Florida Panther Recovery Plan Implementation

Belden, Robert

The Florida Panther recovery Team was appointed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in July 1976 for the purpose of preparing and assisting in coordinating the implementation of a recovery plan for the Florida panther, The step-down outline for the plan was completed in October 1976. The goal of the plan is to prevent the extinction and re-establish viable populations of Florida panthers in as much of the former range as is feasible. Three objectives are identified to attain this goal: to find and maintain any existing populations of Florida panthers, to improve public opinion and behavior regarding the existence of Florida panthers, and to re-establish populations where feasible. Progress has been made in the past six years in working toward the accomplishment of these objectives, and has involved the operation of a Florida Panther Record Clearinghouse, investigating sighting reports, field searches for panther sign, radio-telemetry studies to determine movements and habitat preferences, food habits studies, taxonomic studies, public education programs, and evaluation of present regulations and land management policies.