In the past decade, the number of panthers in Florida has grown, but despite the increase, the species continues to struggle for survival in Southwest Florida. They have now been listed under the Endangerment Species Act for over 50 years.
According to the National Wildlife Federation, Florida panthers are highly endangered and remain vulnerable to all major threats, including habitat damage caused by construction and road developments.
According to the Florida Wildlife Federation, the Florida panther is one of the most endangered mammals in the world and the most endangered big cat in North America. Without the Endangerment Species Act, the Florida panther would likely have gone extinct.
Historically, Florida panthers were found across multiple states throughout the Gulf Coast. They were found from Florida to Louisiana and Arkansas. Today, they are only found in the Everglades and surrounding areas in Southwest Florida. They belong to the same species as pumas, cougars, and mountain lions.
Threats to the Florida panther began with the arrival of European settlers in the state, who hunted them in an effort to eliminate predators. According to the Nature Conservancy, the settlers hunted the panthers to protect livestock and to sell their skins in the fur trade. Extensive hunting, along with habitat loss due to expanding development, led to a sharp decline in the population.
By the 1970s, the Florida panther population had dropped to an estimated 12 to 20 individuals. Today, that number has increased to 120 to 230. The increase is mainly a result of the Endangerment Species Act. However, the panthers remain endangered. While hunting is no longer a major threat, new challenges have emerged.
Elizabeth Fleming, a Senior Florida Representative at Defenders of Wildlife, cited habitat fragmentation, diseases and climate change as significant threats to panthers today.
“One of the biggest threats to Florida panthers right now is loss of fragmentation of habitat,” Fleming said.
Defenders of Wildlife works to conserve a statewide habitat network, including the Florida panthers. Defenders of Wildlife works to conserve the panthers' habitat while working to reduce one of their leading causes of mortality - car strikes.
“Currently, the biggest threat to panthers is car strikes and loss of habitat,” said Mike Terrell, curator of animal experiences at Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society.
Could the Florida panther go extinct?
“Florida’s panthers have made great progress in the last few decades, but still face enormous challenges,” Fleming said. “I certainly hope they do not become extinct, and there are reasons to be optimistic.”
Fleming referenced a milestone in panther conservation. A female panther was spotted north of the Caloosahatchee River with her cub a few years ago. While Fleming said it will take years for a stable population to form in the area north of the river, the sighting was a promising sign.
Terrell explained the importance panthers serve in the ecosystem.
“Having a healthy predator population in the Everglades keeps the other animal populations in check. It induces a healthier environment that all people can immediately benefit from,” he said.
Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society currently has two pumas, one Florida panther and one cougar. Terrell explained that both pumas at the zoo were rescued as cubs after their mothers died - one from a car strike and another from hunting.
Terrel stressed the importance of building wildlife underpasses beneath roads to prevent collisions. He also suggested for drivers to be mindful when traveling through panther habitats.
“Slowing down driving through their habitat and simply being alert is vital since car strikes are the most serious risks to panthers,” Terrell said.
Education plays a vital role in the conservation of panthers. The zoo offers panther experiences for school groups, helping children develop awareness and empathy for the species.
“These experiences create awareness and empathy among children. We also give them actions they can do when they leave,” Terrell said. “Single-use plastic and trash are a threat to panthers in the wild, so we can tell the children to use reusable water bottles to help the panthers.”
To support the recovery of the Florida panther population, Fleming emphasized the importance of support for laws protecting the panthers in their environment.
Fleming encourages these laws not just for panthers, but for Florida’s entire ecosystem.
“Without the panthers, the other animal populations in the ecosystem in which they occur will most likely get out of control,” Fleming said.
By Hedda Jarhall
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