Scrub Jay
 The Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is a relict species of fire-dominated oak scrub habitat that occurs on well-drained sandy soils in peninsular Florida. Scrub-jays are sedentary, territorial birds that form family groups and many live to be more than 10 years old. Fledglings remain with their parents as helpers in territories that are usually 12.4 acres or larger (Woolfenden and Fitpatrick 1996). The Florida scrub-jay was federally listed as a threatened species because of loss, fragmentation, and degradation of scrub habitats throughout Florida. This species is also protected by the State of Florida.
The most recent estimate of the scrub-jay population (1993) is between 7,000 and 11,000 birds (Fitzpatrick et al. 1994). During the last 10 to 12 years, the population has declined by an estimated 25 to 50 percent and scrub-jays have been extirpated from several counties statewide. Conservation measures for Florida scrub-jays will involve protection and long-term management of suitable scrub habitat.
According to Fish and Wildlife Service survey data provided to Sarasota County and the city of North Port, 43 of the 223 lots for sale in Session 4 will require a consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service, prior to a building permit being issued. The 43 lots, requiring a consultation, are annotated in the list of lots for sale. The other 180 lots DO NOT REQUIRE a consultation at this time.
The minimum bid, for the lots requiring a consultation, reflects an additional $3,000 reduction in price to offset the cost of a consultation.
The Fish and Wildlife Service has oversight for the Endangered Species Act, and staff at the Vero Beach office can be reached at (772) 562-3909. |