PARENT SESSION
Poster Session #6: Conservation Ecology.
Monday, August 6, 2001. Presentation from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Exhibition Hall

Evaluating the viability and potential recovery options for the Florida panther.

Root, Karen¹, ¹

ABSTRACT- The Florida panther, Puma concolor coryi, is a highly endangered mammal found only in south Florida. Rapid human population growth and the accompanying pressure for development and land conversion in this region threaten its long-term survival. Additionally, the Florida panther recovery plan by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service specifies a minimum of three populations for successful delisting of this species. I developed a stochastic, spatially-explicit, stage-based model for the panther population based on long-term mark-recapture survey data and detailed habitat data. Specifically, I examined the long-term viability of the single south Florida population and evaluated the effects of habitat loss and catastrophes. Using the model, I explored potential recovery options such as natural dispersal and translocation to increase the number of panther populations. The results of the model suggest that the long-term survival of the south Florida panther population requires maintenance of the current habitat configuration and condition indefinitely. Establishing additional populations decreases the overall risk of extinction for the species if sufficient habitat is available and there is adequate dispersal. Additional habitat loss or catastrophes would significantly increase the risk of extinction for this species. The model was quite sensitive to assumptions about density dependence and first year survival, highlighting important areas for future research. This ecological risk analysis provides valuable guidelines for the protection and recovery of the endangered Florida panther.

KEY WORDS: population viability analysis, recovery, Florida panther, Puma concolor coryi