Are sand skinks endangered?

The sand skink is protected as a Threatened species by the Federal Endangered Species Act and as a Federally-designated Threatened species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule.

What does a sand skink look like?

A unique lizard adapted to an underground existence, the Florida sand skink measures 10 to 13 cm (4 to 5 in) in total length and is a gray to tan color. Its forelegs are tiny and bear only one toe each; its hindlegs are small and have two toes. The tail comprises about half of the animal’s total length.

What skink species are endangered?

Not extinctSkink / Extinction status

Where can I find skinks in Florida?

Look for Broad-Headed Skinks in northern Florida in swamp forests, woodlands, or vacant lots with debris. You can easily recognize this species by its triangular head! Broad-Headed Skinks are one of the few skink species at home among trees! They will often climb trees for cover and protection from predators.

Are skinks protected?

In 2016 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found the eight skinks might warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act, but the agency subsequently failed to make a determination within the required 12-month period.

Why are skinks endangered?

All of the newly identified endemic Caribbean skinks are near extinction (or already extinct) due to introduced predators like mongooses and cats, as well as large-scale habitat destruction for development and agriculture.

Where does the sand skink live?

central Florida
The sand skink is endemic to the sand ridges and ancient coastal dunes of central Florida, including flatwood, scrub, and pine communities. The sand skink can also be found on working lands – much of its native xeric habitat has been converted to working lands over time.

Why are skinks going extinct?

Are skinks becoming extinct?

Are skinks protected in Florida?

Conservation and Management The bluetail mole skink is protected as a Threatened species by the Federal Endangered Species Act and as a Federally-designated Threatened species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule.

What does a Florida skink look like?

They range from golden brown to almost black in coloration but are most often coppery brown with a darker stripe running along each side of the body. The belly is white or yellowish. Unlike many other lizards in our region, ground skinks virtually never climb.

Are skink lizards rare?

Scientists only identified the skinks as separate species in a 2012 study. All are considered critically endangered or endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, and they are absent or extremely rare across most of their former ranges.