Florida panther There are many names for this species, but all refer to the same,of wild cat, Puma concolor. The historic range of Puma concolor included almost all of North and South America.

Throughout the 1800’s and early 1900’s, people feared Puma concolor, because it posed a risk to their livestock. The species was maliciously hunted and almost eradicated from the eastern United States.

Today, there are less than 100 Florida panthers left in the wild. They are found in southern Florida in swamplands such as Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. The species is so critically endangered that it is vulnerable to just about every major threat – from habitat loss to cars and even feline diseases. Although there is a lot left to do to save the Florida panther, conservationists are working hard to study the cats and hopefully make the population healthy and viable.

 Size: Florida panthers are about 6-7 feet long,males are bigger than females.  Diet: Florida panthers are carnivores. They, also stalk birds.  Typical Lifespan: They live about 12 years in the wild.  Habitat: Florida panthers utilize a diversity of warm climate habitats.  Life History and Reproduction: Florida panthers live alone, unless a pair is mating or a female is raising cubs. In the mating season of November to March, males venture out to find a female mate. After they breed, the female is pregnant for about 3 months. She’ll give birth to a litter of 1-3 kittens.

 Threats to Florida Panthers:  Habitat Loss: Construction reduces available habitat important to territorial panthers.  Human-Wildlife Conflicts : Florida panthers cross roads and highways and are hit by cars.  Low Genetic : Diversity  Pollution : Mercury  Disease : Feline leukemia  Fear : A misunderstanding of the dangers posed by Florida panthers prevents reintroductions to new areas.  Florida panthers are listed as Endangered on the Endagered Species List.