Survey of Florida Keys Reptiles

The Florida Keys mole skink (Plestiodon egregius egregius), Key ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus acricus), rim rock crowned snake (Tantilla oolitica), and Lower Keys populations of the striped mud turtle (Kinosternon baurii), red rat snake (Pantherophis guttatus), Florida brownsnake (Storeria victa), and eastern ribbonsnake (Thamnophis saurita) were formerly listed by the state as Species of Special Concern or Threatened. Five of these taxa were proposed for federal listing, prompting a survey from July 2015 through July 2016. Currently, only the Florida Keys mole skink, Key ring-necked snake, rim rock crowned snake, and Lower Keys population of the Florida brownsnake are state-listed as threatened, and the Florida Keys mole skink is no longer being considered for federal listing (USFWS Species Status Assessment). 

This study collected updated occurrence records, determined effective survey methods, assessed the status of historical localities, and collected genetic samples for future taxonomic studies. Public outreach efforts, including an FWC website to report sightings, produced 75 reports of 6 of the target taxa. Monthly visits to the Keys totaling 54 days produced 73 records of striped mud turtles, red rat snakes, and ribbonsnakes from nocturnal and diurnal road surveys, 31 records of these same species from pedestrian surveys, and 10 records of mole skinks and ring-necked snakes from checking 192 coverboards from Bahia Honda to Key West. Targeted surveys for the striped mud turtle (turtle trapping) and Florida Keys mole skink (raking) produced 62 and 19 individuals, respectively. Researchers were unsuccessful at detecting the rim rock crowned snake and at developing effective methodologies to use in future surveys for the Keys ring-necked snake, Florida brownsnake, and rim rock crowned snake. Genetic samples of ring-necked snakes, ribbonsnakes, and striped mud turtles were provided to other researchers for taxonomic assessments. Many historical localities of these taxa have been lost to development, and impacts to fresh water from increased human need, continued salination from overwash, and predicted sea-level rise threaten most wildlife in the Keys.

Learn more about this project in the final report.