| The Florida Panther is a State Protected Animal, and an endangered species. We will talk about that later. First , Let's talk about how cute they are when they are kittens. They have little black spots on them like many other big cats. This camouflage protects them from other predators, but since they are on the top of the food chain ; they really don't have many natural enemies however humans, who have invaded and polluted their habitats are another issue. |
Florida Panther
Report
by Kaylie W.
September 20th, 2008
Report
by Kaylie W.
September 20th, 2008
| Florida Panthers have four toes.Panther Kittens will stay with their mother for nearly two years and are considered to be grown at 2 1/2 years old. At that time they are able to breed. They use scat to mark boundaries or their territory. They become very solitary when grown and males need almost 200 square miles and females 75 square miles to roam. |
| State conservationists have spent millions of dollars putting up signs like these shown here, to make people aware when they are driving in an area where Panthers often cross the road. The problem there is that the Panthers don't read and often cross the road distant to the warning signs. A better approach is the underpass seen below. The Panthers as well as other wildlife have been shown to accept this alternative route, but this is far more expensive than signs. |
| So now we have covered some of the unpleasant aspects of the Florida panthers modern life, so let's move on to the joyful parts. |
| Click above to get more information about Florida Panthers!! |
Florida Panthers once roamed a large area of the
Southeast United States, but now most reside in state
parks and private habitats. State parks and state
preserves are the "safety zone" for surviving Florida
Panthers,and their most secure hope for survival in the
future.
These areas provide safe havens for panthers to
live,hunt,and reproduce. The animated map above
shows how the population of wild Florida Panthers has
been pushed down into the Southwest corner of
Florida.
The estimated number of adult Florida Panther still in
existence has increased in the last ten years to well
over 100; approximately 20 in captivity and 80 in the
wild.
Southeast United States, but now most reside in state
parks and private habitats. State parks and state
preserves are the "safety zone" for surviving Florida
Panthers,and their most secure hope for survival in the
future.
These areas provide safe havens for panthers to
live,hunt,and reproduce. The animated map above
shows how the population of wild Florida Panthers has
been pushed down into the Southwest corner of
Florida.
The estimated number of adult Florida Panther still in
existence has increased in the last ten years to well
over 100; approximately 20 in captivity and 80 in the
wild.
A Florida Panther wades in the waters of the
Everglades, now polluted with Mercury from
Agricultural Irrigation Runoff. This effects all
of us who depend on this water including
humans and animals of the region.
We can help save Florida Panthers by not
polluting where they live,drive slowly where
they may cross the street and make
donations to state parks and preserves.
Under way, a nationally funded project to
bring several Texas Cougars to Florida for
interbreeding with the Florida Panther may
be a way to speed up the population
recovery of these wonderful animals. It is
also thought, at some point the Florida
Panthers may be needed to help certain
cougar populations.
Everglades, now polluted with Mercury from
Agricultural Irrigation Runoff. This effects all
of us who depend on this water including
humans and animals of the region.
We can help save Florida Panthers by not
polluting where they live,drive slowly where
they may cross the street and make
donations to state parks and preserves.
Under way, a nationally funded project to
bring several Texas Cougars to Florida for
interbreeding with the Florida Panther may
be a way to speed up the population
recovery of these wonderful animals. It is
also thought, at some point the Florida
Panthers may be needed to help certain
cougar populations.
| Adult Panther males weigh up to 130 pounds, while adult females weigh up to just 70 pounds. Their colors are a mixture of tawny brown and gray. One feature very distinct about these cats is their appearance of having applied eyeliner. Florida Panthers are a sub-species of the Cougar or Mountain Lion. Florida Panther scientific name Puma Concolor Coryi. Below are pictures of each. Can you see the difference in their markings? |
| Florida Panther Cougar |
| The Florida Panther is important to the South Florida Ecological System. As the top predator, they help keep things in balance. Their prey are primarily Deer, Wild Hogs and Raccoons; all of which can become overpopulated without the panther. As well, they help with something called Natural Selection, where the weaker animals become prey and the better fit animals will thrive. Florida Panthers are nocturnal and hunt at night. |
I hope you have enjoyed my report,
and learned something as well. To
check your knowledge about Florida
Panthers, I have a cute little
Crossword Puzzle for you , Click the
Crossword image above to go there.
and learned something as well. To
check your knowledge about Florida
Panthers, I have a cute little
Crossword Puzzle for you , Click the
Crossword image above to go there.
