Swamp Stomp
Volume 17, Issue 10
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have updated the estimated number of endangered Florida panthers in their breeding range, which is south of the Caloosahatchee River.
According to a February 2017 report from the agencies collaborating on conservation and recovery efforts, the updated population estimate is 120 to 230 adult and subadult Florida panthers. This is an update from the number in 2014, which was an estimation of 100 to 180 adult and subadult Florida panthers.
To learn more, you can find the panther population report by visiting FloridaPantherNet.org.
The report focuses on conveying the importance and difficulty of obtaining accurate panther population estimates, which is similar to estimating the other puma populations in western states. At this time, Florida scientists are researching and evaluating several methods to improve their ability to estimate the panther population size, including the use of trail cameras and panther road mortality data. The current numbers, developed jointly by USFWS and FWC scientists, are obtained using annual counts of panthers primarily conducted on public lands. “Density of panthers on these areas is then multiplied across the larger area that makes up the primary breeding range in south Florida. Although there are some panthers outside of this range in south Florida and in areas north of the Caloosahatchee River, they are primarily dispersing males and do not significantly contribute to the breeding population” (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).
“This latest Florida panther population estimate is good news, an indication that conservation efforts are on track in helping recover this endangered animal,” said Kipp Frohlich, FWC’s Deputy Director for the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. “In the 1970s and 1980s, it was estimated only 20 to 30 panthers remained in Florida.”
Larry Williams, the USFWS’s Florida State Supervisor of Ecological Services, is hopeful after looking at the new estimates and believes the new numbers indicate things are moving in the direction they want them to, which is due, in part, to a strong partnership with the State of Florida.
“Continued recovery will require a long-term concerted effort by many partners committed to finding common sense solutions that balance many different and competing interests, yet are grounded in a shared purpose of conserving the lands that support Florida’s native wildlife and its ranching heritage,” Williams said.
If anyone stumbles upon panthers or their tracks, they are encouraged to report these sightings, and in particular photos, to MyFWC.com/PantherSightings. Any reported sightings will be used to help with panther research and management. Of particular interest to the biologists who keep track of the panthers are pictures of panthers north of the Caloosahatchee River, which runs from Lake Okeechobee to Ft. Myers.
If you are from Florida and want to help panther conservation efforts, you can do so by purchasing the “Protect a Panther” vehicle tag from your local tax collector’s office.
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Florida Panther Population Estimate Updated.” U S Fish and Wildlife Service. U S Fish and Wildlife Service, 22 Feb. 2017. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.