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SAVING THE FLORIDA KEYS MOLE SKINK

The Florida Keys mole skink is one of the rarest and most mysterious of Florida natives. This small, five-inch-long lizard has shiny, armor-like scales, a pinkish-red tail and a brown body. It's a secretive animal, living under rocks, leaves, debris and washed-up beach vegetation called tidal wrack. It's also the southernmost U.S. Mole skink, found mainly in Dry Tortugas and the Lower Keys along Florida's shoreline, living in sandy areas where it burrows deep for refuge.

  BACKGROUND

But this little lizard is in trouble much deeper than its burrows. Its populations are currently in sharp decline because of urban development in the past and sea-level rise now and in the future, which causes flooding that destroys its habitat. Human population has spurred development along the shoreline in the Florida Keys, destroying many of the nooks and crannies this mole skink calls home.

OUR CAMPAIGN

The Center is working to halt destructive sea-level rise and prevent the extinction of Florida Keys mole skinks. In 2010 we filed a petition to protect 404 southeastern aquatic species, including the skink, under the Endangered Species Act. In its 2011 response to that petition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that the mole skink may warrant the Act's protection — but the agency failed to make a final decision. So in 2013 we filed a lawsuit seeking protections for this mole skink and its habitat, and a few months later, the Service agreed to make a protection decision by 2017. Under the Trump administration, that year the Fish and Wildlife Service unlawfully denied Endangered Species Act protection to Florida Keys mole skinks, along with 24 other highly imperiled species. So we had to sue again in 2019, and a year later we prevailed in court.

Following that 2020 legal victory by the Center, in 2022 the Service finally proposed protecting Florida Keys mole skinks as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The agency also proposed designating 7,068 acres of protected critical habitat.

Check out our press releases to learn more about the Center's actions for the Florida keys mole skink.

Traditional Cullen Skink

For the fish stock, put the oil into a heavy saucepan and heat; then add the vegetables and stir well to coat with the oil. Cover and sweat over a low heat for about ten minutes; do not allow them to colour. Take the lid off the pan and pour in the white wine. Boil for one minute. Now add 1.2 litres/2 pints of water and the smokies. Bring up almost to the boil; then skim well. Reduce the heat and simmer very gently for 20 minutes. Allow to cool. Once cold, strain the stock through a very fine sieve, preferably lined with a double layer of muslin. (The stock can be made two days ahead and kept chilled until needed.)

To make the soup, put a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the butter and, when melted, add the shallots, leek and garlic. Cover and sweat for 5-10 minutes, but don't allow the vegetables to colour.

Add the cooked potatoes. Flake the smokies and add to the pan. Cover and sweat for a further two minutes, then add 1 litre/1¾ pints of the reserved stock and season with freshly ground black pepper. Bring to the boil and simmer for 8-10 minutes.

Take the pan off the heat and allow to cool slightly. Carefully pour the mixture into a blender and put on the lid. Take the stopper out of the hole in the lid and cover the hole with a tea towel to stop the hot mix splattering. Blend for a few seconds; then gradually add the milk and cream through the hole. When the milk and cream is all added and the mixture is smooth, pass through a fine sieve to give a fine, velvety texture.

To serve, pour the soup into a clean pan and heat gently. Flake the remaining smokie and divide among four warmed shallow bowls. Ladle in the soup and garnish with chopped chives.

Peter Kvietkauskas

Meteorologist Burlington, Vt.

Peter joined the team in August of 2023.

Prior to coming to the Green Mountain State, Peter worked as the Morning Meteorologist at Northern News Now in Duluth, Minnesota.

Peter is a New England native born and raised in Eastern Connecticut. He is thrilled to be working here in Vermont now.

Peter earned a B.S. In Atmospheric Science and an A.S. In Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Northern Vermont University - Lyndon. During that time, he interned right here at WCAX.

In addition to being a proud weather nerd, Peter is also a proud news and current events nerd.

When Peter is not at work, you will find him exploring the outdoor sights and scenes the Green Mountain State offers.

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