CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^221Reptiles Macrochelys temminckii Alligator Snapping Turtle 2
Graptemys oculifera Ringed Map Turtle 2
Graptemys gibbonsi Pascagoula Map Turtle 2
Farancia erytrogramma Rainbow Snake 2
THREATS TO LOWER COASTAL PLAIN, PEARL DRAINAGE
Channel Modification high
Incompatible Forestry Practices high
Incompatible Resource Extraction Practices high
Incompatible Water Quality high
Operation of Dams/Impoundments high
Urban/Suburban Development high
Livestock Feedlots/Operations high
Headcutting high
Forestry Conversion medium
Incompatible Grazing Practices medium
Second Home/Vacation Home Development medium
Industrial Development medium
Incompatible Agricultural Practices low
Invasive Species low
Road Construction/Management low
Recreation Activities 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.
A Encourage retention, preservation, and conservation of remaining natural habitat through
purchase, easements or MOAs.
A Monitor/limit commercial/residential/industrial point source erosion and sedimentation or
pollution into streams/atmosphere.