Distribution and ecology of the Cedar Keys Mole Skink (Plestiodon egregius insularis)

Abstract

We conducted surveys for the Cedar Keys Mole Skink, Plestiodon egregius insularis (Mount), during 1989‒1999 and 2015‒2024, examined museum vouchers, and compiled personal observations from others to determine the status and distribution of this subspecies, which has the smallest geographic distribution of the five subspecies and is being considered for federal listing. We observed Cedar Keys Mole Skinks on airstrip island, Atsena Otie, Cedar Point, Deer Island, North Key, Scale Key, Seahorse Key, Snake Key, and possibly Dog Island. We have anecdotal reports of Mole Skinks on Way Key, which contains the most potential habitat and is the main island occupied by the city of Cedar Key. We found Mole Skinks along shorelines in tidal wrack and under debris instead of in island interiors, which presumably shelter populations from storm surges that periodically scour beaches of refugia. This subspecies is primarily threatened by habitat loss from rising sea levels and increased storm strength in the future.