Group 1: Madison Baker Florida Panther

Madison Baker

The “Rida” to Recovery

Why Save the Florida Panther?

The Florida Panther has been listed as endangered since 1967 and has been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1973 (Return). These beautiful creatures live in the southern part of Florida and have been losing their homes to humans for over 50 years now. It is more vital now than ever to restore the Florida Panthers population so it is no longer considered endangered--or even threatened. The recovery plan created in 2008 outlines the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s plan to lead this species to recovery.

Image 1: (Report).

Panther Profile: (Ecology)

The average panther is about 6-7 feet long, lives for about 10-15 years, and needs about 250 square miles to live comfortably (REC PLAN). Male panthers mate with many different females, making them polygamous. Most females give birth between the months of March and June; with litter sizes averaging almost 3 per mother (Return). The kittens stay dependant on their mothers until they reach the age of about 18 months (Return). Most panther to panther interactions occur between the kittens and their mothers. Male panther interaction usually turns aggressive when involved with another male, and results in pregnancy when involved with a female panther (Return). The white-tailed deer and the feral hog are the Florida panther’s main prey. They also eat raccoons, armadillos, rabbits, and alligators. A panther is most active at night, and around sunrise and sunset and most panthers move around from day to day (Return).

What’s Changing? (Geographic &Population Changes) Image 2: (Florida Panther)

Much of the panther population changes occur from disease, geographical changes, and human interference. The estimated current population is about 100-180 panthers. The Florida panther habitat range has also shrunk drastically, leaving the panthers with only the southern part of Florida to live in. The Florida panther’s current habitat range is about 5% of its historic range. A research group working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) tracked 50 panthers and determined that they needed about 15,000-23,000 square miles of space. FWS has also determined that there are 3 living zones required for these panthers: the primary zone, the secondary zone, and the dispersal zone. The primary zone is the space needed for “long term viability and persistence” (Return). The secondary zone next to the primary zone and houses a few panthers. The dispersal zone is for future panther populations to live in (Return). All these zones currently lie within the southern tip of Florida, while historically the panthers were able to live throughout Florida.

Many panthers suffer from various diseases; from viral to bacterial. Some of these major devastating diseases include feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, and pseudorabies. The Florida panther is also incredibly susceptible to the hookworm parasite (Return).

Why is the Florida Panther Endangered? (cause of listing)

Image 3: (ThingLink)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that there are 5 factors that contribute to the decline of panther populations in Florida.

Factor A: habitat destruction
Factor B: “overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes”
Factor C: “disease or predation”
Factor D: “the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms”
Factor E: “other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence” (Return).

What’s Our Plan? (recovery plan)

The FWS has estimated that the total cost to get the Florida Panther off the endangered species list is $17,750. There are 3 levels to the recovery plan. First, one panther subpopulation must grow past 100 individuals. Then, 2 subpopulations must be established. And finally, 3 subpopulations must be “established and maintained” for a long period of time (Return). After this goal is met, the panther must move to be removed from the endangered list to the threatened list. To do this, there must be 2 populations of 240 individual panthers and a viable habitat for survival. After this goal is met the panthers must be removed from the threatened list. To do this, there must be 3 populations of 240 panthers with a habitat to support them (Return).

The FWS recovery plan for the Florida panther outlines the steps needed to achieve the previously mentioned recovery goals:

“1. Maintain, restore, and expand the panther population and its habitat in south Florida.  

2. Expand the breeding portion of the population in south Florida to areas north of the Caloosahatchee River.  

3. Identify potential reintroduction areas within the historic range of the panther.  

4. Reestablish viable panther populations outside of south and south-central Florida within the historic range.  

5. Secure, maintain, and restore habitat in reintroduction areas.  

6. Facilitate panther conservation and recovery through public awareness and education.” (Return)

What Can YOU Do to Help?

There are many things that the average person can to do help protect the beautiful Florida panthers. Many panthers die in brutal car accidents so everyone should be very careful when driving through wildlife areas, especially during dawn or dusk. Also, since habitat destruction is a major factor in decreasing panther populations, everyone should be mindful about how they recycle and what types of products they use. If you would like to DONATE money to conservation efforts please visit this website: http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/florida/explore/save-the-florida-panther.xml