Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment A Proposal to Establish a Captive Breeding Population of Florida Panthers

Jordan, Dennis

This Supplemental Environmental Assessment (Supplemental Assessment) is provided under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 1501.7). This Supplemental Assessment evaluates an array of possible alternatives for providing survival security for the endangered Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi). It evaluates potential environmental impacts that may be associated with seven separate alternatives that were identified and examined. Five of the alternatives examined would necessitate the establishment of a captive population. The Supplemental Assessment also identifies a preferred alternative. The Florida panther recovery plan contains many tasks; ranging from actions needed to prevent the panther from becoming extinct to actions needed for full recovery of the panther (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1987). As might be expected, many tasks are closely interrelated to each other, but may also be totally independent. Tasks have been ranked according to their perceived priority. Priority 1 tasks represent those actions that must be taken to prevent extinction or to prevent an irreversible decline in the foreseeable future. Priority 2 are those actions that must be taken to prevent a significant decline in the population/habitat quality, or some other significant negative impact short of extinction. Priority 3 tasks are all other actions necessary to provide for full recovery of the panther.