The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is listing the Florida Keys mole skink (Plestiodon egregius egregius) as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.

The Endangered Species Act describes two categories of species that need protection: threatened and endangered. An endangered animal or plant is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A threatened animal or plant is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. 

Since 2000, Florida Keys mole skinks have only been documented on 15 islands of the Florida Keys. Their extremely limited distribution makes the subspecies particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service originally proposed listing the Florida Keys mole skink as threatened. Following review of additional information received during the public comment process and further analysis of the subspecies' status and threats, the Service concluded that the risk of extinction is greater than previously understood and that the Florida Keys mole skink meets the Endangered Species Act's definition of an endangered species.

Critical habitat is a legal designation under the Endangered Species Act made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It identifies specific geographic areas that contain features essential to the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management or protection.

This final listing rule does not designate critical habitat. A species receives the protections associated with listing regardless of whether critical habitat is designated.

The Florida Keys mole skink grows to five inches long at most. With a slim, tan body and brightly tinted pinkish-red tail, it uses its legs and five-toed feet to propel itself through the sand on the beaches and shores of the Keys. It burrows in the sand and under leaves, rocks, and storm/tidal debris, commonly sargassum seaweed and seagrass, washed up on the beach. Florida Keys mole skinks are found on low-lying islands with preferred habitats consisting of beaches, dunes, coastal berms, rockland hammocks, and pine rocklands. However, individuals have been detected in developed areas. Florida Keys mole skinks’ diet includes roaches, spiders, and crickets that live within and under decaying plant and other debris. Scientists believe mother skinks stay with their eggs in the nest chamber, licking and turning their eggs until they hatch. Since 2000, only 205 skinks have been documented on 15 islands of the Florida Keys in Monroe County, Florida; 70 percent of individuals have been documented on Big Pine Key in the Lower Keys. 

The Florida Keys mole skink is listed in the State of Florida as “state-designated threatened” and is protected against intentional harm, harassment, possession, or selling. In addition, Florida’s Imperiled Species Management Plan created by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission addresses the conservation needs of multiple species through a comprehensive approach. 

The management plans for federal and state-owned lands call for the protection and restoration of natural habitats and promote conservation efforts for listed species, which will benefit the Florida Keys mole skink.

For more information contact Nikki Colangelo, Classification and Recovery, 772-226-8138, Florida Ecological Services Field Office, 777 37th Street, Suite D-101, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339.