The Florida Panther

                                                                    by James Du Prey

The Florida Panther is a reddish brown, large and slender cat, a decedent of the Puma, and it is the last of its sub species. It can reach a length of about 7 feet and it used to range all over the southeastern U.S.  Now it has been restricted to a small portion of south Florida.  Panthers used to be killed on site at any time in Florida, then they became a regulated "game species", but once the population was severely restricted, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission removed them from the list and gave them complete legal protection.  No reproducing population has been found outside south Florida for about 30 years, despite an intensive search to document them.  They are now considered the most endangered mammals in the world.  They are very solitary and territorial animals, and their migration patters hardly vary.  In addition, they need large spaces for hunting, and follow the same path looking for prey in a large area.  The need for large spaces is one of their biggest limitations.  They are also K-selected species, and their recovery rate is very low.  Unfortunately, the Florida Panther population remains at about 110 to 120.  

Habitat Requirements

Panthers require large areas in order to meet their needs.  They typically don't stay in one place; in fact, panthers move extensively within home ranges, going to all parts of their range regularly while hunting, breeding or other activities.  They are typically found in most types of vegetation.  Historically, a present deer population was a prerequisite for panthers.  

Limiting Factors

While the Florida Panther needs a vast amount of space to fulfill their social, reproductive and energetic needs, space is something that is lacking.  Their habitat selection is related to prey availability and the surrounding environment.  Panthers usually choose forest habitats that have dense vegetation to provide some of the most important feeding, resting, and denning cover.   Agriculture is one of the main reasons for driving back the Panther population accompanied by people hunting them as they expand.  Habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation are the greatest threats to panther survival, and lack of human tolerance is the main threat to panther recovery.

In addition, health is a huge factor in the survival of the remaining panthers.  Panthers have an extraordinarily large number of health problems, and most are due to poor habitat conditions and genetic defects.

The Plan for Recovery

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service originally created a recovery plan in 1981, and revised it for the third time in 2008.  The need for more habitat is crucial, and the main strategy in the plan is "to maintain, restore, and expand the panther population and its habitat in south Florida, expand this population into south-central Florida, and reintroduce at least two additional viable populations within the historic range".  The plan is built surrounding habitat conservation in accordance with the need to avoid any additional habitat related problems.  "Range expansion and reintroduction of additional populations are recognized as essential for recovery" (Florida Panther Recovery Plan, pg. ix).  The goal of the plan is to achieve long-term viability of the Florida Panther.

The U.S.F.W.S has made concise recovery objectives needed for their survival:

1. To maintain, restore, and expand the panther population and its habitat in south Florida and expand the breeding portion of the population in south Florida to areas north of the Chattahoochee River. 
2. To identify, secure, maintain, and restore panther habitat in potential reintroduction areas within the historic range, and to establish viable populations of the panther outside south and south-central Florida. 
3. To facilitate panther recovery thorough public awareness and education. 

When Will They Be Recovered?

The Florida Panther Recovery Plan has cited that a viable population, with respect to the Florida Panther, is one where there is a 95% probability of persistence for 100 years.  The criteria for this goal is that there are at least two viable populations each consisting of 240 individuals, and each having been established in their ecological role and subsequently been maintained for a minimum of twelve years. They will be taken off the list from the Endangered Species Act when there is at least 3 viable populations each of at least 240 individuals and each having been maintained for at least 12 years.

Personal Action
Road kill is a leading factor that inhibits the full recovery of Florida Panthers, and knowing this I always keep an eye out on the road while driving.  It reduces the risk of me hitting any animal as well.  Another thing I personally plan to do is become aware of regions where panthers, and other endangered animals roam, and strive not to expand into their home.

Wait! You can help!

You can do your part in helping the cause to save Florida Panthers from extinction.

Donate to organizations that are active participants in the revival of the Florida Panther populations.

        Defenders of Wildlife: http://www.defenders.org/florida-panther/how-you-can-help
     
        Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge: http://floridapanther.org/

Citations:

1. United States of America. Department of Interior. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Florida Panther Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Nov. 2008. Web. 16 Nov. 2015.
2. Fleming, Elizabeth. "A Growing State Means Growing Threats for Florida's Official State Animal." Defenders of Wildlife Blog. Defenders of Wildlife, 18 Mar. 2015. Web. 16 Nov. 2015.
3. "Frequently Asked Questions." The Florida Panther Society, Inc. The Florida Panther Society, Inc., 15 May 2002. Web. 16 Nov. 2015. <http://www.panthersociety.org/faq.html>
4. Onorato, Dave. "Florida Panthers: Next Steps." Florida Panther Population Status and Human Conflicts (n.d.): n. pag. Florida Panther: Next Steps. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, 2011. Web. 30 Nov. 2015. <http://myfwc.com/media/2345993/4CFloridaPantherPlan_presentation.pdf>.