Federal Register #2026-14636

Final Rule: Florida Keys Mole Skink Listed as Endangered Species

This notice from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces a final regulatory rule: - The Florida Keys mole skink (Plestiodon egregius egregius) is now listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act - Federal protections are extended to the species due to threats including habitat loss, sea level rise, and habitat fragmentation - The rule is regulatory and does not request or solicit any products, services, or vendor participation - No Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), vendors, or commercial products are mentioned - Supporting documents include a species status assessment and an economic screening memo - The primary focus is on conservation and recovery actions for the species, not procurement or contracting

Description

This final rule by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists the Florida Keys mole skink (Plestiodon egregius egregius), a lizard subspecies from the Florida Keys, Florida, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The rule extends protections to this species due to threats including habitat loss, sea level rise, and fragmentation. The listing aims to promote conservation efforts and recovery actions to prevent extinction. The rule is effective August 20, 2026, and includes supporting documents such as species status assessments and economic screening memos.

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