Annual Performance Report: Florida Panther Genetic Restoration and Management
Johnson KG, Land ED, Lotz MA. Annual Performance Report: Florida Panther Genetic Restoration and Management
Telemetry data were collected on 24 radio-collared Florida panthers (concolor coryi) and 7 Texas cougars (F.c. stanleyana) in south Florida during the reporting period. One instrumented panther died of unknown causes. and no Texas cougars died during the study period. Six additional panthers were collared during capture work. Three female panthers denned during the past year producing four litters of 10 neonate kittens (4 females. 6 males)that were examined and marked with transponders. Four female Texas cougars denned during the past year producing six neonate kittens (5 females.1 male) that were also examined and marked with transponders. A total of 9 (2 male, 7 female) F1 kittens have been produced. Florida panthers showed spatial use patterns similar to previous years. Movements of Texas cougars were within habitat areas utilized by Florida panthers. and the occasional movements into atypical areas such as mangroves and suburban areas that occurred initially have ceased. All Texas cougars have settled into home ranges within panther habitat and are exhibiting routine movements and activities similar to Florida panthers. Social interactions have occurred between Texas cougars and both female and male Florida panthers.