Threats to Florida Panthers

In booming south Florida—home to the only remaining breeding population of panthers—housing and highway projects continue to slash and shrink precious habitat. Collisions with motor vehicles are now a leading cause of panther deaths.

Another impediment to panther recovery is the lack of human tolerance for living with a large predator. Peoples’ fear that panthers are dangerous to people and livestock complicates efforts to restore panther populations.

More on Florida Panther: What Defenders Is Doing to Help Florida Panthers »

More on Florida Panther:

Fast Facts

Height: 23-27 inches at the shoulder for males; females are smaller.
Length: 7 feet from nose to tip of tail for males; 6 feet for females.
Weight: males average 130 lbs; females 70-75 lbs.
Lifespan: 10-15 years.

Range Map

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Protection Status

Endangered Species Act: Endangered

CITES: Appendix I

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Species at Risk

Florida Panther »

Though they’re the state animal, only 100 to 160 of these big cats remain in a single population in south Florida.

Whooping Crane, © Klaus Nigge / National Geographic Stock

Habitat Conservation

National Wildlife Refuges »

Defenders of Wildlife is working to protect and strengthen the National Wildlife Refuge System, the only system of federal lands in the United States dedicated to wildlife conservation.

Where We Work

Defenders in Florida »

From the Keys and Everglades to the Panhandle’s white sand beaches, Florida is home to some of the country’s most special places and wildlife, but also some of the most imperiled. Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to keeping the Sunshine State a wild and enchanting place.