obovaria unicolor Alabama Hickorynut 1
Anodontoides radiatus Rayed Creekshell 2
Pleurobema beadleianum Mississippi Pigtoe 2
Lasmigona complanata complanata White Heelsplitter 3
Reptiles Macrochelys temminckii Alligator Snapping Turtle 2
Graptemys oculifera Ringed Map Turtle 2
Graptemys gibbonsi Pascagoula Map Turtle 2
THREATS TO UPPER COASTAL PLAIN, PEARL RIVER DRAINAGE
Channel Modification high
Operation of Dams/Impoundments high
Recreation Activities high
Incompatible Water Quality medium
Incompatible Forestry Practices medium
Incompatible Agricultural Practices medium
Incompatible Resource Extraction Practices low
Headcutting 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 restoration and improved management of altered/degraded habitat when possible.
A Encourage and improve agricultural/forestry/watershed land-use planning and BMPs to address
nonpoint pollution, erosion and water quality issues.
A Monitor/address SGCN harvest/over harvest issues (including bycatch or incidental take).
A Maintain/improve/restore hydrologic (depth, hydroperiod, flow) and geomorphic (channel
sinuosity, floodplain, microtopography) integrity.
A Encourage buffers and improve land use practices adjacent to streams (SMZs) and other aquatic/
wetland habitats.