CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^90Reptiles Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi Black Pine Snake 1
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise 2
Micrurus fulvius Eastern Coral Snake 2
Crotalus adamanteus Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake 2
Ophisaurus attenuatus Slender Glass Lizard 2
Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster Prairie Kingsnake 2
Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata Mole Kingsnake 2
Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus Northern Pine Snake 3
Masticophis flagellum Eastern Coachwhip 3
THREATS TO DRY HARDWOOD FOREST COMMUNITIES
Altered Fire Regime high
Forestry Conversion high
Incompatible Forestry Practices high
Invasive Species high
Road Construction/Management high
Urban/Suburban Development high
Over Exploitation/Incidental Capture medium
Agricultural Conversion medium
Air-borne Pollutants low
Industrial Development 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 Encourage and improve management of habitat by controlled burning at necessary frequencies
and seasons.
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 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.
A Improve environmental review and permit process and oversight and enforcement of existing
regulations in important habitats/populations.
A Control exotic and invasive species (plant and animal).