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Why the population decline?There are many reasons to the decrease in population in the Florida Panthers.
1. Endangerment of the Florida Panthers started in the early years of the 1900's from the settlers killing them off for livestock or fear.(extrinsic) 2. The first threat is the species own health problems being caused by the poor habitat conditions. They have lost much habitat that is needed, and the pray for hunting (extrinsic) 3. The second would be from defects of inbreeding, which is still remaining in the population. (intrinsic) 4. There is also mercury poisoning that are being caught in the prey of the Florida Panthers, like raccoon. (extrinsic) 5. Another reason is from the human population. There are hunting issues and cars and trucks not knowingly hitting and killing them in the roads. (extrinsic) |
What are the solutions?1. Additional habitat must be secured and enhanced.
2. Programs are underway to breed panthers in captivity for later release back into the wild. 3. Scientists exploring ways to increase the genetic variability of panthers through cross breeding with closely related subspecies. |