According to Defenders of Wildlife, 2009 was a very bad year for the Florida panther, Puma concolor coryi. Nearly 20 percent of the Florida panther population was killed by vehicles last year. Years ago, these magnificent cats roamed free in eight states. Today, less than 100 of the endangered panthers are believed to exist in the wild.
Vehicle Mortality
16 confirmed cases of vehicle mortality occurred in 2009 and officials strongly suspect a 17th panther was killed by a vehicle in October. In 2008, 10 panthers were killed by vehicles compared to 15 in 2007. Vehicle strikes are a major concern for the Florida panther. In fact, vehicle collisions are the largest cause of panther deaths.
Florida Panthers
Listed as Endangered in 1967, the Florida panther is Florida’s state animal and is considered one of the most endangered animals on earth. These tawny brown cats are solitary and territorial creatures that prefer a secluded environment away from humans. Males measure about 7 feet in length and weigh about 130 pounds. Females measure about 6 feet in length and weigh about 75 pounds.
Several decades ago, only 20 to 30 Florida panthers existed in the wild. While their numbers have slowly grown over the years, these magnificent creatures face an unknown future. Besides motor vehicle collisions, the animals are often forced to cross busy roadways and wander into residential areas in search of food and shelter due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Encounters with humans have increased in the past few years, which often prove fatal to the panther. Livestock and pet attacks have also increased. Territorial conflicts, lack of food and environmental contaminants also threaten the animal.
Saving the Florida Panther
Unless swift measures are taken, the Florida panther is at great risk for extinction. Various efforts from federal and state agencies are being considered or are underway. Special passageways and directional fencing, wildlife crossings, have been successful. Special license plates are available for Florida drivers to help raise money for the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund and Florida Communities Trust Fund. So far, over $30 million in proceeds have been raised from the Protect the Panther plates. You can even adopt a Florida panther.
Time is running out for these beautiful creatures. Learn how you can get involved and help save the Florida panther.
Florida panther photo by Rodney Cammauf National Park Service
Humanity seems to have a never ending supply of weaponry in our war on endangered animals – unlike Afghanistan – this is a war we’re winning with ease.
It saddens me that victory is in sight. Not long now till we’ve collectively wiped the big cats from the world.
How to slow it all down – without resourting to “bromide in the water”.
Yah, a war we are “winning” with ease. We will be last to “go”. Un-interested in living in a zoo of our own creation.
I can see the Taliban’s point – so why they want to blow me to pieces ?
The article ignores what really needs to be done to save the southern panther: (1) designate Critical Habitat for the panther in its present range in southern Florida. Five environmental organizations led by the Center for Biological Diversity and the Conservancy of SW Florida have filed petitions requesting the US Fish & Wildlife Service to do that. These groups will file lawsuits against the Service if it does not respond by late February 2010.
(2) Reintroduce panthers to areas in their former range outside of southern Florida. The latest Recovery Plan for the panther, issued in December 2008, makes it clear that there is no chance of removing them from the Endangered Species list until this is done. Approximately 8-100 panthers now live in southern Florida; probably this is close to the carrying capacity. They are hemmed in by development in SE Florida and the channelized Caloosahatchee River on the NW. A few young males have managed to get across the River, but no females.
Approximately 40 panther kittens are being born each year. When it’s time to leave their mothers, they have no place to go. They end up dead on highways or killed by adult males in fights over territory.
Thanks to global warming, the sea level is gradually rising. Much of southern Florida will be inundated in the coming decades.
Studies have identified suitable habitat in other southeastern states. The FWS needs to establish a timeline for reintroducing panthers.