While legislation and protected status alone cannot ensure the panther's survival, these efforts are extremely importatn. They form a protective shield over an endangered species as further efforts proceed for the animal's physical recovery and habitat improvement.

The following legislation and government initiatives are the foundation of public efforts to save the Florida panther. Copies of legislation and plans are available in Florida public libraries. You can receive copies by writing or calling the office named with each listing.

• The Florida panther was listed as an endangered species in 1973 under the Federal Endangered Species Act. This law defines endangered and threatened species and provides specific fines and penalties for killing, injuring, harming, harassing, or disturbing them. It also establishes requirements for restoring viable populations of endangered animals and plants. Copies available from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Endangered Species, 4401 North Fairfax Dr., Room 452, Arlington, VA 22203; Telephone: (703) 358-2171.
• The panther was given protection under the Wildlife Code of the State of Florida and the Florida Panther Act of 1978. Similar to the federal Endangered Species Act, this law makes killing, injuring, harming, harassing, or disturbing a Florida panther a state crime.
• A Panther Recovery Team, appointed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1976, presented an initial "Florida Panther Recovery Plan" in 1981. The plan spells out the threat to the Florida panther and the steps that must be implemented to restore the animal to viable populations in the wild.
• Beginning in 1981, an extensive radio-collaring program supported the study of panther movements, behaviors, and mortality.
• The Florida panther was designated the State Animal of Florida in 1982. The raised the visibility of the animal as an endangered species and gave all Florida residents an added incentive to work towards its protection as a matter of state pride.
• In 1983, The Florida Panther Technical Advisory Council was established by the state legislature to provide advice on technical issues concerning the panther.
• The Florida Panther Interagency Committee was established in 1986, including members of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
• The "Florida Panther Recovery Plan" was revised and updated in 1987. This improved plan reflected the latest findings on the panther, new information on recovery efforts, the participation of additional park and refuge areas, and the changing land-use picture in South Florida. Copies are available at a nominal fee from: Fish and Wildlife Service, Reference Service, 5430 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 110, Bethesda, MD 20814; Telephone (800) 582-3421 or (301) 492-6403.
• The Florida Panther Interagency Committee established a Habitat Preservation Plan for the florida panther in 1993. This plan evaluated the habitat requirements of a sustainable panther population in South Florida and the measures needed to meet these requirements. Copies available from: Florida Panther Recovery Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 117 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110450, Gainesville, FL 32611-0450; Telephone: (904) 846-0546.
• In 1994, the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission proposed strategic habitat conservation areas in southwest Florida. Included a report called "Closing the Gaps in Florida's Wildlife Habitat Conservation System," The proposal takes an important step toward providing sufficient territory to support a sustainable panther population. Copies available from: Office of Environmental Services, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, 620 south Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600. Telephone: (904) 488-3831.