The Florida panther (also known as cougar, puma, or mountain lion) was once hunted to near extinction.
By the 1980s, the Florida panther population had dwindled to just 30-50 individuals. In recent years the subspecies has rebounded slightly, with an estimated 70-100 wild panthers in total, a small proportion of which are breeding females. However, the Florida panther is still among the most rare animals in the United States.
Today, some of the biggest threats facing the remaining Florida panthers are the loss and fragmentation of their habitat, disease, and poisoning.
Threats to the Florida Panther's Survival
The Florida panther’s historic range, which spanned a large portion of the Southeastern United States, has shrunk to just 5% of its original area. As a result, remaining populations of wild panthers are often separated from one another, increasing the risk of inbreeding, which in turn increases the likelihood of genetic defects and infertility. Also, many panthers are hit by cars when attempting to cross the roads that divide their territories.
An additional problem associated with shrinking habitat is that young male panthers are forced into close proximity with one another. Male panthers require relatively large territories – about 200 square miles – and so young males are more likely to injure or kill one another in territorial disputes when suitable habitat is scarce.
Panthers are also susceptible to diseases afflicting domestic cats and dogs such as parvovirus, feline HIV, rabies, and feline leukemia, and inbreeding may have weakened their immune systems, making them even more vulnerable. Thus, free-roaming domestic and feral cats and dogs present a further threat to the Florida panther’s continued existence.
In addition, some Florida panthers have succumbed to mercury poisoning from factories, hazardous waste sites, and coal-fired power plants. This mercury, released into the air, is carried down into water and land by rain and becomes part of the ecosystem. Panthers may be poisoned when they prey on alligators and raccoons that have accumulated mercury through eating fish.
Efforts to Save the Florida Panther from Extinction
The only way to save the Florida panther is to protect its South Florida habitat, reintroduce the subspecies to additional areas within its former habitat range, and broaden the current gene pool. Thus far there have been a number of habitat conservation initiatives implemented, and fences, underpasses, and wildlife crossing signs have also helped to reduce automobile-related deaths. In addition, about one-third of all Florida panthers are now equipped with radio collars for monitoring purposes.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began introducing Texas cougars to the Florida panther population in 1995 to increase the overall breeding stock. The Texas cougar (Puma concolor stanleyana), though closely related to the Florida panther, is a heavier cat that differs slightly in its skull shape, as well as the colour and texture of its fur. These two subspecies historically interbred, and their offspring are considered Florida panthers and thus eligible for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
For those who wish to save Florida’s endangered panthers, the Florida Panther Society offers suggestions on how to help.
What to Do When Encountering a Florida Panther
Although there have been no documented cases of Florida panthers attacking humans, caution is warranted. Upon encountering a Florida panther:
- Attempt to stay calm and don’t show any fear.
- Make lots of noise and back away while continuing to face the animal.
- Try to look larger by waving arms and opening jackets, and avoid actions that give the appearance of reduced size, such as bending over or crouching down.
- Ensure that the panther has an escape route and isn’t cornered.
The Florida panther is quite frightened of people and is more likely to run away than threaten. Even western panthers, which have occasionally attacked people, have often been successfully driven away by those who fought back, so in the extremely unlikely event that a Florida panther attacks, fighting back aggressively is recommended.
Panther sightings should be reported, particularly if the animal behaves in a threatening manner or appears to be injured or ill. Report sightings to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (phone: 1-888-404-3922). Dead panthers should also be reported, as keeping track of such deaths and their causes is critical to ensuring the survival of the subspecies.
More Information on Wild Cats
For additional information on Florida panthers, such as size, appearance, diet, habitat, abilities, and reproduction, see Facts About Florida's Endangered Panthers. For facts about other North American big cats, see Wild Cats of Canada. For information on how to help save endangered big cats, see Helping Endangered Wild Cats.
References:
- Defenders of Wildlife. (2009). “Environmental Toxins That Harm Florida Panthers.” Defenders.org.
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Panther Safety Tips.” MyFWC.com.
- National Wildlife Federation. (2009). “Florida Panther and the Endangered Species Act.” NWF.org.
- Roth, J. (2006). “Florida Panther.” EParks.org.
- SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Bytes. (2009). “Florida Panther.” Seaworld.org.
- The Florida Panther Society. (2007). “Frequently Asked Questions” and “Panther Info.” PantherSociety.org.
Jennifer Copley - Jennifer Copley, BFA, BEd, has a diverse base of expertise that includes research, writing, education, pet care, and various other ...
Comments