A bold journey is under way to restore America s Everglades. Led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District, the restoration program is guided by the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, called CERP. The Picayune Strand Restoration Project is the first CERP project under construction. The project will restore 55,000 acres of wetlands and adjacent uplands in southwest Florida that are commonly used by the Florida panther. It is almost entirely surrounded by public lands; its restoration will establish critical connectivity between these natural areas. Decades ago, construction of infrastructure for a now-abandoned residential community once called Southern Golden Gate Estates included excavating four large canals and building a network of roads. This disrupted natural water flow, over-drained the area and degraded the coastal estuarine ecosystem. The restoration project will fill canals, remove old roads, sculpt spreader swales, and construct pump stations. Together, these components will redirect fresh water flow over historic wetlands while maintaining flood protection on land outside the project area. The project will also improve water quality in the coastal estuary. How did the Corps of Engineers become involved in a Florida panther study? During planning of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, resource agencies asked the Corps to perform a panther-prey survey. The Corps provided funding for the research to David Shindle, an accomplished biologist at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The study documented both the pre-restoration panther use of the area as well as that of their primary prey. The study provides a valuable benchmark for future monitoring and evaluation. The events experienced and data collected during the baseline survey provided the inspiration for Trails and Tails. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers thanks its many partners for their contributions to this publication. Special thanks are extended to all who have worked to save the Florida panther. This publication is based on the excellent work done by many others. Profound appreciation and deep respect are extended to the members of the Florida panther capture teams for their important, complicated and challenging work. The personal communications of their stories have made the leap from the concept of saving an endangered species, to the reality of doing so. Special thanks to Erica Robbins, Outreach Program Specialist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for her dedication and enthusiasm in preparing this document. Erica s commitment to the Everglades, all of its wildlife, and to excellence in environmental education is boundless. She is an inspiration for her colleagues and a priceless resource for the countless children and adults who seek to understand and experience the Everglades. Essential support and assistance were provided by David Shindle of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the principal investigator of the Pre-construction Panther Prey Baseline Monitoring Survey for the Picayune Strand Restoration Project; and to Mark Lotz, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, for generously sharing his photos, knowledge and adventures and for providing a glimpse into the world of panthers minus the long hours, climbs, crawls, weather and mosquitoes that he had to endure. Additional thanks to Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida Panther and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuges, Everglades National Park, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service South Florida Field Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Collier County, University of Florida IFAS Extension, and the Florida Wildlife Federation. Trails & Tails is an unofficial publication authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1 and published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, Fla. 32232-0019. Comments regarding this publication are encouraged and may be sent to nanciann.e.regalado@usace.army.mil. Printed on recycled paper Cover photo by Glen Stacell 2010
Contents TRAILS & TAILS 2 20 6 Where have all the Florida panthers gone? What s in a name? Panther scientists are working hard to save the Florida panther 8 Identifying a Florida panther 24 Capturing and collaring panthers - the process in photos 12 Panther sign and behavior 26 Kittens and den work 16 Panthers are fighting to survive 30 People and panthers: What you can do to help save the Florida panther 18 Saving the Florida panther 32 Turning back time for Picayune Strand and the Florida panther
Where have all the Florida panthers gone? The shy and elusive Florida panther is the last subspecies of Puma still surviving in the eastern U.S. Hunting, reductions in their primary prey and destruction of natural areas have taken a toll on the panther population. By the 1970s, the cats were on the brink of extinction, with only 12 to 20 adults remaining. Historically living throughout the southeastern U.S., today the panther is restricted to less than 5 percent of its historic range with only one breeding population of about 100 adults in south Florida. Florida panthers are endangered by a combination of small population size, isolation and loss of habitat. Because so few Florida panthers remain, the U.S. government and the state of Florida have identified it as an endangered species. photo by Glen Stacell 2 TRAILS & TAILS
Endangered Species Today, most Americans appreciate and value the natural resources of the United States. However, environmental awareness and the idea of going green are relatively recent concepts. Hundreds of years of population growth and destruction of natural lands caused a dramatic reduction of the quantity and quality of natural resources. Many plant and animal species have suffered drastic declines in population. Some have even become extinct, such as the Dusky Seaside Sparrow that lived on the east coast of Florida and was last seen in 1987. Environmental awareness grew in the 1960s and the U.S. Congress passed the Endangered Species Preservation Act in 1966, providing a means for listing native animal species as endangered and giving them limited protection. The Florida panther was among the first group of species to be federally listed as an endangered species in 1967 under the Endangered Species Preservation It is illegal to...harm, harass, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect any threatened or endangered species or even to try to do so. Act, and later transferred to the list of threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is the agency that administers Listing and Recovery Programs under the ESA. The agency determines whether to add a species to the federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife and plants. Once listed, a species receives the full range of protections available under the ESA. It is illegal to...harm, harass, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect any threatened or endangered species or even to try to do so. The stated purpose of the Endangered Species Act is to protect species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. The primary goal is to prevent the extinction of imperiled plant and animal life, and secondly, to recover and maintain those populations by removing or lessening threats to their survival. It was designed to protect critically imperiled species from extinction as a consequence of economic growth and development untempered by adequate concern and conservation. TRAILS & TAILS 3
The FWS also creates Recovery ultimate goal is to recover species Plans for endangered species that to increase their numbers and improve describe the actions required to their management so they no longer recover and protect listed species using need protection under the ESA and can the best available science. Recovery be removed from the list of threatened Plans outline the goals, tasks required, and endangered species. likely costs, and estimated timelines One of the best-known success to recover endangered species, as stories of species recovery under the well as specific recovery objectives ESA is the national symbol of the U.S., and criteria to be met to reclassify the bald eagle. Bald eagle populations (downlist) and eventually delist species severely declined due to hunting, under the Endangered Species Act. The habitat loss and the use of a powerful Florida Panther Breeding Ranges Historic Current insecticide known as DDT. DDT and other chemicals become increasingly concentrated in the tissues of each animal along the food chain, and the eagle was at the top of the food chain. DDT made bald eagle eggshells so fragile that they were crushed as mother birds sat on their nests. In a national effort to save the iconic bird, the federal government banned the use of DDT in 1972 and placed the bald eagle under protection of the Endangered Species Act, which allowed the government to protect bald eagle habitat. In 1963, there were only 417 breeding pairs in the continental U.S. Today, there are more than 9,000 breeding pairs. The combined effort of the FWS and state wildlife agencies also saved the American alligator, an important animal in the Florida Everglades ecosystem. When it was listed as endangered under the ESA in 1987, alligator hunting was prohibited and the species was able to rebound. Twenty years after receiving protection under the ESA, the American alligator was pronounced fully recovered and was removed from the endangered species list. Although the 4 TRAILS & TAILS
K American alligator is secure, some related animals such as crocodiles are still in trouble. For this reason, the FWS continues to protect the alligator under the ESA classification of threatened due to similarity of appearance. The FWS regulates the harvest and trade of alligators as part of an effort to prevent the illegal take and trafficking of endangered lookalike reptiles, such as the crocodile. Extinct Endangered Threatened Delisted EX E T The Florida panther is currently listed as endangered. EX E T In response to a growing environmental movement in the 1960s, the U.S. Congress passed landmark legislation consisting of laws that now form the legal foundation for protection of our environment. Whenever the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers develops a project such as the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, the agency must also consider and comply with these laws, including these: The Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1970 set goals and standards for U.S. air quality and purity. The Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972 set goals and standards for U.S. water quality and purity. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 was designed to protect and recover endangered and threatened species of fish, wildlife and plants in the United States and beyond. The law works in part by protecting habitat for the species. TRAILS & TAILS 5
What s in a name? photo by David Shindle Scientific names To bring a level of consistency and reliability to plant and animal names, a single system for classification and scientific naming was developed over 200 years ago. The same system is still in use today. A Swedish naturalist named Carolus Linnaeus developed the Linnaean system of classifying and naming all plants and animals. Linnaeus knew that common names were unreliable for purposes of permanent classification and caused confusion. That is why, in 1758, he created what we now call the Linnaean classification system in which each living organism is given a name made up of two words, usually derived from Latin or Greek. The Linnaean system dictates that the scientific name for an organism include a genus name followed by a species name. The genus name is always capitalized. The second word, the species name, is written in lowercase letters. There may be a third word for the name of the subspecies, which is a population in a particular geographical region distinguishable from other populations of the same species but still capable of interbreeding successfully where its ranges overlap. Scientists have arranged all living things in a classification system that shows how they are related. Scientific Classification for the Florida Panther Kingdom: Phylum: Class: Order: Family: Genus: Species: Subspecies Animalia Chordata Mammalia Carnivora Felidae Puma concolor coryi Each type of creature in the animal world has a unique scientific name shared by no other. This makes it possible for researchers to communicate effectively with other scientists throughout the world. They all know they are talking about the same type of animal, no matter what language they speak or discipline they study. Few other animals exemplify the importance of scientific names more than the cat of many names. Puma, cougar, mountain lion, catamount, tiger, painter and panther are but a few of the common names used for the same animal. The scientific name for the Florida panther is Puma concolor coryi. In the languages of some of the indigenous 6 TRAILS & TAILS
tribes of South America, Puma means mighty magic animal or a powerful animal. Concolor means one color. The subspecies name, coryi, comes from naturalist Charles Barney Cory, who first described the characteristics of this subspecies. It is pronounced cor-ee-eye. for tracking, study and reporting purposes. When adult panthers are captured, they are given a special collar with a radiotracking device and are identified using FP Puma means mighty magic animal or a powerful animal. Scientific names are written in italics in printed materials like this: Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi). When written by hand, each word of the scientific name is underlined separately like this: Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi). Identification of individual panthers Scientists have also created a system to identify individual panthers (Florida Panther) and a number. An example of an individual panther would be FP170. Panthers whose identification begins with a K (Kitten) are those cats that were handled as kittens less than one month old in the den and marked with a transponder chip under the skin, but not a collar (kittens would quickly outgrow a collar). If the kitten is later captured and collared, its identification changes from a K to an FP. Panthers identified with a UCFP (Uncollared Florida Panther) are those recovered after injury or death (usually after being hit by a car) and that were never radio-collared by researchers or handled and marked as kittens in the den. Panthers are members of the animal kingdom that are: Vertebrates Animals with a backbone which consists of ring-like bones called vertebrae that protect the soft spinal cord. Humans can feel vertebrae by touching the center of the back. Mammals Mammals are warm blooded (body temperature remains the same although their surroundings might change), have a covering of hair on their skin and milk-producing mammary glands for nourishing their young. Carnivores Animals that eat mainly meat. TRAILS & TAILS 7
Identifying a Florida panther Animals such as bobcats are often mistaken for Florida panthers. Taking a close look at several distinctive features can help people tell the difference between Florida panthers and close relatives. Adult Florida panthers are not black! They are a tawny cinnamon-buff color, similar to deer, their favorite prey. The fur on their bellies and the inside of their legs is a light creamy white. The back of the ears and the tip of the tail are black. The Florida panther s light brown color helps it blend well into the vegetation of its habitat. Young Florida panthers, called kittens, have spotted coats that provide effective camouflage for these vulnerable animals. The fur of a Florida panther is well suited to the southern Florida landscape. 1 Its fur is quite short, not soft and long, like the fur of domesticated cats, or other panther relatives. According to Mark Lotz, a panther biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Western cougars have thicker and longer fur because they ve adapted to the colder climate they live in, but Florida panthers don t need thick fur to keep them warm. The fur of an adult Florida panther is really short and tight against the body, and feels much like that of a Doberman or other similar short-haired dogs. 2 photo by Mark Lotz, FWC 3 photo by Kathleen Smith, FWC 4 photo by FWC photo by Mark Lotz 8 TRAILS & TAILS
1 A radio-collared adult female, 2 3 4 The adult Florida panther has FP110, takes a stroll as her dependent amber-colored eyes, but kittens kittens playfully follow. Kittens rely on are born with blue eyes. By the the adult female for protection and time a kitten is about six months food. Adult females also teach their old, the bright blue eye color kittens how to hunt, avoid hazards and has changed to amber. Florida move throughout their range. Does the panthers have round pupils, unlike fur of a panther kitten feel like the fur domestic cats that have elliptical of an adult? Mark Lotz describes the pupils. Cats can see in color, but difference this way, Panther kittens not as well as humans can. don t have that smooth feel like a domestic kitten. The fur is soft like yarn or fleece, and almost fuzzy. An older, dependent kitten stays close to its mother. It has lost most of the spots on its coat, which fade by the time the kitten is six months old. Male Florida panthers tend to be larger than females. They are usually huskier, have larger heads, and average seven feet long (nose to tip of tail) and 130 pounds. An average adult female is six feet long and weighs 80 pounds. They are usually a little taller than two feet high at the shoulder. The shape of the Florida panthers skull distinguishes it from other cats. The skull at left shows the arched nasal bones of a Florida panther, while the skull on the right belongs to a non-florida subspecies. The arched nasal bones, sometimes called a Roman nose, give the Florida panther a smooth convex and rounded profile from nose tip to forehead. 5 6 This X-ray shows the kink in the last few vertebrae of the tail. Some kinks are obvious visually, but others can only be found by feeling through the fur of the tail during a hands-on examination. During the early days of panther research, scientists thought that white flecks of hair on the back of the neck (shown here in combination with a cowlick) were another characteristic unique to the Florida panther. After further study, they learned that this feature is probably the result of scarring from tick bites and not unique to panthers. That makes sense because the location on the back of the neck would be a difficult spot for a panther to reach. This is a good example of how the body of scientific knowledge changes over time, as researchers make new discoveries. 6 5 photo by Mark Lotz, FWC photos by Mark Lotz, FWC TRAILS & TAILS 9
Cowlicks and kinked tails Some Florida panthers have a middorsal cowlick, usually located in the middle of the ridge on top of the spine ( dorsal means the top of an animal, like the dorsal fin on a fish). The hair of the cowlick whorls in a different direction from the rest of the hair. Cowlicks can be small or prominent. The large number of cats with a kinked tail and a cowlick in the Florida panther population relative to other puma populations in North America was one of the first indications that the panther population in southwest Florida was suffering from inbreeding. When there are a limited number of individuals mating, beneficial genetic diversity is lost. Though these traits are not harmful to the individual, they are signs of a larger genetic problem that threatens the long-term survival of the species. Inbred or genetically challenged individuals are less capable of adapting to environmental changes and suffer more health and reproductive problems. Panther life Florida panthers are shy, solitary animals and need a large territory to roam. Males defend home ranges up to 200 square miles that overlap the smaller (80 square mile) territories of several females. Male panthers are regular Romeos, roaming their territories looking for a female that is receptive to mating. The breeding pair will spend only a few days together, so capturing a photographic image of two adult panthers is quite an accomplishment. If the female does not get pregnant, in another month or so, she will likely be ready to mate again, and the same or a different male may visit her. A dominant male panther, in its lifetime, will attempt to mate many times and with many different females. For example, FP79, nicknamed Don Juan was instrumental in keeping his species from disappearing by fathering at least 30 kittens over five years with seven females. Panthers can breed year-round, but there is a peak in breeding activity from December to March. Female panthers produce litters throughout the year, but about 60 percent of births occur between March and June. A female panther is pregnant for only three months. Intimately familiar with her territory, when it comes time for her kittens to be born, it is likely...about 60 percent of births occur between March and June that she will stay near an area that is dry and protected with thick vegetation that provides concealing cover and an abundance of nearby prey. It is often in a thicket of saw palmetto, but may be in tall ferns or even in the invasive exotic Brazilian pepper that the female panther 10 TRAILS & TAILS
will lie down on the ground and give birth to a litter of one to four kittens, usually averaging two. The kittens are born with their eyes closed, but somehow manage to find the mother s belly and nurse, drinking the milk her body has produced to feed them. After a few days, the kittens deep blue eyes begin to open. At two months, the kittens are ready to leave the den and follow their mother on hunting trips. At six months, their blue eyes turn to amber and the spots on their coat begin to fade. Female kittens are usually sexually mature at one and a half years and males at three years. Kittens perfect their hunting skills and are independent by two years of age. At some point, the mother will leave them while they are feeding and won t return. At this signal, kittens need to find a territory and begin their own families. When female kittens become independent, they normally don t travel very far, finding a territory within or close to their mother s territory. In contrast, a male kitten is hard-wired to roam, and instinctively disperses, often traveling far from its birthplace to find unrelated individuals in a new territory of his own. The longest recorded straight-line dispersal distance for a Florida panther was documented when UCFP123 was shot and killed in Troup County, Georgia, at a distance of approximately 500 miles from his birthplace. This behavior is an effective natural way to enhance genetic diversity and maintain the viability of a healthy species. photo by David Shindle An infrared-triggered camera captured an adult female Florida panther with her kittens that had recently left their den to start learning how to hunt in the Picayune Strand. TRAILS & TAILS 11
Panther sign and behavior Scientists, panther trackers, hounds and even other panthers use certain distinctive panther sign to tell if the cats have been nearby. 1 3 Tracks The most obvious sign that a panther has been in the area are panther paw prints or tracks, which can be left behind in damp sand and mud. 1 Panthers, like domestic house cats, have retractable claws, and claw marks are rarely visible in their tracks. In contrast, the tracks made by members of the dog family such as coyotes usually show visible claw marks. Think about the clicking sounds a dog s nails make as it walks across the floor, compared to the silence of a cat as it walks softly across the room with its claws retracted. However, claw marks may be visible in panther tracks if they were made in deep mud or if the cats were running or pouncing, as kittens often do when they play. Panthers are predators and use their sharp claws to grab and hold their prey, defend themselves, and climb trees. 2 The underside of the front paw has five toe pads and a pointy-looking carpal pad (near where the wrist would be in humans). Notice the leading toe one of the two middle toes sticks out further than the other one does. The inside toe is the leading toe, so this would be the left front paw. Members of the dog family have a distinctively different 2 photo by Mark Lotz, FWC photo by Mark Lotz, FWC arrangement two middle toes that line up evenly with each other. Panthers walk on their front toes and not the whole foot as humans do. The fifth toe pad on the inside of the paw does not touch the ground when the panther stands up, so only four toe pads usually show up in tracks. Try to put your fingers down flat on a table but keep the heel of your hand up in the air off the table. Your thumb will stick out above the ground, just like that fifth toe pad on a panther! 3 Both the front and back paws have a large distinctive heel pad, with two lobes in the front and three lobes in the back. In contrast, members of the dog family have heel pads with only one lobe in the front and two in the back. 4 photo by Mark Lotz, FWC photo by Mark Lotz, FWC 4 Adult panther FP158 s tracks are about 3 inches square - much larger than bobcat tracks, which are otherwise similar. The role of scent Florida panthers primarily use scent marking behaviors for communication. Cats can learn several things about the original cat that left the scent mark: its identity, status (dominant or subordinate), age, sex, reproductive state and presence within its home range. This type of communication is suited to the solitary lifestyle of Florida 12 TRAILS & TAILS
panthers because scents persist in the environment for a relatively long time compared to sounds and vocalizations. Florida panthers do not have the ability to roar, but they do purr, mew, chirp, whistle, hiss, growl, and emit a distinct scream know as the caterwaul. 5 photo by Mark Lotz, FWC 8 5 Scat and scrapes Panther scat, the technical name for panther poop, may include tufts of hair, hoof fragments or other remains from prey animals (a pen is used for size reference). 6 When a panther scrapes up leaf litter with its back feet and urinates on it, it s called a scrape or urine marker. Scrapes are an important form of communication for panthers. Adult males leave scrapes all year round, but females scrape only when they are receptive to mating and looking for a partner. These scent markers can last for weeks, and several panthers may investigate and scrape the same spot. Scrapes have several functions. They are critical in the spacing of adults and help males locate females ready for mating. They help maintain the social structure of the population as resident males mark their territories, warning young dispersing males to keep on moving. The panther that made this scrape was facing toward the left and scraped backward with its hind feet (6-inch ruler used for size reference). 7 Resident adult male panther PSRPM2 claims that he is the top cat in his 6 7 photo by Mark Lotz, FWC photo by David Shindle 9 photo by David Shindle photo by David Shindle territory by scraping on top of an earlier scrape by male panther PSRPM3. 8 All cats possess a vomeronasal organ located in the roof of the mouth, which cats use mainly to detect pheromones or chemical messages that carry information between individuals of the same species. A male cat can detect a female s reproductive state based on hormones in her urine. Adult male FP131 was captured by an infraredtriggered camera at 4 a.m. in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge as he exhibits the flehmen response to a fresh scrape. 9 It may look like adult female FP140 is smiling for the camera, but she is also exhibiting the flehmen response to a fresh scrape when caught on camera at 11:47 p.m. A cat will open its mouth and curl up its top lip to pull scents toward the vomeronasal organ. TRAILS & TAILS 13
10 Like bears and other animals, panthers may leave a scratch on a tree (a common multi-tool is used for size comparison). Panthers hone their claws by scratching on logs or trees and may release scent from glands in their paws. In south Florida the preferred scratching post seems to be fallen cabbage palms with smooth trunks. Florida panthers will also rub 10 the sides of their faces on objects, releasing chemicals from scent glands on their cheeks. 11 This deer kill shows how wellcovered the cache is; the only visible part is a bit of antler located at about the two o clock position. 12 Yawn 8 a.m. and the sun is up it s time to find a nice palmetto thicket to nap in during the heat of the day. Panthers do most of their hunting and traveling at night, especially near sunrise (dawn) and in the Adult panthers need to consume at least the equivalent of one deer or hog per week for survival. three hours after sunset (dusk). This activity pattern is termed crepuscular and is derived from the Latin word crepusculum, meaning twilight. Panthers are a little bit more active during the daytime during the winter months, when the weather is cooler. 12 photo by Mark Lotz, FWC 11 Kills The carnivorous Florida panther is an ambush predator. Once the panther locates prey nearby, it will remain hidden and quiet while slowly stalking and gaining ground on the prey animal. This method of hunting is related to the cat s small heart size in relation to body size they are sprinters, not marathoners. Once the cat is within pouncing distance, it will leap out of hiding and pounce on the prey. Panthers can leap an amazing 15 feet from a standstill! With special canine teeth, these cats kill their prey by severing the spinal cord from a bite to the back of the neck, by suffocation photo by David Shindle photo by Glen Stacell 14 TRAILS & TAILS
from a bite to the throat, or by a bite to the skull of smaller animals. The dominant prey species of Florida panthers in southern Florida are primarily white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and feral hog (Sus scrofa) with raccoon (Procyon lotor), nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), and marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris) being of secondary importance. They may also eat rats, birds and even small alligators. Adult panthers need to consume at least the equivalent of one deer or hog per week for survival. Pregnant female panthers or female panthers nursing their dependent kittens need to consume at least the equivalent of two deer or hogs per week. Panther kills can be identified by the unique way that panthers eat and conceal their prey. Typically the panther will open the animal s body cavity and eat the nutritious vital organs first, particularly the heart and liver. The ribs are often chewed off, sometimes almost down to the backbone. Next, they will begin on the thigh muscles. When the panther has its fill it will cover the remains of its prey by raking leaf litter and other ground debris on top of it. This is known as a cache. This preserves the carcass surprisingly well even in warm temperatures. The panther will return several times to continue feeding on the carcass. Each time it will uncover the remains, usually drag it a short distance and feed, and then cover it again. Every organism needs energy to maintain the vital processes of life. Both plants and animals get energy from food. The arrows in a food chain show the flow of energy as it is transferred from the sun to plants (producers), to animals (consumers) and to organisms that cause decay (decomposers). Plants (producers) use energy from the sun to make food. Animals cannot make their own food, but when they eat plants or other animals the energy stored in the food source is passed on to them. As the energy flows from organism to organism, energy is lost at each step.... TRAILS & TAILS 15
Panthers are fighting to survive The number of Florida panthers remaining in the wild changes as new kittens are born and panthers die from various causes, but scientists estimate that there are only about 100 to 120 Florida panthers in existence. Many factors have contributed to the decline in the Florida panther population. In the 1800s and early 1900s, panthers were hunted, not only for their fur, but because early settlers considered them a threat to their safety and to their livestock. Over time, Americans developed a greater desire to protect this country s wildlife. In 1958 the panther was given complete legal protection by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. It was removed from the native game animal list and hunting Florida panthers became illegal. Yet, the panther population continued to decline into the 1970s. Biologists soon began to understand that destruction of the panthers habitat was a principal cause of the cats decline. Today, the greatest threats to the panther s survival are a combination of small population size, isolation and loss of habitat. photo by Bob Repenning photo by Dave Onorato, FWC photo by Mark Lotz, FWC This panther was lucky, but they don t always make it across roads. Highway mortalities increase as roads are built and additional cars use those roads. What is inbreeding and why is it a problem? In the Florida panther population, inbreeding is indicated in many ways, including seemingly harmless characteristics such as cowlicks and crooks at the end of the tail. Geographic isolation, habitat loss, small population size and associated inbreeding have led to a significant 16 TRAILS & TAILS
photo by Dave Onorato, FWC photo by FGCU Wings of Hope Panther Posse Increasingly, panther territory is becoming people territory. photo by Dave Onorato, FWC Wildlife underpasses help to keep wide-ranging animals such as panthers and black bears safe as they cross roads located within their large territories. When people preserve large tracts of land and provide corridors between those areas, they can protect umbrella species such as the Florida panther. Protecting the habitat of umbrella species protects the other wildlife that live there, too. A highway mortality occurred next to a warning sign that requires reduced speed at night to avoid collisions with panthers and other wildlife. A sign warns drivers to watch carefully for panthers, but the big cats roam at night, when drivers can t easily see them. photo by Darrell Land, FWC loss of genetic variability and health of the Florida panther population. Inbreeding is the mating of closely related individuals in an isolated group of organisms. It tends to increase the appearance of recessive, often undesirable traits. In the Florida panther population, this took the form of characteristics such as cowlicks and kinks at the end of the tail. Scientists discovered even more serious physical problems such as atrial septal defects (a hole in the heart). They also found reproductive problems that endangered the survival of the entire species, such as abnormal and poor quality sperm. Cryptorchidism is also a problem sometimes one or both testicles do not descend and move outside of the body when a male panther matures. The lower temperatures outside the body are critical to the production of viable sperm. TRAILS & TAILS 17
Saving the Florida panther Florida s leaders decided decades ago that protecting native Florida lands is critical to preserving a high quality of life for all Floridians. Since 1964 the state has bought millions of acres through a variety of programs such as the Environmentally Endangered Lands program, Conservation and Recreation Lands program, Save Our Coast and Save Our Rivers programs, Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever. Parks and preserves exist all over the state. On the southwestern coast of Florida, the area now most critical to survival of the panther, large areas of panther habitat are located within parks, preserves and refuges managed by the Department of the Interior. These areas include the 720,000-acre Big Cypress National Preserve, the 26,600-acre Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Everglades National Park. But, many acres of much needed habitat do not have a protected status. State-protected areas include the Picayune Strand State Forest, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park and Collier-Seminole State Park. photo by David Shindle 18 TRAILS & TAILS
Public lands surrounding the Picayune Strand Restoration Project area Picayune Strand Restoration Project Public lands surrounding the Picayune Strand Restoration Project area, formerly called Southern Golden Estates. 2010 TRAILS & TAILS 23
Panther scientists are working hard to save the Florida panther The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service at Big Cypress National Preserve, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are partners in the effort to learn about Florida panthers and support the recovery of the species. Chris Belden was there from day one Chris Belden didn t plan on being a panther scientist when he grew up. In 1975, he was a biologist at the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (the agency now known as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) when he was chosen to work on Florida panther recovery. At the time, no one knew whether a viable or reproducing population of panthers remained in Florida. Belden started the first panther investigation. He knew that to save the Florida panther from extinction, the first step was to find a viable population and determine the critical habitat necessary for its continued survival. Belden began conducting field searches for panther sign and establishing a central filing system for panther reports. His team identified three population centers in the Big Cypress and Everglades regions of south Florida. Their goal was to capture two panthers and attach a radio transmitter collar to each so the team could monitor the extent of the panthers range, habitat preferences, and their daily and seasonal activities. Modern technology and basic tracking skills both come into play when tracking and capturing Florida panthers. Radio telemetry is the quickest way to determine movement as well as many specific habitat needs. Research done on mountain lions in the western states demonstrated that dogs were the most practical and efficient means of capture. Using dogs requires skill, experience and welltrained, highly specialized dogs that will track cats and not other wildlife. The Commission biologists relied on the expertise of Roy McBride, a professional hunter from west Texas, who had 25 years of experience and Chris Belden, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist 20 TRAILS & TAILS
six very well trained hounds. McBride and his sons still serve as expert trackers and houndsmen to this day. Out on a limb Belden had studied panther sign for four years but never actually saw a panther in the wild during that time. Finally, in 1981, Belden not only saw, but also touched his first live panther. McBride put radio collars on two of his dogs and soon they were hunting the Florida panther to help save it from extinction. It was not long before word came to the trailing group of biologists that the hounds had treed a panther. On the way to the scene, Belden s truck bottomed out in a hole so deep that they had to abandon it, and the biologists had to carry their equipment through kneedeep water and thick underbrush. An hour and a half later, McBride and the dogs were finally in sight. I searched the treetops for my first look, Belden recalled. There, about 15 feet up in a water oak was the first live Florida panther I had ever seen. He looked huge! McBride used an air rifle to shoot a drug-loaded dart into the panther s rump. Within minutes, the drugs took effect. Everyone looked to Belden to take the first step forward. It s your research project, Belden, they exclaimed with some humor. Belden was 10 feet up in the tree when McBride yelled, He s coming down! You better get out of there! No one knows who hit the ground first, but McBride caught the panther by the tail and the cat was given another small dose of the drug. The group worked fast. They put the radio collar on, not too tight to impede feeding and not so loose that it would TRAILS & TAILS 21
slip off. They weighed and measured the big cat, tattooed him in both ears, took blood and fecal samples, and collected ticks for disease and parasite information. The panther was a 120-pound adult male, whose age was estimated at about 10 years based on tooth wear. He had all the characteristics that scientists believed at the time to separate the Florida panther from other subspecies a tawny deer-colored coat with a cowlick down the middle of the back, white flecks of hair down the back of the neck and a crook in the end of the tail. It took less than a half-hour to attach the collar and collect the information. Belden and biologist Deb Jansen stayed to record the behavior of the panther as he came out of the drug and to make sure nothing happened while he was incapacitated. When the panther was moving about steadily and resting comfortably in an upright position, they left. Panther Recovery Strategy from the Florida Panther Recovery Plan Capturing and collaring a sampling of Florida panthers enables scientists to monitor panther movement, monitor the genetic vitality of the population, guard against new diseases, and document reproductive success. Everything biologists do in the field ultimately benefits the panther. Belden didn t realize it at the time, but his work on Florida panther recovery was only beginning. He became the team leader of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service s first Florida Panther Recovery Team from 1976 to 1981. He now serves as the Florida Panther Recovery Coordinator for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and works on the Florida Panther Recovery Plan. For more than 30 years, Belden has been involved in one way or another in all phases of panther research. His primary focus has been on panther status and distribution, and the feasibility of reintroducing additional panther populations. 1. Maintain, restore, and expand the panther population and its habitat in south Florida. 2. Expand this population into south-central Florida if sufficient habitat exists. 3. Reintroduce at least two additional viable populations within the historic range. 4. Facilitate panther recovery through public awareness and education. Florida Panther Genetic Restoration Plan Recommends the release of eight female Texas pumas into areas occupied by Florida panthers to mimic the former natural exchange of individuals and genes among these populations. More help for the Florida panther a historic gene exchange More than a century ago, natural gene exchange occurred between the Florida panther and other contiguous subspecies of Puma concolor. This exchange occurred as individuals dispersed among populations and bred. This natural mechanism for gene exchange maintained genetic health within panther populations and minimized the occurrence of inbreeding. As the panther population began to decline, the Florida panther became geographically isolated from other subspecies such as the Texas puma (Puma concolor stanleyana) and gene exchange between subspecies could no longer occur. Inbreeding accelerated, resulting in a lack of genetic diversity, declining health, and lower numbers of individuals. Without action to address the loss of natural gene exchange, 22 TRAILS & TAILS
scientists feared that this genetic bottleneck would lead to the eventual extinction of the population. Scientists from many disciplines met and concluded that restoration of gene flow was critical to restoring genetic health to the Florida panther and ultimately recovering the species. The plan for genetic restoration included the temporary release of eight female Texas pumas into Florida. Five of the Texas pumas produced litters and at least 20 kittens were born in south Florida. All Texas pumas were removed from Florida after the end of the project. Panther biologists believe the program achieved success. In 1995 when the program began, between 20 and 30 Florida panthers were in the wild. By 2007, the Florida panther population had responded by tripling to roughly 100 animals. The restoration program brought back genetic variability and vitality for a healthier, more resilient panther population. Mark Lotz has a tough job and he loves it Mark Lotz, another wildlife biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, has a job that many people dream about. While he gets to work closely with Florida panthers, most people are very, very lucky to ever see one in the wild. Lotz insists that it s not as glamorous as it all seems. His job is physically and mentally demanding. Mark Lotz, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist During the panther capture season, look for tracks on the same trails November through February, the day after day, and most days pass capture team he is part of tries daily without catching one of the elusive to radio-collar panthers. That means panthers. The packs on their backs waking at 4 a.m. most every day, weigh 50 pounds, and team members except for weekends and holidays. sometimes wade through cypress Many winter mornings are chilly, strands in thigh-deep water or have and there s often frost on the ground to force their way through thorny as the biologists head out before vine-entangled palmettos. sunrise on a swamp buggy or allterrain vehicle. Later in the year, Captures are stressful, Lotz explains. Successful days are challenging. there is blazing heat and stifling There s some risk to the panther humidity. There are mosquitoes and which we do not take lightly. We have bees, sometimes black swarming many safety protocols in place to clouds of them. The biologists may mitigate the dangers. TRAILS & TAILS 23
Capturing and Collaring Panthers: 1 Florida panther capture team members may spend days or weeks tracking the cats in areas that are remote and difficult to access. They sometimes carry heavy gear long distances on foot. 2 1 2 Specially-trained hounds are an important part of the capture team. Here, Frankie has tracked and treed a panther. Frankie bravely barks and tries to keep the cat at bay until the rest of the team arrives. Hounds must be both careful and courageous because they not only deal with panthers, but they also encounter alligators and snakes. 3 An expert with more than 50 years of experience capturing panthers with dart guns, Roy McBride takes aim at the panther. McBride is able to accurately estimate the weight of an animal. The team veterinarian uses this information to calculate the correct dosage to use in the tranquilizer dart. 3 24 TRAILS & TAILS
the Process in Photos 4 4 A shot is well-placed on the rump of the cat. The anesthetic takes effect within minutes and the team quickly moves into place. 5 5 The panther is far up a pine tree. Team members are prepared for just about anything, including climbing trees up to 45 feet to secure and bring the panther safely to the ground. 6 6 The team quickly assembles a crash bag to provide a cushion for the cat. The crash bag is made up of air-filled trash bags held within a larger partitioned bag. Depending on the situation, the team may also use a safety net as an extra precaution. TRAILS & TAILS 25
7 7 A team member uses tree-climbing spikes and a safety harness to climb the tree and retrieve the sedated cat. Using a security rope, the cat is slowly lowered to the ground. 8 8 Team members quickly ensure the panther is doing fine before they begin testing.
9 9 Biologists use a caliper to accurately measure the front pad of the panther. The information is part of the basic biometric data that is collected, including weight, length, and height at the shoulder. 10 As one team member tattoos a number on the inside of the panther s ear (the tattoo is a backup for a transponder tag), other team members work simultaneously. One biologist monitors the heart rate, while another shaves fur that will be tested for environmental contaminants such as mercury. An IV, or intravenous drip, helps keep the cat hydrated and cool. Captures are physically strenuous, and scientists work together as a team, rotating jobs and sharing the most difficult tasks. 10
11 11 Wildlife veterinarian, Dr. Mark Cunningham, uses a stethoscope to listen to the heart and lungs of the still-sedated panther. 12 Dr. Cunningham sets up office at the capture site. Whenever people have surgery and anesthesia is used, doctors caution that there are always risks. During captures, the risks to the animal are considerable, so each team includes a veterinarian and over 100 pounds of emergency equipment, including water, medication and oxygen. Dr. Cunningham says they try to take every precaution possible. In addition to the standard stethoscope and thermometer, Dr. Cunningham carries an IV, vaccines for rabies and viruses such as feline leukemia, and vials for blood samples. 12
14 13 Dr. Cunningham records data including the gender (male or female), approximate age, whether a female is pregnant or nursing, whether testicles have descended in males (this helps to determine age or may indicate physical problems) and scars or other identifying marks. 13 14 Biologists look at the wear patterns on the teeth to estimate the age of a cat. The panther is a meat-eating carnivore, and its teeth are designed for catching prey and eating meat. Panthers have four large, sharply pointed canine teeth for biting prey. Teeth called carnassials (pronounced kahr-nas-ee-uhls ) are used when the panther tilts its head and chews on one side of its mouth. Think about how a dog looks when it is gnawing on a bone.
Kittens and den work Scientists also work with kittens in the den to give them the healthiest start possible and to learn more about them. Because researchers normally fly over panther territory about three days a week to monitor the movement of radio-collared cats, they can usually tell if a panther has not moved for several days. If they notice that a female panther is staying in one place, it may indicate that the mother has denned and given birth to her kittens. Typically, the mother remains at the den with the kittens for five to seven days after giving birth. That kind of consistent location reading is what prompts the scientists to try to pinpoint the location of the den. The antenna on the tracking device is directional, meaning that the signal from the collar is strongest when the antenna is pointing directly Biologist-in-a-box A biologist-in-a-box is a device that allows scientists to monitor the presence or absence of the mother at a den, allowing biologists to know when it s safe to approach the site and examine the kittens. Encased in a waterproof case, the biologist-in-a-box consists of a battery (right) that powers the cell phone (middle) and a radio telemetry receiver (left) that is set to the panther s collar frequency and will beep if the collared panther is close by. The phone is connected to the receiver and is set to answer automatically. When scientists make a call, they hear whatever the receiver is detecting. If the panther is at the den, scientists will hear the beep-beepbeep signal from the radio-collar. If she is away, they ll only hear static. The biologist-in-a-box is set up in the field at the base of a tree. Biologists usually attach the H-shaped telemetry antenna and phone antenna to a tree, and aim them in the direction of the den and nearest cell phone tower to maximize signal strength. The first time that the scientists monitoring the biologist-in-a-box photo by Mark Lotz, FWC towards it. The strongest signal indicates the direction of the panther. When the collared mother panther and den are located, scientists set up an innovative and time-and-money saving device called the biologist-in-a box, which was invented by Darrell photo by Mark Lotz, FWC Land of FWC. Before its development, scientists spent hours driving to remote den locations just to check the status of a panther. Inside a biologist-in-a-box 26 TRAILS & TAILS
hear static over the phone, indicating the mother has left the den to hunt, they quickly move into action. The mother typically has not eaten in several days and usually leaves the den sometime between sunset and sunrise. She stays out until she makes a kill, eats her fill and covers the cache with leaves. This normally takes several hours, giving the panther team plenty of time to process the kittens. After that first kill, the mother s trips away from the den are relatively short because she will head straight to the kill, grab a quick bite, and return fairly rapidly. It s not until she has to make another fresh kill, which requires more time, that the scientists will have another good opportunity to handle the kittens. Generally, this occurs when the kittens are about two weeks old. It takes about 20 minutes on average to process a kitten, which includes determining sex, weighing, de-worming, inserting a transponder, taking a biopsy and hair samples, and collecting a fecal sample. A transponder is a small microchip about the size of a grain of rice encased in glass. Biologists insert it just below the skin between the shoulder blades. It is the same device many people use to identify their pets and provides a permanent means to identify an individual. The chip contains a unique alpha-numeric code (letters and numbers). It can be read with a portable scanner, and it won t wear out because it has no moving parts. photo by Mark Lotz, FWC photo by Joe Bozzo (Top) A team member gives de-wormer to a tiny kitten. Panthers are susceptible to the same types of diseases as domestic cats, and when the team captures both kittens and adults, they receive treatments such as deworming and a feline leukemia vaccine, just like a domestic cat. (Bottom) Biologists used radio-telemetry equipment, including this H-shaped antenna, to locate the high, dry den site of FP149. What is it like when they first reach the kittens? They act all tough at first and growl, Mark Lotz says, but it sounds more like a purr. They sometimes spit too, but soon wear themselves out. TRAILS & TAILS 27
Kittens, kittens, kittens (one is cuter than the other!) FP148 s kittens are carefully hidden in thick protective vegetation while their mother is out hunting. FP148 s kitten ittens FP140 s kitten 28 32 TRAILS & TAILS 2010 FP149 s kitten
photos by Mark Lotz, FWC (Left) Dave Onorato, a research scientist with the FWC, uses a mesh bag and scale to weigh FP107 s squirming kitten, and records the information in a waterproof notebook. (Right) Kathleen Smith, FWC biologist, wears a bug jacket with rope-like netting underneath a layer of mesh. This simple design creates a space that prevents an insect s stinger from coming in contact with the skin. An attached hood protects the face and neck. There are many obstacles for kittens on the way to adulthood, and even mosquitoes can be a problem. The team visited one den where the mosquitoes were so horrendous that it was difficult for them to work. They observed that the kittens had unusual scabs and calluses on their noses. As soon as they finished with a kitten and set it down, it would immediately go into a defensive posture burying or hiding its face by placing it down against the ground between its front legs. It turns out that the kittens noses were calloused because they were trying to protect themselves from the mosquitoes. Kitten fur does a pretty good job of protecting them from mosquitoes because it is thick and dense enough so the mosquitoes can t reach their skin. They are vulnerable around the eyes, nose and mouth where the fur is thinnest. The White Oak Conservation Center in Yulee, Florida (north of Jacksonville) also cares for orphaned, sick, and injured panthers. Caretakers give the panthers live prey in a fifteen-acre pen to hone their predatory skills. Once proficient at capturing deer, their preferred prey, they are ready for release. photos by David Shindle These two kittens were orphaned in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and biologists had to place them in captivity when they were only two weeks old. Since they were so young, they had to be bottle-fed and handled extensively by humans. The Jacksonville Zoo is the permanent home of these feline ambassadors. TRAILS & TAILS 29
People and panthers Close encounters Encounters with Florida panthers in the wild are extremely rare. Even if you are lucky enough to see a panther, it is likely that the animal will run or walk away. But, if you live, work or recreate in panther habitat, there are things you should know to enhance your safety and that of friends and family. Panthers usually rest during the day hidden in thickets of palmetto. At dusk, near sunset, they begin to travel and hunt. To be safe, be especially alert from dusk to dawn when panthers are most active, and always hike with a friend. photo by Mike Barnes If you encounter a panther: Don t run; this might stimulate the panther s instinct to chase. Give the animal space to escape. Remain standing and try to make yourself look larger by raising your arms or opening your jacket if you are wearing one. Make eye contact, speak loudly, make noise, and throw stones or branches without turning away to show you re in control; act like you are the top dog or alpha dog. Pick up small children and pets. In the extremely unlikely event you are attacked, fight back! Lucky Everglades National Park visitor and retired science teacher Mike Barnes took this photo of radio-collared FP142 when their paths crossed on the boardwalk at Mahogany Hammock. Living with wildlife Florida panthers are not known to attack humans. Just the same, these Florida panther safety tips are good to keep in mind. Be alert from dusk to dawn Florida panthers are most active at dusk and dawn, and are also active at night. Heed panther crossing signs and reduce speed when driving in panther country at night, especially near sunrise and sunset. Always hike, backpack and camp with a companion when in wild areas. Supervise children educate them about panthers and other wildlife they might encounter. Never approach a panther most panthers want to avoid humans. Give a panther the time and space to steer clear of you. Landscape for safety remove vegetation that provides cover for panthers or that attracts wildlife such as deer. Keep panther prey away deer, raccoons and wild hogs are prey. 30 TRAILS & TAILS
for the Florida panther, so keep garbage, pet foods and vegetable gardens secure. Keep pets safe and secure roaming pets are easy prey for predators, including panthers. Keep livestock secure where practical, chickens, goats, hogs or other livestock should be placed in enclosed sheds or barns at night. Keeping livestock safe The construction of enclosures such as this one is an effort to protect domestic animals from panthers, bobcats, coyotes, dogs and other predatory wildlife, thus avoiding domestic and Florida endangered wildlife conflicts. These enclosures are designed to help humans and panthers in particular to become better neighbors. They are simple, cost effective and permanent solutions to predation problems. Ultimately, these proactive steps taken on behalf of pets and livestock will protect and preserve Florida s wildlife. photo by Rabert Halman, Collier County IFAS What can I do to help save the Florida panther? Help educate other people about the Florida panther. If you live in panther country, learn how you, your family, and your pets and livestock can live safely with panthers and help educate your neighbors. Visit and support the public lands that provide habitat for Florida panthers and the other species that depend on that habitat. Become active in local organizations that promote the protection of wildlife and their habitat. Volunteer on a national wildlife refuge, national park, state park or forest, or local nature preserve. Show your support with a Florida panther specialty license plate. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission s panther research is funded 100 percent through the purchase of Florida panther license plates. Plates are only $25 more than a regular tag and can be purchased at your local tax collector s office. TRAILS & TAILS 31
panther photo by David Shindle This panther s picture was taken because its movement and body heat triggered the shutter of a specially-equipped camera. Turning Back Time for Picayune Strand and the Florida panther crown jewel of habitat restoration projects, the 55,000-acre Picayune Strand The contains some of the most important Florida panther habitat on the planet, says Paul Souza of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Restoring Picayune Strand lets us turn back time. We can restore this land to the way it was before humans thought it should be converted into a residential development. Scientists say that plugging canals and removing roads in the now-abandoned Southern Golden Gate Estates residential development will help re-establish historic water flows and revive the land. Over time, plant communities will revert to those that were naturally occurring when the area was wetter. These changes in the natural infrastructure will improve the value of the on-site wildlife habitat for many species, including the Florida panther and its prey. How will scientists know if habitat has been improved for the panther once the restoration project is complete? To evaluate the effect of the project on the Florida panther and its habitat, scientists will compare pre-restoration data to post-restoration data. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commissioned a preconstruction panther-prey baseline monitoring survey that was conducted in the Picayune Strand Restoration area and natural reference areas between July 2005 and March 2007. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is responsible for recovery of the endangered Florida panther population in Florida, played a pivotal role in making this happen. The study focused on the panther and its primary prey species, white-tailed deer and feral hog. Infrared-triggered remote cameras were placed at regular intervals across the site and were operated 24 hours a day. Biologists will use the baseline data to evaluate the effects of restoration on panther habitat. To hear Souza talk about the importance of Picayune Strand Paul Souza, U.S. Fish and restoration, visit Wildlife Service representative www.evergladesplan.org. 32 TRAILS & TAILS
Trails & Tails: the Endangered Florida Panther of Picayune Strand and Southwest Florida is dedicated to Sam Hamilton, the 15th director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Mr. Hamilton passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 20, 2010 at the age of 54. An avid environmentalist since childhood, Mr. Hamilton was a 30-year veteran of the Service. He was nominated by President Obama and became director of the Service in September 2009. A true leader and visionary, Mr. Hamilton was an important supporter of Everglades restoration at the federal level. He believed in science-based approaches to conservation. He also believed that collaborative relationships result in stronger solutions than any one entity can accomplish alone. He was widely respected and is sorely missed. With the passing of Mr. Hamilton, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has lost a friend, and the nation has lost a dedicated, selfless servant.
photo by FWC Carrying a sedated panther through the sharp serrated edges of saw palmetto is a heavy burden. For more than 30 years, panther capture team members such as Chris Belden, Deborah Jansen, Mark Lotz, David Shindle (shown here with Florida panther number 165) and many others have shared an awesome responsibility. The future existence of the Florida panther on Earth seems, quite literally, in their hands. But the responsibility for the survival of the species is not theirs alone, and everyone can help in a variety of ways.