Proceedings of the Ninth Mountain Lion Workshop - Carnivore ...

Heterozygosity, average number of alleles, and measures of genetic structuring and
distance have all increased in cohorts of panthers born since the initiation of the
introgression project. Conversely, cases of atrial septal defects and cryptorchidism have
decreased in generations since the introduction of Texas cougars. A slow and steady
expansion of the Florida panther population (90-100 animals) has ensued in the decade
following genetic introgression. While inbreeding and genetic variation remain issues of
concern, recovery of panthers continues to hinge largely on the preservation of usablespace
and improving prospects for recolonization of former range in other regions in
Florida and the southeastern U.S.
Proceedings of the Ninth Mountain Lion Workshop
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