Conservation genetics of Mole Skinks

Five species of Mole Skinks (Plestiodon egregius) are found in Florida. The blue tailed mole skink is federally threatened, and the Cedar Key and Florida Keys mole skinks are under review to determine if a petition to list is warrented. The Florida Keys mole skink is also listed as a state Species of Special Concern, but it is proposed to become State-designated Threatened upon approval of a management plan. Prior to determining status of the two petitioned subspecies, a taxonomic study of the entire Plestiodon egregius subspecies complex should be undertaken.