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CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,

THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^78

complexes are: 1) Terrestrial (Terrestrial, Wetland, Subterranean and Anthropogenic subtypes); 2) Lotic
and Lentic (Streams and Lacustrine subtypes); and 3) Marine, Estuarine and Estuarine Fringe. Values
for all subtypes in descending order and within each complex are listed in Appendix X and within each
subtype’s description in this chapter. The following is a summary of the highest ranking habitat subtypes
by complex that are among the most important habitat types for many SGCN. By implementing priority
conservation actions described herein for these habitats on both public and private lands with the aid of
conservation partners, private landowners, corporations and other resource agencies, Mississippi will be
able to abate threats to many of the SGCN and their habitats and ultimately to protect and improve
biological diversity in our state.

A. High Priority Inland Terrestrial (Terrestrial, Wetland, Subterranean and
Anthropogenic) Systems

1. Small Stream Swamp Forests


2. Dry Longleaf Pine Forests


3. Bottomland Hardwood Forests


4. Hardwood Seeps


5. Lower Slope/High Terrace Hardwood Forests

B. High Priority Lotic (Streams) and Lentic (Lacustrine) Systems

1. Tombigbee Drainage


2. Northeast Hills, Tennessee River Drainage


3. Ephemeral Ponds


4. Pascagoula Drainage


5. Lower Coastal Plain, Pearl Drainage

C. High Priority Marine and Estuarine Systems (Including Estuarine Fringe)

1. Estuarine Marshes


2. Barrier Island Wetlands


3. Estuarine Bays, Lakes and Tidal Streams


4. Barrier Island Uplands


5. Mainland (Natural) Beaches

While this CWCS represents the first time in our state’s history that we have compiled significant
information, analyses and recommendations in one document on all the habitat types and SGCN that use
them, we have taken a broad and relatively coarse scale approach to this efforts. It is important to note
that this CWCS is a “work in progress” and, in order for it to meet its intended purpose, much more
work must be done to refine the recommended conservation actions described and to fully develop
conservation priority areas for our state in conjunction with our stakeholders. To accomplish this, it is
critical that we continue to work with our stakeholders to identify partnerships for implementing