PWD BK W7000-893 Proceedings.CDR - Mountain Lion Foundation

sixth Mountain Lion w o r k s h o p 65
FLORIDA PANTHER GENETIC RESTORATION:
A STATUS REPORT
E. DARRELL LAND, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 566 Commercial Blvd., Naples, FL
34104-4709.
ORON L. BASS, Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL.
DEBORAH K. JANSEN, Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, FL.
ROY T. McBRIDE, Rancher's Supply, Alpine, TX .
DAVID SHINDLE*, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 566 Commercial Blvd., Naples, FL
34104-4709.
Abstract: An estimated 60-70 Florida panthers
(Puma concolor coryi) exist currently in the wild in
Florida, following a population increase over the
past decade. The panther's distribution in the state
remains largely south of the Caloosahatchee River,
but panthers range north nearly to Orlando. Most
effort in panther management is presently directed
toward genetic restoration, specifically monitoring
the pedigree, molecular, and physical effects of
purposefully releasing 8 young female pumas from
Texas into the core range of the Florida panther in
1995. This release was intended to infuse Texas
puma (P. c. stanleyana) genetic material into the
Florida panther population to correct physical
abnormalities attributable to low genetic diversity.
Our stated goal was to have each Texas female
produce at least 2 recruited offspring and this level
of genetic infusion was expected to augment the
panther population genetic make-up over time
such that 20% of its diversity could be traced back
to Texas puma genes. Five of the 8 Texas females
bred, producing 18 known offspring. Firstgeneration
offspring have now produced at least
18 second-generation offspring of their own and
25 of these 36 descendants are thought to be alive
today. Preliminary pedigree analysis suggests that
we have achieved our genetic goal, but additional
monitoring will be necessary to determine if
desired physical improvements are achieved.
RECOVERY OF THE FLORIDA PANTHER:
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FUTURE NEEDS
E. DARRELL LAND*, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 566 Commercial Blvd., Naples, FL
34104-4709.
JOHN W. KASBOHM, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 6620 Southpoint Dr., South, Suite 310, Jacksonville, FL
32216-0912.
DAWN JENNINGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1339 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960-3559.
Abstract: Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi)
ranged historically from Louisiana and Arkansas
eastward into South Carolina and southward
through Florida. Currently, 60-70 panthers exist in
the wild in southern Florida. The panther was listed
as an endangered species by the Department of
the Interior in 1967 and a recovery plan was first
developed in 1981 followed by 2 revisions in 1987
and 1995. All versions share the objective of
achieving 3 viable, self-sustaining populations
within the historic range. Steps to achieve this
include 1) managing, protecting and restoring
areas within the panther's current range,
2) identifying areas within the historic range of
panthers where reintroduction may be possible,
and 3) managing panthers directly, through either
captive breeding or genetic restoration, to offset
negative consequences of inbreeding and small
population size. Significant progress has been
achieved under 2 of the 3 steps. Two decades of