CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^263positioned near major sources of freshwater and are largely protected from major storm surges.
Sawgrass is the dominant species, but a comparatively high diversity of plants is present. Tidal
freshwater marshes contain the most diverse complement of emergent sedges, grasses and forbs of all
tidal marsh types. However, they are minor in extent only occupying about 1,000 acres. Arrowhead,
switchgrass, beaksedge and spikerush are commonly encountered. Estuarine shrublands, including rare
shell midden habitats (discussed in 13.6), occur along intertidal marsh fringes and on small islands
within the marsh. The estuarine shrublands occupy a zone just above the salt meadows, where the
transition from one to the other may be abrupt or gradual, blending into the salt meadows as they form
the final zone of tidal vegetation. Just inland from the normal tidally influenced areas are non-tidal
habitats including maritime pine flatwoods, non-tidal swamps and freshwater marshes.
LOCATION, SIZE, CONDITION AND CONSERVATION STATUS
NGM
Estuarine marshes are found in four large patches (greater than
10,000 acres) at the edge of the Mississippi Sound on active or
historic riverine deltas. They are also found in narrow fringes along
bays and isolated bayous. Many of the adjacent habitats are highly
urbanized residential or commercial areas (including an oil
refinery). Adjacent habitats that are undeveloped consist of
estuarine shrubland or maritime forest/savanna.
Estuarine marshes except those peripheral to urban areas are generally in good condition. Erosion is
occurring along some exposed shorelines. Some of the natural ecological processes, such as wildfire, are
likely reduced during modern times.
Estuarine marshes are generally considered imperiled in the state because of rarity due to a very
restricted range. Several of the communities making up this subtype are considered vulnerable because
of the rapid urbanization occurring around them. Fortunately, many areas that support these habitats are
found in state sanctioned coastal preserves that provide perpetual protection.
SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED ASSOCIATED WITH
ESTUARINE MARSHES
GROUP SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME TIER
Birds Laterallus jamaicensis Black Rail 1
Charadrius wilsonia Wilson's Plover 1
Haematopus palliatus American Oystercatcher 1
Coturnicops noveboracensis Yellow Rail 1
Migrant Shorebirds 1
Rallus elegans King Rail 2
Asio flammeus Short-Eared Owl 2
14.3 Estuarine MarshesRange of Estuarine Marshes