Annual Performance Report: Florida Panther Biomedical Investigation

Cunningham, Mark

Veterinary management to reduce capture-related mortality, provide medical care to individual Florida panthers (Felis concolor corvi), and conduct biomedical research continued as an integral part of Florida panther recovery. This fiscal year (FY) 2 Florida panthers were captured for initial radio-instrumentation (both juveniles), 10 for routine change of radio collars, 1 for replacement of a lost radio collar CFP# 40), and 1 for veterinary treatment (FP# 51). Eight (8M. 3F) Florida panther kittens from 3 den sites were also examined. A generalized dermatophytosis affecting FP# 51 has worsened, and treatment of the condition in the field this FY was apparently unsuccessful. All other panthers captured this period appeared healthy though parasitism, viral disease, and high mercury concentrations continue to be major health concerns. FP# 58 remains bilaterally cryptorchid and is considered sterile. Four Florida panther deaths. 2 uncollared young adults and 2 neonatal kittens. were documented this FY. Nineteen (8M. llF) Florida panthers are currently radio-instrumented. Mean age of collared females is 8.41 yr. males 4.59 yr. Nine of 11 females have had documented litters since 01/01/94, however, only 4 are known to have successfully raised kittens to at least 10 months of age during this time. Three (1M, 2F) F Texas cougar/Florida panther kittens from 2 den sites were examined this FY, however, no juvenile F1 or adult Texas cougars were captured. One Texas cougar died this period (vehicular collision). There are currently 7 radio-collared Texas cougars free-ranging in south Florida.

Annual Performance Report: Florida Panther Biomedical Investigation

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