CHAPTER IV: WILFLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^192wetland swamp or marsh habitats. They usually are surrounded by bottomland hardwood forests. It is
roughly estimated that 5,000 acres of beaver ponds are found in Mississippi.
Beavers are considered a pest species because of their potential to flood significant areas of forest,
agriculture and developed land. Wildlife control measures are being taken by agriculture authorities to
prevent the increase of the beaver population on Mississippi creeks and rivers.
Beaver Ponds, are secure in the state, although continual beaver control programs reduce the potential
for an increase in the number of ponds.
SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED ASSOCIATED WITH
BEAVER PONDS
GROUP SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME TIER
Birds Euphagus carolinus Rusty Blackbird 2
Limnothlypis swainsonii Swainson's Warbler 2
Anas rubripes American Black Duck 3
Scolopax minor American Woodcock 3
Seiurus motacilla Louisiana Waterthrush 3
Protonotaria citrea Prothonotary Warbler 3
Melanerpes erythrocephalus Red-Headed Woodpecker 3
THREATS TO BEAVER POND COMMUNITIES
Incompatible Agricultural Practices medium
Incompatible Grazing Practices medium
Incompatible Water Quality medium
Livestock Feedlots/Operations low
Invasive Species low
PRIORITY CONSERVATION ACTIONS
A Plan and conduct additional research (i.e. habitat needs, status surveys, breeding status, disease,
etc.) on SGCN.
A Develop/implement/continue recovery plans for individual SGCN.
A Encourage restoration and improved management of altered/degraded habitat when possible.
A Encourage retention, preservation, and conservation of remaining natural habitat through
purchase, easements or MOAs.