Mississippi wildlife experts highlight habitat challenges on private lands

Many property owners are unaware of underlying habitat issues that can affect local wildlife, including deer, turkey, and quail. These challenges include limited food sources, inadequate cover, invasive species, soil health problems, and imbalanced wildlife populations, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

Photos shared by the department illustrate key indicators of habitat health. One image shows a food plot with an exclosure cage, used by wildlife managers to assess browsing pressure. Comparing forage inside and outside the cage helps determine deer use and habitat balance, officials said.

Another photo depicts a cedar browse line, where deer have eaten stems down to ground level. Since deer typically avoid cedar, a clear browse line suggests they are relying on less-preferred plants due to limited high-quality browse, which makes up a significant part of their diet, the department explained.

Experts advise landowners to learn to recognize these signs early. Taking proactive steps to improve habitat can promote healthier wildlife populations. More information is available in a full guide on the department’s website.

Source: Original Article