Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Threatened Status for the Florida Scrub Jay

The Florida Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens coerulescens) is exclusively confined to scrub habitat in peninsular Florida. Much of the coastal scrub formerly inhabited by the bird has been cleared for beachfront hotels, houses, and condominiums. Many areas in the interior of Florida are presently being developed for citrus groves and housing. Clearly, the major cause of decline has been habitat destruction. Other threats to the Florida scrub ja... more

The Florida Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens coerulescens) is exclusively confined to scrub habitat in peninsular Florida. Much of the coastal scrub formerly inhabited by the bird has been cleared for beachfront hotels, houses, and condominiums. Many areas in the interior of Florida are presently being developed for citrus groves and housing. Clearly, the major cause of decline has been habitat destruction. Other threats to the Florida scrub jay are malicious shooting of the birds by vandals, accidents with motor vehicles, and unfavorable habitat succession problems in some areas. This rule implements the protection and recovery provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, for the Florida scrub jay. The effective date of this rule is July 8, 1987. less