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CHAPTER 1I: APPROACH AND METHODS 29

G) Statewide Conservation Priority Rank (NHP) 1 – 3 points

Mississippi’s NHP ranks state status (SRANK) of all species on a scale of S1 through S5 with S1

species being the most imperiled and S5 species being the most secure. Similar to global ranks or

GRANKS (see A above).

3 points - Species has a State Heritage Rank of S1 or S2

2 points - Species has a State Heritage Rank of S3 or S4

1 point - Species has a State Heritage Rank of S5

The maximum possible points that could be assigned were 20 and the minimum were 6.

Mississippi’s SGCN was divided into four tiers based upon their evaluation score. The scores and

tiers are described below.

DESCRIPTION OF TIERS FOR SGCN

Tier 1 Score of 14.52 or greater - Species that are in need of
immediate conservation action and/or research because of extreme
rarity, restricted distribution, unknown or decreasing population
trends, specialized habitat needs and/or habitat vulnerability. Some
species may be considered critically imperiled and at risk of
extinction/extirpation.

Tier 2 Score of 11.27 – 14.51- Species that are in need of timely conservation action and/or research
because of rarity, restricted distribution, unknown or decreasing population trend, specialized habitat
needs or habitat vulnerability or significant threats.

Tier 3 Score less than 11.26 - Species that are of less immediate conservation concern, but are in need of
planning and effective management due to unknown or decreasing population trends, specialized habitat
needs or habitat vulnerability.

Tier 4 - Species listed as extirpated from Mississippi, of historical occurrence only, or accidental. While
no conservation action or research is recommended at this time, these species remain a SGCN in
the event that taxa may be rediscovered or reintroduced from populations existing outside the
state.