CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^93Drymarchon couperi Eastern Indigo Snake 4
Heterodon simus Southern Hognose Snake 4
THREATS TO DRY LONGLEAF PINE FOREST COMMUNITIES
Altered Fire Regime high
Conversion to Pasture high
Forestry Conversion high
Incompatible Forestry Practices high
Invasive Species high
Road Construction/Management high
Urban/Suburban Development high
Incompatible Resource Extraction Practices medium
Over Exploitation/Incidental Capture medium
Agricultural Conversion low
Recreation Activities low
Miscellaneous Threats Described:
Loss or Disturbance to Ephemeral Ponds not ranked
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 Discourage/limit human access in highly critical areas and special habitats, when possible.
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 Monitor/address SGCN harvest/over harvest issues (including bycatch or incidental take).
A Maintain/improve/restore hydrologic (depth, hydroperiod, flow) and geomorphic (channel
sinuosity, floodplain, microtopography) integrity.
A Encourage retention, preservation, and conservation of remaining natural habitat through
purchase, easements or MOAs.
A Initiate propagation program or establish nest box program for selected SGCN.
A Monitor/limit commercial/residential/industrial point source erosion and sedimentation or
pollution into streams/atmosphere.
A Develop/improve urban/suburban/infrastructure land use development planning/zoning to
address SGCN habitats.
A Improve environmental review and permit process and oversight and enforcement of existing