Florida Panther: Unsound Science Exposed

An Independent Scientific Review Team (SRT) was convened in 2003 by the USFWS led Florida Panther Recovery Team to review scientific literature on the Florida Panther. Their analysis uncovered serious problems in the science used by the USFWS to make policy decisions related to panther habitat, including the permitting process.

Their report, titled "An Analysis of Scientific Literature Related to the Florida Panther", was released in 2003. It clearly states what is known about panthers, which science is flawed, and makes recommendations on correcting the problems.

Now all that remains is for the USFWS to correct the unsound science and implement the SRT recommendations. Despite a Challenge filed in 2004 under the Federal Data Quality Act of 2000, the USFWS has resisted correcting the science it uses. 

Reintroduction

Public Support

Public support for reintroduction is high. A 1995 statewide survey found that 83% of Floridians support panther reintroduction (Duda and Young 1995). A similar survey targeting counties in North Florida (site of the 1993-1995 Reintroduction Feasibility Study) found 75% of residents in favor of panther reintroduction (Cramer 1995).

Hunters and anglers in Florida also support reintroduction, as found in a 2004 survey with 75% supporting panther reintroduction in northern Florida and adjacent Georgia provided there is adequate and appropriate wildlife management planning to minimize human-panther interactions (NWF and FWF 2004).

Planning for Reintroduction

The Florida Panther Recovery Team, led by the US Fish and Wildlife Service commissioned an assessment of potential reintroduction sites in the southeastern United States. The habitat assessment looked at many variables including amount of public lands, prey base, density of roads, and human population numbers.

Although the assessment does not choose a site for reintroduction, it identifies the benefits and drawbacks of each site. These can be weighed in choosing the best site for successful reintroduction.

Defenders of Wildlife is committed to building a successful panther reintroduction plan that involves local communities, scientists, farmers, hunters, and other interested citizens. Defenders has established a proactive incentive and compensation fund to reimburse ranchers for livestock losses; and is working to prevent human-panther interactions.

As a recovery team member, Defenders is also contributing to the current Florida Panther Recovery Plan revision. Defenders is experienced in carnivore reintroduction. Including an important role in successful reestablishment of grey wolves, Defenders is also involved in reintroduction efforts for the Grizzly Bear, Black-footed Ferret, and Kit Fox.

Reintroduction Q&A

Is there enough habitat to establish other panther populations?
Yes, the Habitat Assessment to Identify Potential Sites for Florida Panther Reintroduction in the Southeast (Thatcher et al., 2006) identified nine sites of sufficient size to support a  breeding panther population.

Where will the reintroduced panthers come from?
Experienced biologists will carefully select panthers from South Florida to maximize success and reduce potential impacts to the current population. Because panthers are breeding well now (thanks to genetic restoration), it is likely that young panthers in the population will take the place of any panthers removed for reintroduction.

Can panthers survive in another location?
Yes, the Florida Panther Reintroduction Feasibility Study (Belden and McCown 1996) found that reestablishment of additional panther populations is biologically feasible. They study also uncovered many of the political and social issues that need to be addressed in any reintroduction plan.

Will local communities be involved in the process?
Public participation is an important part of successful reintroduction. The next step in planning for reintroduction includes public education and outreach programs and community involvement. Many people in the southeastern United States have not lived with panthers in over 100 years.

Will panthers threaten my community?
No Florida panther has ever attacked a human. However, it is important to act responsibly when living in or near wildlife habitat. For communities near panther populations, this means being aware of panther behavior and learning how to live with panthers again. Panthers are solitary and prefer to be away from people. An important part of reintroduction will include a plan to minimize human-panther interactions.

Will panthers kill my livestock or pets?
Panthers occasionally kill livestock and pets. Measures can be taken to protect your animals from all predators, including coyotes and wild dogs. Defenders of Wildlife has established a proactive incentive and compensation fund to help people live responsibly with predators and reimburse ranchers for livestock losses.

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