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CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,

THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^246

THREATS TO BARRIER ISLAND BEACH COMMUNITIES

Recreation Activities high

PRIORITY CONSERVATION ACTIONS

A Plan and conduct additional research (i.e. habitat needs, status surveys, breeding status, disease,
etc.) on SGCN.

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 retention, preservation, and conservation of remaining natural habitat through
purchase, easements or MOAs.

A Control exotic and invasive species (plant and animal).

A Provide public education about conservation of SGCN and/or their habitats.

A Encourage appreciation of SGCN and their habitats by providing public access and compatible
recreational activities.

A Encourage proper disposal and cleanup of waste and litter.

13.6 Shell Middens and Estuarine

Shrublands

„ Value to SGCN - 64

„ Rank - 7th of 17 Marine, Estuarine and

Estuarine Fringe Systems

DESCRIPTION
Rare shell midden habitats that support a unique
shrub community occur along intertidal marsh
fringes and on small islands within the marsh. The
breakdown of the oyster shell on middens creates unique soil conditions, which support a characteristic
plant community. Other more extensive estuarine shrublands occupy a zone just above the salt
meadows. Here the transition from one to the other may be abrupt or gradual, blending into the salt
meadows as they form the final zone of tidal vegetation. They also occur in other less tidally influenced
zones, such as wide areas along the eastern shore of St. Louis Bay. Estuarine shrublands are dominated
by eastern baccharis, southern bayberry and bigleaf sumpweed. Plants found on shell middens include
southern red cedar, coral bean, buckthorn, red buckeye, yucca and prickly pear.