Florida Panther

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and the Florida fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have updated the estimated number of endangered Florida Panther in their breeding range south of the Caloosahatchee River.

The report emphasizes both the importance and difficulty in obtaining accurate panther population estimates, which is similar to estimating the other puma populations in western states. Currently, Florida scientists are evaluating several methods to refine their ability to estimate the panther population size, including the use of trail cameras and panther road mortality data.

Florida panther. Photo by Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.