Florida Panther Research
Roelke ME. 1991. Florida Panther Research. Study No. 7506; Federal No. E-1 II-E-6. Florida
Veterinary medical management has improved the safety of Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi) immobilizations. Since veterinary involvement began in January of 1983, 108 immobilizations involving 48 individuals have been accomplished with one possible capture mortality. This year a total of 118 hunt-days resulted in the capture and radio-instrumentation of 8 new juveniles and the re-collaring of 11 other panthers. Presently, 21 free-ranging panthers are radio-collared and are being monitored. Five panther deaths have been documented this past year: 2 (40%) intraspecific aggression, 1 (20%) cardiac anomaly, 1 (20%) road-kill, and 1 (20%) of unknown causes. Six kittens were taken into captivity to initiate the captive breeding program. Twenty-seven founders were identified as potential contributors to the captive breeding program. Within the past 2 years 13 of these (48%) have already died, and only 2 of these have offspring in captivity. Five of the remaining living founders are now represented in captivity by 3 kittens. Serologic evidence from 19 different Florida panthers indicates that they were exposed to or are infected with several potentially pathogenic agents: feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) (10%), feline calicivirus (FCV) (30% ), feline enteric corona virus/feline infectious peritonitis virus (16%), feline immunodeficiency virus (16%), and Toxoplasma gondii (8.0%). FCV was isolated from a mother and offspring with oral lesions. All were negative for feline leukemia virus and feline viral rhinotracheitis virus.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Roelke, Melody
- Date of Issue
- 1991
- Units
- SFCN
- Keywords
- Contamination, Heart defects, Mercury poisoning, Panther Immobilizations, Reproductive Research