Reasons Why Florida Panther Is Endangered

The Florida panther

The Florida panther is a beautiful panther,but is the only subspecies of a panther

in the East Coast.This mammals population in the 1800s was approximately 1,360.

It has dramatically declined to 100,but it is slowly increasing.Disease,inbreeding

and human interaction are the main reason why the Florida panther is endangered.

It is sad that the Florida panther is endangered.

There are many reasons why the Florida panther is endangered.Humans are 1 of

the many reasons why the Florida panther is endangered.In 2006,11 of the 19

panthers were killed by cars,leaving only 8 alive.There are massive roads and

construction sites within their massive home range,which sadly resulted in death

by car collisions.In the
1800s,pioneers were afraid of the Florida panther,so they

hired bounty hunters to kill the feline whilst it hunts for livestock.One other

reason for endangerment is habitat loss.In the1800s,pioneers built houses on the

panthers territory.
Habitat loss degration(means to go to a worse state),

fragmentation (means to become smaller) also affects population.But not all

negative effects are from mankind.There are serious inbreeding issues for this

animal.Scientists found evidence of a disease called "Feline Immunodeficiency

virus".In the 2002-03 capturing season,two panthers had a disease called "Feline

leukemia virus".

However,mankind is trying extremely hard to prevent the Florida panthers from

becoming extinct.The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service created a refuge space called

the "Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge".Scientist also decided to cross-

breed this feline with the Texas cougar.So,eight Texas cougars were released into

Florida panther territory.Road safety was also important to the felines.Underpasses

were created to increase the safety of the panther.Public outreaches were also

created to warn drivers about any crossing panthers.Signs were also created on

highways and freeways.When Nixon was president,he passed the Endangered

Species Act,which stopped any killing,capturing or harmful activities to

endangered species.Captive breeding also helped the panther by
"capturing"

endangered species and breeding them.Then,they are released back into the wild.

The Florida panther is sadly the only panther subspecies left in the East

Coast.The main reasons why the Florida panthers are endangered is because of

poaching,disease,inbreeding,habitat loss and human interaction.But,the U.S. F.W.S

and the Endangered Species Act have done much to help the Florida panther.

Captive breeding have also done much.But it is sad that the feline is dying and is

the most endangered animal in the world.If mankind continues to kill this

beautiful feline,it will quickly go extinct.Please help the Florida panthers before it's

too late.