The Texas cougar subspecies of Felis concolor is a close relative of the Florida panther and a traditional breeding partner in former times. The genetic makeup of the two cougar families is very similar.

Over the past 100 years, the Florida panther has been gradually cut off and isolated from other subspecies. Before that time, its range overlapped with several other subspecies. At these natural boundary points and edge territories, subspecies met and mated.

This intermingling of similar though distinct subgroups of the same species had the effect of maintaining a beneficial gene flow that resulted in a hardier, more resilient stock. The drastic fragmentation of habitats in the past 100 years and the extinction of some subspecies such as the Eastern cougar isolated the Florida panther and cut off its corridors to other subspecies.

Now, in an effort to strengthen the Florida panther populations, a limited number of Texas cougars will soon be introduced in a government-sponsored interbreeding program in southern Florida. It is hoped that this will enhance genetic makeup and help reverse the debilitating effects of Florida panther inbreeding.

A first step involved introducing several non-breeding Texas cougars into the Florida habitat to demonstrate their adaptability to their new home. They passed this test with flying colors. Currently, eight more Texas cougars, fully capable of breeding, are being introduced. At first, they will live in large pens until they acclimate to Florida. Then they will begin their new lives in the wild.

The National Parks and Conservation Association, with support from the Quaker Oats Company, has played a key part in this effort. In addition to the NPCA's participation in planning an education outreach program, NPCA financed the transportation of the Texas cougars to South Florida.

Results of the Interbreeding Program will be evaluated over the next several years. The panther's gestation period is around three months, so kittens could be expected in 1995 and young adults of mating age by 1997-98. If, as hoped, a gradual genetic revitalization of the Florida panther population occurs, then its chance of survival in the wild will be greatly enhanced.