Welcome to the official website of the Florida Panther Project, founded in 1993 "...the oldest 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the Florida panther in existence!"
While our site is being updated and new information being added, please feel free to call us at (941) 376-2357. We will be happy to update you on upcoming events and current group programs.
Call and schedule your group for a FREE "Back From The Brink" program! (941) 376-2357 anywhere in Florida, anywhere in the southeastern United States !!
The Florida panther is currently on the Federally-protected Endangered Species list. Many estimates suggest that there are between 180-230 wild panthers in the entire state. Although there is wide disagreement over the actual number, these are the last remaining documented cougars in the eastern United States.The so-called Eastern cougar, reported for years up and down the Appalachian Trail, has recently been listed as "Extinct" by the Department of the Interior. A recent listing by the IUCN declared all pumas in North America to be one and the same. The USFWS recently announced their five-year review of the Florida population for continued protection under the Endangered Species Act.
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EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE FLORIDA PANTHER PROJECT
June 21, 2015
Bill Samuels was the subject of a very informative, and very nostalgic story in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune recently, highlighting his more than 20 year adventure helping in the recovery of the panther in Florida. In addition, in conjunction with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting in Sarasota in June, Mr. Samuels was interviewed by the local ABC7 TV Station, and his interview was used as a backdrop for stories Monday, and Tuesday at 6pm and also at noon Tuesday. Congratulations, Mr. Samuels from all your family and friends!!
"www.heraldtribune.com/article/20150621/ARTICLE/
150629968/2055/NEWS"
the video of the interview is on the ABC-TV 7 website
"MySuncoast.com" click on videos, and click on June 21 FWC conference notes
Please see our "Events" page for
upcoming events!
Florida Panther
Puma concolour cougar (2017 IUCN)
Quick Facts
Other Names: Puma, Cougar, Mountain Lion
Status: Endangered in Florida.
Population: Unknown at this time. Many published figures use the 180-230 USFWS estimate, however there is widespread and quite vehement disagreement over what an actual number may be. It is quite certain, however, they have very successfully rebounded at this point.
Threats: Increasing human development and population growth in Florida has led to habitat loss. Naturally occurring northward dispersal of young males has created a whole new dilemma for Florida. These animals are looking to establish new areas for their home ranges in areas that have not seen panthers in many, many years.
Survival: The Florida panther has an average life span of 8 years in the wild. Chief mortality factors are car / truck collisions and fighting with other panthers.
Florida Panther Project
"...the oldest 501(c)(3) non-profit Florida panther organization in existence!"
