Annual Performance Report; Florida Panther Biomedical Investigation

Roelke, Melody

Statewide Wildlife Research; State: Florida; Project Title: Panther Research; Section Title: Recovery Plan Implementation; Subsection Title: Florida Panther Recovery; Study Title: Florida Panther Biomedical Investigation Eighteen individual Florida panthers (Felis concolor coryi) were captured 26 times and 15 were immobilized for the purposes of radio-collaring and collection of biomedical information and/or for removal from the wild for rehabilitation. One hundred and twenty-eight field days resulted in radio-collaring 6 new panthers. Two panthers were hit by cars and survived, one of which was rehabilitated and released to the wild, the other is still receiving treatment in captivity. One additional panther was successfully released back into the Everglades National Park after 11 months in captivity. Five panthers have died since July 1, 1988; human activity is responsible for the majority of all documented panther deat!s (road killed 54% illegally killed 14%). Florida panthers were exposed to feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) (65%) and feline calicivirus (FCV)(43%); the prevalence of FPV was significantly higher in the Fakahatchee Strand/Big Cypress Swamp ecosystem than in the Everglades National Park (p less than 0.05). However, here was no significant difference in prevalence of FCV by location (p greater than 0.05). Antibodies to 2 new potentially pathogenic viral agents were identified this year -- feline immunodeficiency virus and corona virus. The significance of these viruses in free-ranging panthers is yet to be determined. Preliminary data from the panther/cougar population genetics study reveal that F. concolor has abundant genetic diversity (minimum of 11 polymorphic loci) but F. c. coryi has fewer polymorphic loci than other wild subspecies examined. The results of the genetic study coupled with an increase in abnormal male reproductive traits (greater than 90% abnormal spermatozoa and 47% cryptorchidism) raise serious concern for the reproductive; potential and genetic health of this subspecies.