Wildlife Service Considers Adding Three Florida Species To Endangered List
MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — The Florida Keys mole skink, Panama City crayfish and the Suwannee moccasin shell mussel are just three of the nine species the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
In 2010 and 2011, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned for protection for three freshwater species, a fox, two birds and three other animals. Under a 2010 agreement with the wildlife service, the center can seek fast-tracked decisions for 10 species each year.
According to a settlement reached Monday, the wildlife service will make a decision about whether to declare each species to be threatened or endangered.
Other animals being considered for special protection are the bridled darter, the eastern hellbender salamander, the MacGillivray's seaside sparrow, boreal toad, the Sierra Nevada red fox and Bicknell's thrush.
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