Calling All Panther Advocates!
Defenders of Wildlife is offering the chance to learn more about the past, present and future of the panther recovery effort. In a series of outreach events, we will discuss Florida’s state animal and explore the ways in which people can get involved and make a difference in the fight to save the species!
Rarer than even the Siberian tiger and snow leopard, the Florida panther is one of the most endangered mammals in the United States. Confined to approximately 5% of its historical territory that once ranged throughout the Southeast, the breeding panther population has been isolated to South Florida for decades.
In what was nothing short of a conservation milestone, all of that changed for the better just over a year ago. For the first time in four decades, female panthers were spotted north of the Caloosahatchee River. As if that weren’t news enough, shortly after, one of those females was found to have a litter of kittens in tow, marking a first for the recovery effort.
In addition, the panther population estimate was recently revised to reflect their growing numbers. Today, there are anywhere from 120–230 adult and subadult panthers roaming South Florida.
But even so, the panther still faces many daunting challenges.
Last year, 24 panthers were killed on roadways; in 2016 a record 34 were killed crossing roads. Florida also continues to experience massive development, with 15 million additional people expected to move to the Sunshine State in the next fifty years.
If the panther is to continue making conservation gains, we must keep up the fight. Perhaps now more than ever, the panther depends on smart development, a reduction in vehicle collisions and the acceptance of landowners to share the landscape with one of Florida’s wildest and most iconic animals.
To celebrate the progress that has been made — and to address the challenges moving forward — our events will be concentrated in areas north of the Caloosahatchee River, near or along the route that female panthers are using to expand their species’ range. Most events are free and open to the general public.
I hope to see you there!
-Christian
Where and When:
Tuesday, January 30th, 2018
7:00pm
Highlands Hammock State Park
5931 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872
FREE
Saturday, February 3rd, 2018
1:30 PM
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
Inquire with ranger at park entrance for additional directions
FREE
Wednesday, February 7th, 2018
Noon
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Included with General Admission, Free to Members
Thursday, February 8th, 2018
3:00pm
Archbold Biological Station
123 Main Dr., Venus, FL 33960
FREE
Saturday, February 10th, 2018
7:00pm
*Oscar Scherer State Park
1843 S Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
*Free for Registered Campers only
