Annual Performance Report Statewide Wildlife Research: Florida Panther Biomedical Investigation
Roelke ME and Glass CM. 1992. Annual Performance Report Statewide Wildlife Research: Florida Panther Biomedical Investigation
Veterinary medical management has improved the safety of Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi) immobilizations. Since veterinary involvement began in January of 1983, 127 immobilizations involving 56 individuals have been accomplished with one possible capture mortality (0.79%). This year a total of 144 hunt-days resulted in there-collaring of 11 panthers and !be capture and/or radio-instrumentation of 11 new panthers (3 neonates, 5 juveniles, and 3 young adults). Presently, 23 free-ranging panthers are radio-collared and are being monitored. Four panther deaths have been documented this past year: 1 (25%) intraspecific aggression, 1 (25%) bacterial infection/cellulitis, and 2 (50%) of unknown causes.