CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^89chalk or calcareous marls constitute the subsoil. Post oak woodlands are similarly found in the uplands
of the northeast prairie region and elsewhere on deeper acid soils, often over calcareous substrates.
LOCATION, SIZE, CONDITION AND CONSERVATION STATUS
EGCP,UEGP
Dry hardwood forests are found on small, 50-100 acre patches on ridgetops and
uplands that form the divides between watersheds through the northern half of
the state. It is estimated that 400,000 acres of this subtype exists in Mississippi.
Mesic hardwood and pine forests are situated below this community on mid-
slopes. Stands of dry hardwood forests are interspersed with agriculture and
commercial timberlands, homesteads and urban centers.
Conversion of additional areas of dry hardwood forests to pine plantations,
pastureland, urban and suburban development is a significant threat. Ridgetops are used for
transportation corridors and the secondary development that is associated with roads. Dry hardwood
forests are highly fragmented and considered to be in poor condition due to lack of fire management.
Dry hardwood forests are imperiled in the state because of rarity due to extensive conversion of these
lands. Few stands are known to be in good condition and few are protected from conversion to other
uses. Continuation of these threats will likely lead to additional declines.
SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED ASSOCIATED WITH
DRY HARDWOOD FORESTS
GROUP SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME TIER
Birds Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's Wren 1
Dendroica cerulea Cerulean Warbler 2
Hylocichla mustelina Wood Thrush 3
Piranga olivacea Scarlet Tanager 3
Caprimulgus carolinensis Chuck-Will's-Widow 3
Dendroica discolor Prairie Warbler 3
Helmitheros vermivorus Worm-Eating Warbler 3
Mammals Ursus americanus luteolus Louisiana Black Bear 1
Myotis septentrionalis Northern Myotis 2
Peromyscus polionotus Oldfield Mouse 2
Ursus americanus Black Bear 2
Lasiurus cinereus Hoary Bat 2
Lasiurus intermedius Northern Yellow Bat 2
Myotis lucifugus Little Brown Myotis 2
Spilogale putorius Eastern Spotted Skunk 2
Myotis sodalis Indiana Or Social Myotis 4
Lasionycteris noctivagans Silver-Haired Bat 4
Range of Dry
Hardwood Forests