Possible Endangered Wildlife Along Mandarin Road – Why We Are Researching
As the proposed Mandarin Road scaled back project moves forward, many residents have asked an important question:
What wildlife could be affected by construction along one of Jacksonville’s most scenic and environmentally sensitive corridors?
Mandarin Road is lined with mature tree canopy, wetlands, drainage areas, and natural habitat that support a wide variety of wildlife. While no one is claiming endangered species have been confirmed along the entire corridor, we believe it is critical that a thorough review be completed before any major construction begins.
Species that can occur in Northeast Florida habitats similar to those found along and near Mandarin Road include:
• Gopher tortoises (a protected Florida species) and the many animals that depend on their burrows.
• Eastern indigo snakes, a federally threatened species often associated with gopher tortoise habitat.
• Wood storks, a federally threatened bird that utilizes wetlands and shallow-water feeding areas.
• Bald eagles and other protected nesting birds that rely on mature tree canopy.
• Numerous migratory birds, pollinators, reptiles, amphibians, and other native wildlife that depend on connected habitat corridors.
Because of these concerns, we are actively researching the issue and communicating with all applicable agencies, including federal and state wildlife and environmental organizations, to ensure any potential impacts are fully evaluated before construction proceeds.
Our goal is simple:
Protect Mandarin’s historic canopy, preserve wildlife habitat, and ensure that environmental reviews are thorough, transparent, and based on sound science.
If you care about preserving the unique character of Mandarin Road, please continue sharing information, staying engaged, and encouraging others to learn more about this project. Once habitat is lost, it cannot easily be replaced.
Mandarin’s trees and wildlife deserve careful consideration before any irreversible decisions are made. 🌳🦅🐢
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