|
|
Florida Panther Reintroduction Questions & Answers
Information provided by the Florida Game & Fresh Water
Fish Commission
What is the nature of
the
proposed experiment?
The proposed experiment is designated to reintroduce
Florida
panthers
into at least one area of Florida that they originally occupied. This
would be accomplished through a series of experiments first using
sterilized western cougars which would help us evaluate the feasibility
of reintroducing Florida panthers as well as enable us to identify
problems associated with reintroduction. The released cats would be
sterilized to prevent these non-native animals from reproducing in the
wild during the experiment. This experimental approach would enable
scientists to address any problems they encounter before proceeding with
the next experimental step and the eventual reintroduction of Florida
panthers into the area.
What would be the
purpose of reintroducing the Florida panthers?
The purpose of reintroducing Florida panthers
into suitable, but currently unoccupied, habitat would be to expand their
current range distribution and increase their total numbers, thus
furthering the subspecies' chances for survival as a viable component of
Florida's natural environment.
Why would western
cougars be used during the early phases of the experiment?
Cougars, of a western subspecies Felis concolor,
would be used as surrogates for Florida panthers in the initial
reintroduction experiment because they are not in danger of extinction
even though they are closely related to the endangered Florida panther
subspecies. They would be used to develop the appropriate rearing,
conditioning, and release techniques that ultimately would be used in the
handling of Florida panthers. Use of surrogates for endangered species
research is a standard procedure that allows use of nonendangered animals
during the experimental phases of methods development.
Where would these
experimental animals be released?
The proposal is to release both surrogate animals and
ultimately Florida panthers into the Osceola National Forest and
surrounding area. Release of the surrogate animals would allow an
evaluation of our ability to produce panthers in captivity that are
capable of surviving in the wild, and it would serve also as a test of
the release site's ability to sustain panthers. surrogates would be
radio collared prior to release and would be recaptured after a minimum
of one year following their release. If this release of surrogate cats
is successful, their removal would allow us to release radio-collared
panthers on the area.
Why has this area been
selected?
This area has been selected for the proposed reintroduction
of Florida panthers because it is one of the largest remaining areas of
suitable panther habitat; it contains an adequate food base (white-tailed
deer) to support both panthers and sport hunting; and the area has a
minimum road density and human population.
How would the success
or
failure of the experiment be determined?
Release of the surrogate cats would be judged successful if
and when the animals survive without human conflict and establish normal
territories and behavioral patterns. The additional factor of successful
reproduction would be used for ultimate evaluation ofthe release of
Florida panthers.
Would the experiment be
terminated if problems develop?
Yes. The experiment is designed to proceed in phases so
progress and problems can be monitored and evaluated upon completion of
each experimental step before moving on to the next step. Experiments
would not proceed until any identified problems are solved. If any
problems arise after release of the surrogate cats or the Florida
panthers, the cats would be recaptured immediately and removed from the
release site. Since all the animals would be radio collared prior to
release, their movements and activities could be monitored regularly and
their recapture would be a relatively simple matter anytime the need
arises. Radio collars would be maintained on released Florida panthers a
minimum of five years following their release.
What further action is
planned if the proposed experiment is a success?
The objective of the research is to enable wildlife
officials to re-establish Florida panthers as a self-sustaining
population in the release area. The primary thrust of the work, other
vthan development of proper techniques for captive rearing and release of
panthers, would be to evaluate and document that re-establishment of a
self-sustaining population had occurred. Further research would involve
at least periodic monitoring of this population.
Would these
experimental animals be given the same protected status as wild
panthers?
Primary protection of experimental animals, including
Florida panthers, would be through state law and policy as explained in
the enclosed policy statement. Federal laws that would come into play
relative to these animals essentially would mirror state laws.
Would my current land
use options be restriced because of the presence of these cats now or
in the future?
No. As indicated in the enclosed policy statement,
Florida panthers would not be released into the area unless current
land use options in and around the site are safeguarded.
Would I be paid for
livestock losses attributed to these animals?
Yes. A private sponsor has agreed to recompense any bona
fide losses of livestock to reintroduced panthers.
How much would
reintroduced cats reduce the deer herd or hunting
opportunities?
Reintroduced panthers would not have a detectable impact on
the deer herd in the release area. In fact, since the cats prey on both
male and female deer, they might affect productivity of the deer herd in
a positive manner. By removing a small number of does from the deer
herd, panthers might make more space and food resources avaliable to
support a larger buck segment in the deer herd. Given the fact that the
maximum density of re-established panthers may be expected to be no
greater than one panther per 117 square miles and the maximum number of
deer that each animal would eat wold average no more than 52 per year,
the average number of deer that would be taken by reintroduced panthers
is estimated to be no more than one deer per 2.25 square miles each
year. This would not cause significant reduction in the deer
population. Since Florida panthers also readily prey on feral hogs and
other small mammals, their rate of predation on white-tailed deer would
be reduced by the rate the cats prey on other animals.
Would hunting
regulations be altered because of the presence or impact of these
cats?
Not at all. As stated in the enclosed policy statement, no
established hunting season would be curtailed or restricted for the sole
benefit of reintroducted panthers.
Would panthers kill my
hunting dogs?
No. Panthers avoid dogs.
Are panthers dangerous
to humans?
No. Injury to a human is extremely unlikely since panthers
inherently avoid contact with people. There are no documented cases of
Florida panthers attacking humans.
How many panthers
would be stocked in this area?
Five, including two males and three females.
Why is it so important
to save Florida panthers from extinction?
We live in an era when another species slips into the jaws
of extinction an average of every 3.5 days. Considering the role of the
Florida panther as a symbol of the wilderness that makes this state such
a great place to live, it would be especially tragic to lose these
magnificent animals. The Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission,
Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service have teamed up to form the Florida Panther Interagency
Committee, to pool their resources and coordinate research efforts. In
addition, Gilman Paper Co. and Buckeye Cellulose Corp. Have agreed to
serve as corporate sponsors and have offered their assistance in efforts
to prevent extinction of the Florida panther. The Florida Panther
Recovery Plan is undergoing continuous revision as scientists gather new
information about these animals and efforts continue to re-establish a
healthy wild Florida panther population in this state.
Where can I get more
information?
Write to the Florida
Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission's
Office of Informational Services, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee,
Fla. 32399-1600 or call (904) 488-4676. The staff will be pleased to
answer your questions or put you in touch with someone who can.
|
What is the nature of the proposed
experiment?