The Florida Sand Skink (Neoseps reynoldsi) and Blue-tailed Mole Skink (Eumeces egregius lividus) are a lesser-known reptilian species endemic to the Central Florida ridges. These Central Florida Ridges are remnants of ancient ocean dunes that were formed over a million years ago when ocean levels were roughly 100 feet higher than they are today. Similar to the Florida Scrub-Jays, these skinks are often found in increasingly rare scrub and sandhill, which are xeric (dry, sandy) habitats with open sandy areas. These nearly-legless lizards swim through sandy substrate, creating perfect “S” shaped tracks in the sand, sometimes the only indication of their presence.
The three most important factors in determining the presence of skinks are location, elevation, and suitable soils: if your property is within the Sand Skink Consultation Area Map, contains a preferred soil type, and is >82 feet in elevation, a sand skink survey or consultation may be required.
The Florida Sand Skink and Blue-Tailed Mole Skink survey season is March 1st – May 15th. Sand skink coverboard surveys are labor intensive and include a minimum of four survey weeks (five total site visits – visit #1 for distributing and mapping coverboards, visits 2-5 for checking coverboards).
Because of the short survey window and labor required, some property owners and developers opt to “assume” the presence of skinks and purchase mitigation credits; this may be a more expensive option, but one that can speed up permitting and development goals.