The Florida Panther

The wildlife of Florida is especially appreciated by those of us who see it daily. Each morning, just like clockwork, the beautiful white egrets from Bird Island stretch their wide wings and in formation fly over our neighborhood. The estimate is about 30-40 of them. Later in the day, they fly back to their beloved island where only a few boats pass by.
A less viewed part of the Florida wildlife is the Florida panther which is on the endangered list.

  According to an article by Tricia Woolfenden,  today’s panther might be extinct if it had not been for the introduction in 1995 of eight female cougars from Texas to help diversify the ailing Florida population.  The University of Florida reports the following:   “…There is a 71 percent chance that only 10 of the endangered cats would be alive in the wild today if not for the genetic infusion. The breeding project, somewhat controversial at that time, has boosted panther population across much of South Florida’s undeveloped lands. ” State officials released the female cats 18 years ago to address breeding issues that can result from a “segmented population.” Without that much-needed shot of “genetic diversity” the study indicates that the animal would likely now be extinct. The Texas cougar project did raise questions about the “validity of the Florida panther as an authentic subspecies.” Experts note, however, that the two feline populations share genetic traits because of their geographical proximity.

Cats born in South Florida are classified as panthers.   According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there is now an estimated number of 100 to 160 panthers living in the wild.  These are being closely tracked by Florida state officials.

 

 

 

The video you are about to see is one of rescue and surgery of a Florida panther that was struck by a car. It is heart-warming to see its release back into the wild.

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This entry was posted on February 3, 2015 by Boyer Writes. It was filed under Animals, Boyer Writes, Community, Florida, Important to know and was tagged with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida panthers, Florida wildlife, Tricia Woolfenden, U. of Florida.

One response

1. 

   Stephen Liddell

   What a wonderful video, I very much enjoy seeing nature and the difference a small group of people can make to help a species that has been driven to near extinction through no fault of our own. In recent years in the U.K. many species of great birds have returned to our shores, wild boars are booming, beavers have been re-introduced and even wolves have returned albeit for the moment in extremely large enclosures.

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   February 3, 2015 at 14:25