Endandered Species Project
By: Shannah Avila
Native to US: Florida Panther
Native to US: Florida Panther
Background Information:
- -Puma Concolor
- -Large tan cats of beige fur, with black marks on the tips of the tail, ears, and snout. Crooked tail
- -6-7ft long
- -Live in warm climates; wetlands, swamps, and upland forests
- -Found in Southern Florida in swamplands like the Everglades National Park & Big Cypress National Preserve
- -Territorial/ Solitary, unless with partner and cubs
- -Mate in November- March. Female is pregnant for 3 months & give birth to 1-3 kittens
- -They are born with spots for camouflage, and as they grow older the spots disappear
- -Before, they were found from Florida to Louisiana; throughout the Gulf Coast & Arkansas
- -Today, only found in Southwestern tip of Florida
Threats/Causes of Endangerment:
- -Habitat Loss- construction reduces habitat to the Florida Panther
- -Human-Wildlife Conflict- Florida Panthers are hit by cars
- -Pollution- Mercury
- -Disease- Feline Leukemia
- -During 1800 & early 1900's the cats were maliciously hunted & almost eradicated from the eastern US & that decimated the population greatly
Possible Course of Action for Protection:
- -Nature Conservancy Florida support panther conservation & protects their habitat
- - Florida's Water & Land Legacy Campaign will restore the Everglades, protect drinking water sources, and protect natural lands & wildlife habitat
- -Other organizations: Florida Panther Nation Wildlife Refuge, US Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service
- -Reduce Pollution: Proper disposal of household, gardening, & agricultural chemicals
Bibliography
"Florida Panther." National Wildlife Federation. National Wildlife Federation, n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2015.
"Habitat Protection for the Florida Panther." The Conservation Fund. The Conservation Fund, n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2015.
"Help Save the Florida Panther." The Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy, n.d. Web. 6. Dec. 2015.