Florida Panther Research Articles

Chronology of reproductive investment determines predation risk aversion in a felid-ungulate system.

Fear of predators can behaviorally mediate prey population dynamics, particularly when predation risk influences reproductive investment. However, the costs of reproductive investment may mitigate predation risk aversion relative to periods when the link between reproductive output and prey behavior is weaker.We posit that intensity of reproductive investment in ungulates may predict their response to predation risk such that the sexes increase risk exposure during biological seasons that are pivotal to reproductive success, such as the fawn‐rearing and breeding seasons for females and males, respectively.We examined the activity patterns of sympatric white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), a sexually segregated polygynous ungulate, and Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) in the context of the “risky times – risky places hypothesis” and the reproductive strategy hypothesis. We compared detection rates and diel activity overlap of both species using motion‐triggered camera traps positioned on (n = 120) and off (n = 60) anthropogenic trails across five reproductive seasons.Florida panthers were nocturnal and primarily observed on‐trail providing an experimental framework with risky times and risky places. Contrary to studies in other taxa inversely correlating prey reproductive investment to predation risk, the sexes of deer were more risk prone during sex‐specific seasons associated with intense reproductive investment.Our results suggest spatiotemporally variable predation risk influences sex‐specific behavioral decision‐making in deer such that reproductive success is maximized.

Genetic source–sink dynamics among naturally structured and anthropogenically fragmented puma populations

Fragmentation of wildlife populations is increasing on a global scale and understanding current population genetic structure, genetic diversity, and genetic connectivity is key to informing wildlife management and conservation. We genotyped 992 pumas (Puma concolor) at 42 previously developed microsatellite loci and identified 10 genetic populations throughout the states of California and Nevada, USA. Although some genetic populations had large effective population sizes, others were small and inbred. Genetic diversity was extremely variable (heterozygosity, uHe = 0.33–0.53), with some populations nearly as low as an endangered subspecies, the Florida Panther (P. c. coryi, uHe = 0.24). Specifically, pumas in the Sierra Nevada were genetically diverse and formed the largest genetic source population in the region. In contrast, coastal and southern populations surrounded by urbanization had low genetic diversity, fragmented gene flow, and tended to be genetic sinks. The strong population genetic structuring of pumas across California (FST = 0.05–0.39) is vastly different than other genetic studies in less-urbanized states, including our analysis in Nevada, where pumas had few barriers to gene flow and weak population differentiation. Our results have far-reaching conservation and management implications for pumas and indicate large-scale fragmentation in one of North America’s most biodiverse and rapidly-urbanizing regions.

104 Teratospermia in tigers: Evidence for declining sperm quality over time

Ejaculate traits in male tigers (Panthera tigris) were studied in the 1980s, but little work has been done on male tigers since then and the reproductive status of the current zoo population is not known. In order to characterise ejaculate traits in male tigers, semen was collected by electroejaculation (90 to 100 stimulations, 3 to 7V), subjected to a standard semen analysis (volume and pH and sperm concentration, motility, and morphology), and cryopreserved. To date, semen has been collected from 24 males (n=16 Amur tigers, Panthera tigris altaica, 10.3±1.1 y; n=7 Sumatran tigers, Panthera tigris sumatrae, 9.4±1.3 y; n=1 Malayan tiger, Panthera tigris jacksoni, 6 y), maintained at 18 USA institutions. Ejaculates (4.7±0.6 mL; pH=8.4±0.1) contained 240.3±54.9×106 spermatozoa, which yielded 357 straws of cryopreserved spermatozoa that were used to establish a Tiger Genome Resource Bank. The majority of the spermatozoa were motile (69.2±4.6%), but the proportion of spermatozoa exhibiting normal morphology was very low (18.7±3.3%) and similar between both Amur (20.0±4.8%) and Sumatran (16.3±5.2%) males, with the majority of abnormalities affecting the midpiece (retained cytoplasmic droplets, bent midpieces, or both). Previous studies of male tigers that utilised comparable anaesthesia regimens and collection techniques recovered similar quantities of semen (5 to 10mL), but the proportions of normal spermatozoa in those studies (>65%) were very high (Wildt et al. 1988 Biol. Reprod. 38, 245; Byers et al. 1990 J. Reprod. Fert. 90, 119). Proportions of normal spermatozoa in the current study more closely resemble those reported for the teratospermic (<40% normal spermatozoa) clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa, 18.5% normal spermatozoa, Pukazhenthi et al. 2006 Theriogenology 66, 1790) and cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus, 18.4% normal spermatozoa, Crosier et al. 2007 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 19, 370), as well as the South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis, 27% normal spermatozoa). The number of spermatozoa per ejaculate was also decreased in Amur tigers (190.1±67.7×106) compared to Sumatran tigers in the current study (362.9±99.5×106) and earlier studies of other Amur tigers (>500×106). The reasons for this apparent decline in sperm quality are unclear, but reduced proportions of normal spermatozoa have been associated with reduced heterozygosity in small, isolated populations of felids (Florida panthers, South China tigers) or species that have been through a genetic bottleneck (cheetahs). Semen collections and evaluations will continue in order to determine if trends for compromised sperm quality are representative of the current SSP population(s) or an artifact of our reduced sample size. Additional studies investigating possible environmental, genetic, or nutritional influences on sperm morphology are also warranted. This work is supported by grants from Association of Zoo and Aquarium’s Conservation Grants Fund and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium’s Dr. Holly Reed Conservation Fund.

Understanding a non-causality crisis response: Examining the Florida Panthers response to Hurricane Irma

Much of the crisis response literature focuses on an organization deemed to be responsible for the occurrence of the crisis. For a crisis without a singular organization causality, such as a natural disaster, any organization can proactively initiate actions to address the situation. This article contributes to the understanding of a non-causality crisis response by identifying the capabilities that an organization needs to effectively assist with the response. An organization must possess the requisite resources, have developed key stakeholder relationships, and be driven by its own values and sense of responsibility. A sports team is well-positioned to assist with a non-causality crisis response. A sports team creates a feeling of community identity, has a vast array of resources, and has many critical stakeholder relationships. This article examines the NHL’s Florida Panthers relief efforts in response to Hurricane Irma, a storm that created a complex community crisis with residents in need of essential supplies and assistance.

Necrotizing interstitial pneumonia and suppurative myocarditis associated with Bartonella henselae infection in three Florida pumas.

Three Florida pumas ( Puma concolor coryi) that had spent time in captivity prior to being released in the wild were found exhibiting respiratory signs and reluctance to move. All 3 pumas died shortly after immobilization, despite supportive veterinary care. Significant autopsy findings included necrotizing interstitial pneumonia, with pulmonary edema and hyaline membranes, and suppurative myocarditis. Organisms morphologically consistent with Bartonella henselae were identified in intravascular histiocytes in the lung of one of the pumas on histopathology and confirmed via transmission electron microscopy. B. henselae was detected in fresh lung tissue and confirmed by PCR and sequence analysis (16S-23S spacer region, pap31, and rpoB genes) from one of the affected pumas. In all affected pumas, B. henselae was detected by PCR in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lung tissue, and positively staining organisms were identified in sections of lung by immunohistochemistry for B. henselae. In situ hybridization detected B. henselae DNA in lung tissue from 2 of 3 affected pumas. Our case series suggests that B. henselae can be associated with a fatal disease syndrome in Florida pumas. The cause of susceptibility to fatal disease associated with B. henselae infection in these pumas remains unknown.

Assessing impacts of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on Florida panther movements

Movement patterns can influence an animal's ability to secure food, find mates, and avoid enemies, potentially affecting individual fitness. We studied movement patterns of 10 male and 3 female endangered Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) using location data collected from a long-term (2005–2012) GPS collar study. Males traveled faster and covered longer daily distances than females during both the wet and dry seasons (wet:dry—males 289:372 m/h and 4,616:6,701 m; females 186:280 m/h and 2,629:5,239 m). Panthers occupying higherselected habitat traveled faster, but with shorter daily movement distances in comparison to habitats that were less frequently selected. An index of risk (derived using traffic volume and road density) that was linked to habitat predicted to be avoided by panthers was associated with reduced daily movement distances. Our results suggest that Florida panthers alter their movement patterns in response to environmental change and anthropogenic disturbances.

A comparision of ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) habitats in Florida and Cuba, with particular reference to seedling recruitment and mycorrhizal fungi

The ghost orchid, Dendrophylax lindenii, is a rare, leafless epiphyte native to southern Florida and Cuba. Populations of D. lindenii in southern Florida and Cuba are separated by c. 600 km and occur in different habitats. We describe D. lindenii in its natural habitats in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and Guanahacabibes National Park, Cuba. Population size, fungal endophytes and seedling recruitment are also discussed. In total, 116 individuals of D. lindenii were recorded in Florida during July 2015, whereas only 16 specimens were known to occur there previously. In Cuba, 241 individuals were counted, nearly one-third (30.3%) of which were seedlings (nearly double the percentage of seedlings documented in Florida; 16.4%). In Florida, D. lindenii grew on just two host tree species, Fraxinus caroliniana and Annona glabra, most (69%) on the former, whereas in Cuba 18 tree species acted as hosts, primarily Maba crassinervis (16.2%), Erythroxylum aerolatum (15.4%) and Comocladia dentata (14.9%). More than half (55.2%) of D. lindenii individuals in Florida (55.2%) and Cuba (52.7%) were documented on the north-facing (NW, N, NE) bark of host trees. Significant differences (P = 0.035) were detected in directional orientation between the two sites, with Cuban orchids preferring NE, N and E and those in Florida preferring NW, NE and SW surfaces. Roots from mature D. lindenii in Florida yielded an endophyte identified as a strain of Ceratobasidium. We propose that D. lindenii colonizes host trees with moist, corrugated or semi-corrugated bark harbouring Ceratobasidium for seed germination.

Did I See A Panther?

Florida panthers can sometimes be confused with bobcats, dogs, and coyotes. This 4-page fact sheet written by Diane J. Episcopio, Elizabeth F. Pienaar, and Martin B. Main and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation describes how to identify panthers by their physical characteristics and their tracks and explains what to do if you have seen a panther. edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw144

Tolerance for the Florida panther in exurban southwest Florida

ABSTRACTHuman tolerance for negative interactions with the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) is an important component of panther conservation efforts. Residents’ tolerance for interactions with Florida panthers in exurban areas has not been explicitly studied, even though the highest number of documented human‐panther interactions has occurred in a single exurban community in Florida (i.e., Golden Gate Estates). We implemented a mail‐based survey in Golden Gate Estates in 2015 to investigate community members’ level of tolerance for the panther. Golden Gate Estates provides a case study for future conservation efforts as panthers recolonize their historical range, and the panther comes into contact with more exurban and residential communities. Based on regression analysis of survey data, we found that individuals with eco‐centric value orientations, individuals who were aware of panthers’ presence in Florida prior to moving to Golden Gate Estates, and individuals who believe that proper animal care protects domestic animals from panthers were more tolerant of the panther. Age, livestock ownership, panther depredation of domestic animals, and risk concern were significant negative determinants of panther tolerance. The majority of respondents were willing to collaborate with neighbors and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to manage panther‐related risks. Our research provides insights into how tolerance for the Florida panther in exurban and residential communities may be secured or improved. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.

Floral fragrance analysis of Prosthechea cochleata (Orchidaceae), an endangered native, epiphytic orchid, in Florida

ABSTRACTSouth Florida is home to a number of native species of orchids. The Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge has 27 known species, including Prosthechea cochleata, the clamshell orchid, which is listed as endangered on Florida's Regulated Plant Index. In a prior study done on this species in Mexico, P. cochleata was found to produce no floral fragrance at the particular study location. However, blooming orchids of this species at the University of Florida in Gainesville, were noted to be fragrant. In this paper, we document the presence of floral fragrance compounds from P. cochleata by using by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of headspace volatile collection. The orchids sampled were found to be consistently producing eight volatiles that are common in floral fragrances, including those of previous orchid species studied. By knowing the fragrance compounds produced, we can better understand the pollination biology of this endangered orchid. This information could be used to help future conservation efforts for P. cochelata by increasing pollination and subsequent seed capsule production.

Management Implications of Aquifer Fractures on Ecosystem and Habitat Suitability for Panthers in Southern Florida

Our case study analyzed the proximity of previously mapped fractures in the aquifer matrix to 93 Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) dens mapped from 2007-2016 in south Florida. Dens occurred in five counties (Collier = 77, Dade = 1, Hendry = 9, Lee = 5, and Monroe = 1) and three sub-basins of the Greater Everglades Basin (Big Cypress Swamp = 83, Caloosahatchee = 3, and Everglades = 7). Fractured aquifers occur worldwide, but are not the focus of habitat suitability studies, despite evidence that fractures influence plant species composition and density. Habitat alterations can occur many kilometers from the surface footprint of groundwater alterations in the regional Floridan aquifer system via preferential flow through fractures. Increased natural discharge from and recharge to the aquifer occur at fracture intersections. Greater induced recharge and habitat changes also may occur at fracture intersections. All dens were within 5 km of a previously mapped fracture; 36% and 74% were within 1 km and 2 km, respectively, of those fractures; and 47%, 74%, and 90% of dens were within 2 km, 3.25 km and 5 km, respectively, from the nearest fracture intersection. Results suggest fractures influence the suitability and/or availability of habitat for panther dens, selection of den sites, and availability as well as abundance of high quality prey items essential for the nutritional demands of successfully rearing panther kittens in the wild. We recommend more detailed investigations of: a) vegetation characteristics near dens, b) groundwater alterations and cumulative impacts of those alterations associated with fractures in panther habitat (e.g., altered plant species composition and density), and c) influence of aquifer fractures in all habitats underlain by fractures.

Investigating Pseudorabies Virus as a Mortality Factor for California Mountain Lions

Wild pigs in North America carry multiple pathogens capable of causing diseases in wildlife, people, and domestic animals. Wild pigs are the reservoir host of pseudorabies virus (PrV) which is a fatal infection in wild carnivores. We previously conducted surveillance for PrV in wild pigs from Kern County, California where the distribution of wild pigs overlaps with native mountain lion. We found that 100% of wild pigs were exposed to PrV, and 6% were shedding the virus. Black bears and pumas have been observed preying on wild pigs in the region suggesting that they are vulnerable to exposure to PrV from pigs. We conducted retrospective, post-mortem surveillance for PrV on 16 pumas from five counties in south central California. None of the pumas tested positive for PrV. In Florida, PrV is attributed to one-third of the deaths in Florida panthers. Wild pigs are a large portion of the diet of panthers in Florida, but studies in California suggest pigs may not be utilized as frequently. This difference in diet could account for the lack of evidence that PrV causes measurable mortality in California pumas. Nonetheless, in management areas with carnivores, wild pig management should be carefully considered.

Reducing the threat of wildlife-vehicle collisions during peak tourism periods using a Roadside Animal Detection System

Roadside Animal Detection Systems (RADS) aim to reduce the frequency of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Unlike fencing and wildlife passages, RADS do not attempt to keep animals off the road; rather, they attempt to modify driver behavior by detecting animals near the road and warning drivers with flashing signs. A RADS was installed in Big Cypress National Park (Florida, USA) in 2012 in response to an increased number of Florida panther mortalities. To assess driver response, we measured the speed of individual cars on the road when the RADS was active (flashing) and inactive (not flashing) during the tourist season (November–March) and the off-season (April–October), which vary dramatically in traffic volume. We also used track beds and camera traps to assess whether roadside activity of large mammal species varied between seasons. In the tourist season, the activation of the RADS caused a significant reduction in vehicle speed. However, this effect was not observed in the off-season. Track and camera data showed that the tourist season coincided with peak periods of activity for several large mammals of conservation interest. Drivers in the tourist season generally drove faster than those in the off-season, so a reduction in speed in response to the RADS is more beneficial in the tourist season. Because traffic volume and roadside activity of several species of conservation interest both peak during the tourist season, our study indicates that the RADS has the potential to reduce the number of accidents during this period of heightened risk.

Distribution and host associations of ixodid ticks collected from wildlife in Florida, USA.

A tick survey was conducted to document tick-host associations with Florida (USA) wildlife, and to determine the relative abundance and distribution of ixodid ticks throughout the state. The survey was conducted using collection kits distributed to licensed Florida hunters as well as the examination of archived specimens from ongoing state wildlife research programs. Collected tick samples were obtained from 66% of Florida counties and were collected from nine wildlife hosts, including black bear, bobcat, coyote, deer, gray fox, Florida panther, raccoon, swine, and wild turkey. In total, 4176 ticks were identified, of which 75% were Amblyomma americanum, 14% Ixodes scapularis, 8% A. maculatum, 3% Dermacentor variabilis, and<1% were I. affinis and I. texanus. americanum, D. variabilis, and I. scapularis had the broadest host range, while A. maculatum, D. variabilis, and I. scapularis had the widest geographic distribution. While the survey data contribute to an understanding of tick-host associations in Florida, they also provide insight into the seasonal and geographic distribution of several important vector species in the southeastern USA.

Estimating the Body Weight of Florida Panthers From Standard Morphometric Measurements

Abstract Measuring a mammal's body weight has importance in understanding reproductive biology, ecology, and population health. It can be impractical for a researcher to measure the body weight of mammals when equipment needed to weigh individuals is inadequate or unavailable. My objective here was to develop a model to accurately estimate the body weight of Florida panthers Puma concolor coryi Bang based on the relationship between scale weight, sex, and standard morphometric measurement predictor variables obtainable in the field. I used an information-theoretic approach to evaluate simple and multiple linear regression models with 70% of the data, and validated the best model in the set using the remaining 30%. Individuals maintained a similar proportion of body weight to body length, chest girth2, and neck girth measurements, and the relationship was consistent between sexes. My best model explained 94% of the variation in body weight of Florida panthers, and the observed and estimated body weights in the validation data set were not different. The 95% confidence interval on the bias of the estimated body weight ranged from −1.1 to 0.9 kg in the validation data set. This body-weight estimation model will enable retrospective estimates of the body weight of Florida panthers in cases where standard morphometric measurements are available but the individuals were not weighed.

Creating Voluntary Payment Programs: Effective Program Design and Ranchers’ Willingness to Conserve Florida Panther Habitat

Landowner resistance to Endangered Species Act regulations is a key conservation challenge. In 2014 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed that a mix of payments for ecosystem services and regulatory assurances be implemented to encourage cattle ranchers’ participation in Florida panther recovery efforts. To identify cattle ranchers’ preferences for the proposed programs, we implemented a best-worst scaling choice experiment. Our results suggest that voluntary conservation programs are most likely to enroll politically conservative landowners if these programs provide per acre payments or tax reductions, are of shorter duration, and do not require overly intrusive or restrictive levels of monitoring to ensure compliance.

Amenity or Nuisance? Understanding and Managing Human–Panther Conflicts in Exurban Southwest Florida

ABSTRACTGolden Gate Estates (GGE), an exurban development in southwest Florida, is the site of the highest recorded number of conflicts between people and the Florida panther. We used qualitative data provided by 157 GGE residents and 19 nonresident stakeholders to investigate attitudes toward the panther, and appropriate measures to mitigate human–panther conflicts. Although a subset of GGE residents expressed some concerns about human safety risks associated with living with the panther, a higher share of residents viewed the panther positively. Residents and nonresident stakeholders agreed that GGE residents are responsible for securing their livestock against panthers. This point of agreement may improve adoption of appropriate practices to prevent human–panther conflicts. Outreach and education programs should reinforce expectations within the GGE community that residents are responsible for securing livestock against predators and adopting other conflict mitigation practices, as well as encouraging positive attitudes toward the panther.

Climate Changes, Shifting Ranges: Climate change effects on wildlife in the Florida Everglades and Keys

Where do the animals go when the sea rises? Learn the probable futures of Florida panthers and other south Florida wildlife in this 5-page fact sheet. Written by Larry Perez, James I. Watling, David Bucklin, Mathieu Basille, Frank J. Mazzotti, Stephanie Romañach, and Laura Brandt and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, it explains how a changing climate could impact wild animals.­edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw428

Evolutionary and Functional Mitogenomics Associated With the Genetic Restoration of the Florida Panther.

Florida panthers are endangered pumas that currently persist in reduced patches of habitat in South Florida, USA. We performed mitogenome reference-based assemblies for most parental lines of the admixed Florida panthers that resulted from the introduction of female Texas pumas into South Florida in 1995. With the addition of 2 puma mitogenomes, we characterized 174 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 12 individuals. We defined 5 haplotypes (Pco1-Pco5), one of which (Pco1) had a geographic origin exclusive to Costa Rica and Panama and was possibly introduced into the Everglades National Park, Florida, prior to 1995. Haplotype Pco2 was native to Florida. Haplotypes Pco3 and Pco4 were exclusive to Texas, whereas haplotype Pco5 had an undetermined geographic origin. Phylogenetic inference suggests that haplotypes Pco1-Pco4 diverged ~202000 (95% HPDI = 83000-345000) years ago and that haplotypes Pco2-Pco4 diverged ~61000 (95% HPDI = 9000-127000) years ago. These results are congruent with a south-to-north continental expansion and with a recent North American colonization by pumas. Furthermore, pumas may have migrated from Texas to Florida no earlier than ~44000 (95% HPDI = 2000-98000) years ago. Synonymous mutations presented a greater mean substitution rate than other mitochondrial functional regions: nonsynonymous mutations, tRNAs, rRNAs, and control region. Similarly, all protein-coding genes were under predominant negative selection constraints. We directly and indirectly assessed the presence of potential deleterious SNPs in the ND2 and ND5 genes in Florida panthers prior to and as a consequence of the introduction of Texas pumas. Screenings for such variants are recommended in extant Florida panthers.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Cross-Species Transmission: Implications for Emergence of New Lentiviral Infections.

Owing to a complex history of host-parasite coevolution, lentiviruses exhibit a high degree of species specificity. Given the well-documented viral archeology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) emergence following human exposures to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), an understanding of processes that promote successful cross-species lentiviral transmissions is highly relevant. We previously reported natural cross-species transmission of a subtype of feline immunodeficiency virus, puma lentivirus A (PLVA), between bobcats (Lynx rufus) and mountain lions (Puma concolor) for a small number of animals in California and Florida. In this study, we investigate host-specific selection pressures, within-host viral fitness, and inter- versus intraspecies transmission patterns among a larger collection of PLV isolates from free-ranging bobcats and mountain lions. Analyses of proviral and viral RNA levels demonstrate that PLVA fitness is severely restricted in mountain lions compared to that in bobcats. We document evidence of diversifying selection in three of six PLVA genomes from mountain lions, but we did not detect selection among 20 PLVA isolates from bobcats. These findings support the hypothesis that PLVA is a bobcat-adapted virus which is less fit in mountain lions and under intense selection pressure in the novel host. Ancestral reconstruction of transmission events reveals that intraspecific PLVA transmission has occurred among panthers (Puma concolor coryi) in Florida following the initial cross-species infection from bobcats. In contrast, interspecific transmission from bobcats to mountain lions predominates in California. These findings document outcomes of cross-species lentiviral transmission events among felids that compare to the emergence of HIV from nonhuman primates.IMPORTANCE Cross-species transmission episodes can be singular, dead-end events or can result in viral replication and spread in the new species. The factors that determine which outcome will occur are complex, and the risk of new virus emergence is therefore difficult to predict. We used molecular techniques to evaluate the transmission, fitness, and adaptation of puma lentivirus A (PLVA) between bobcats and mountain lions in two geographic regions. Our findings illustrate that mountain lion exposure to PLVA is relatively common but does not routinely result in communicable infections in the new host. This is attributed to efficient species barriers that largely prevent lentiviral adaptation. However, the evolutionary capacity for lentiviruses to adapt to novel environments may ultimately overcome host restriction mechanisms over time and under certain ecological circumstances. This phenomenon provides a unique opportunity to examine cross-species transmission events leading to new lentiviral emergence.