Florida Panthers

Entry #16

4-4-12

Source: http://news.discovery.com/animals/florida-panthers-texas-rescue.html

      In the 1970’s Florida’s panther population was thought to be extinct. However, after receiving a tip, a scientist found approximately two dozen panthers in southern Florida. Unfortunately, they were not healthy. Such ailments included: poor sperm quality, low fertility, undescended testicles, heart valve defects, and kinked tails. These issues led scientist to believe that rampant inbreeding took place due to the lack of panther population. In 1995 scientist introduced a similar species of cat from Texas. The introduction was successful and the Florida Panther is doing much better. It is estimated that 90 panthers inhabit Florida. Also, these mixed panthers are much healthier than their predecessors. The article states, the hybrids have twice the genetic variety and far fewer of the genetic defects that were known in Floridian panthers before the introduction. I am glad to know that the Florida Panther is growing in numbers.Also I am happy to know that some of the funding came from Florida residents donations and license plate purchases. We often only hear about how tax dollars are being wasted, so it was nice to hear about people doing something good for a change.