FLORIDA PANTHER
Puma concolor coryi
DESCRIPTION
The Florida Panther is a subspecies of the cougar, characterized by its tawny coat, long tail, and distinctive facial markings. Males typically weigh between 110 to 160 pounds, while females are smaller, weighing around 60 to 100 pounds. They are elusive and primarily nocturnal, preferring to hunt at night and rest during the day in dense vegetation.
FUN FACTS
- Florida Panthers are known for their unique genetic history, having experienced a significant population bottleneck that led to inbreeding
- Conservation efforts have included introducing Texas cougars to increase genetic diversity, which has helped stabilize the population
- | They are also known for their vocalizations, which include a variety of sounds such as growls, purrs, and screams, used for communication and territory marking
QUICK INFO
Lifespan8-15 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivit
Average Weight110-160 lbs
Average Length3.25-5.25 ft
Diet TypeCarnivore
Social StructureSolitary, with males and females typically living alone except during mating season.
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks in spring and summer
- Habitat
- Florida Panthers inhabit a variety of ecosystems, including swamps, hardwood swamps, and upland hardwood forests. They require large territories with sufficient cover for hunting and denning.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Wetland
- Native Range
- The Florida Panther is native to the forests and swamps of southern Florida, primarily in the Everglades region.
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- United States
- Diet
- Florida Panthers are carnivorous and primarily hunt deer, but they also consume smaller mammals and birds. Their hunting strategy involves stalking and ambushing their prey.
- Diet Type
- Carnivore
- Favorite Food
- White-tailed deer
- Social Structure
- Solitary, with males and females typically living alone except during mating season.
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 1
110-160 lbs
Weight
3.25-5.25 ft
Length
- Coloration
- Tawny coat with lighter underparts and dark facial markings.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are larger than females.
- Lifespan
- 8-15 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivit
- Gestation Period
- 90-95 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-4
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks in spring and summer
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Florida Panthers is critically low, with estimates suggesting fewer than 200 individuals remain in the wild.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 120-230
- Population Trend
- Increasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to urban development and road mortality. Genetic diversity is also a concern due to the small population size.
- Conservation Program
- Florida Panther Recovery Plan
- Defense Mechanisms
- Florida Panthers rely on their stealth and agility to evade threats, using dense vegetation for cover.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon