Annual Performance Report; Florida Panther Biomedical Investigation

Dunbar, Michael

State: Florida; Project Title: Florida Panther Research; Study Title: Florida Panther Biomedical Investigation. Veterinary medical assistance to reduce capture associated mortality, provide medical care, and conduct biomedical investigation to promote better understanding of disease and reproductive physiology continued as an integral part of endangered Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi) research and management. Twenty free-ranging Florida panthers inhabiting the Big Cypress Swamp and Everglades ecosystems of southern Florida were either immobilized and/or captured with no significant medical problems. Twenty-two, free-ranging, radio-collared adults are presently being monitored in southern Florida. Health status of each animal captured varied but was considered good for free-ranging panthers. Internal parasitism, especially by Ancylostoma pluridentatum and congenital abnormalities affecting health and reproduction are two major factors that continue to compromise population viability. Extensive surgical intervention to treat congenital defects was performed, with mixed results, on 3 captive and one free-ranging panther. The captive-breeding program continued with addition of two wild-caught kittens for a total of 10 placed in captivity. Five moralities were documented, four free-ranging and one captive panther. Six panther kittens were known born in the wild this period.