Path of the Panther: New Hope for Wild Florida

The Florida panther is the state animal of Florida, the last big cat surviving east of the Mississippi River. It was driven to extinction in the eastern United States but has come back to nearly 200 thanks to heroic conservation efforts. The Florida Wildlife Corridor is a call to action to recognize and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a network of public and private land that connects the panthers current range to suitable habitat throughout the state.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2023
Publisher: National Geographic Society

The majestic Florida panther holds a special place in the hearts of Floridians and conservationists alike. As the state's official animal, it symbolizes the Endangered Species Act and stands as the last remaining big cat east of the Mississippi River. Unfortunately, the panther's story is one of extinction in the eastern United States, with only a small remnant population surviving in Florida's Everglades. By the 1980s, the panther's numbers had dwindled to fewer than 20 individuals, prompting a desperate conservation effort to bring them back. Thanks to these heroic efforts, the panther population has rebounded to nearly 200 individuals today. However, the biggest challenge for the panther's continued recovery remains access to sufficient habitat throughout Florida and beyond.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor, a network of public and private land, is at the forefront of this effort. This corridor connects the panther's current range in south Florida to suitable habitat throughout the state and adjoining states, providing the panther with the means to thrive and reproduce. The Florida Wildlife Corridor is a unique conservation opportunity on a western scale, yet it remains largely hidden in the east. This project, in partnership with the National Geographic Society, aims to inspire the additional one million acres of conservation needed over the next decade to achieve Florida's goal of protecting 30 percent of its land by 2030.

With 27 percent of Florida already protected as public land, this project offers a significant opportunity to expand conservation efforts and protect the state's natural heritage. The Florida Wildlife Corridor is not only a lifeline for the panther but also for countless other species that call Florida home. It serves as a vital corridor for wildlife migration, ensuring the survival of diverse plant and animal populations.

Moreover, the Florida Wildlife Corridor has economic benefits, contributing to the state's tourism industry and local economies. It supports outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing, and ecotourism, attracting visitors from around the world who are eager to experience the beauty and diversity of Florida's natural landscapes.

In conclusion, the Florida panther's story is a testament to the power of conservation and the importance of protecting our natural heritage. The Florida Wildlife Corridor is a critical component of the panther's recovery and a western-scale conservation opportunity that holds immense value for Florida and the world. By working together, we can ensure the panther's survival and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor for generations to come.

Weight: 1470g
Dimension: 259 x 259 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781426223624