About
The Florida Panther (Puma Concolor Coryi) can only be found in Southwestern Florida, as opposed to their previous range across the Gulf Coast states. This big cat is a subspecies of puma, and unlike any other subspecies, is best suited to and can be found in swamps, hardwood hammocks and pinelands. These cats can be 24 to 28 inches tall and typically weigh at 70 to 160 pounds. The Florida Panther are crepuscular, which means that they are their most active at dawn and dusk.
Importance
As a keystone species, these animals are incredibly important in maintaining the natural ecosystem. Keystone species are critical to the survival of an ecosystem, and if they struggle, the ecosystem may collapse. Florida Panthers help to maintain the food web in Florida, as they are a top predator that helps to control prey populations such as wild hogs, deer, raccoons and armadillos.
Threats
While the Florida Panther was once common throughout the southeastern United States, now, fewer than 100 may roam south Florida. Although they are protected, these cats’ biggest threat culminates in issues all stemming from habitat loss, fragmentation and destruction. The greatest cause of death for these big cats are vehicles. Roadways and other human development fragment and destroy their natural habitats, limiting their movement and preventing them from hunting and breeding, and pushing more conflicts with humans due to this forced proximity.
How Can I Help?
To learn more about the Florida Panther, see what is being done to protect them, and how you can get involved, here are a few Florida-based organizations that focus on protecting these big cats:
Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge is a South Immokalee based non-profit organization that focuses on protecting the Florida Panther and restoring their habitat and historic range. This group maintains wildlife refuges, trails, connects with the community and advocates to make a difference. Volunteers are a huge help!
The Florida Panther Protection Program is a collaborative effort between conservation organizations and landowners to protect, manage and assist in the recovery of the Florida Panther. They seek to preserve over 100,000 acres of wild land to meet this goal. Participating organizations can be found on their website.
The Florida Wildlife Federation is a statewide non-profit conservation organization that seeks to safeguard Florida’s wildlife, wild spaces and water. They are committed to “taking action today to prevent irreversible loss tomorrow.” This organization helps to provide ways for Floridians to get involved and have a say in what happens to our state, whether that’s volunteering with them, participating in events, and staying engaged in policies.
Sources – floridawildlifefederation.org, nps.gov, education.nationalgeographic.org
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