USFWS Proposes 150,400 Acres of Critical Habitat for Endangered Caribbean Skinks

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USFWS proposes endangered status for three Caribbean skink species while listing Culebra skink as threatened under ESA protection measures.

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Four elusive Caribbean skink species receive critical habitat designation spanning 150,400 acres across Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands.

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Mongoose, cats, and urban development drive three skink species to extinction, pushing authorities toward urgent conservation actions.

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Puerto Rican skink claims largest protected zone with 143,947 acres, while Virgin Islands bronze skink secures 392 acres of vital habitat.

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Culebra skink faces threats from non-native predators, habitat loss, and sea level rise with storm surge from changing climate.

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Lesser Virgin Islands skink survives exclusively on Hans Lollik Island, securing 477 acres of protected critical habitat.

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Federal protection leaves private property rights intact, targeting only activities requiring federal permits or funding.

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These skink species remain among the least studied groups of lizards in the Caribbean, facing threats from predators and habitat loss.

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Public comments welcomed until February 18, 2025, shaping final conservation decisions for these rare reptiles.

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Three skink species vanish after century-long absence, highlighting conservation urgency for surviving populations.

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