IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Lotz, M.; Meeks, K. | |
| Techniques used to raise orphaned Florida panthers for release to the wild | |
| 2014 Conference Proceeding | |
The Florida panther (_Puma concolor coryi_) is an isolated subspecies of puma with a breeding population restricted to approximately 800,000 hectares in southern Florida. Genetic restoration efforts in the mid-1990's increased heterozygosity and were successful at helping the population rebound to 100-160 adults. Nevertheless, the current size of this population is insufficient to ensure a genetically diverse, self-sustaining population and individual panthers still represent a significant proportion of the genetic structure in the wild. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in cooperation with White Oak, has raised ten (4 M, 6 F) orphaned or injured dependant-aged kittens and released them back to the wild where they had an opportunity to be recruited into the breeding population. Female recruitment has been excellent and most have produced litters. Additionally, several of the captive raised female's offspring have been documented to produce litters. Male recruitment results have been mixed. We describe captive habitat conditions, feeding regimens, staff-panther interaction protocols, and pre-release considerations implemented while panthers are being held captive that appear to be critical for improving the probability of successful recruitment of individuals back into the wild population. Investing in individuals, especially in small, isolated, and endangered populations has genetic consequences for conservation, management, and recovery. As other state agencies develop alternate policies for dealing with orphaned pumas, the knowledge gained in Florida may assist in increasing the likelihood of successful releases. |
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