Photo by US Fish and Wildlife Service

CAN PANTHERS ROAR?
Panthers belong to a group of cats, including cougars, domestic cats, lynx and cheetahs, that do not roar. Unlike lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars that produce a roar with the vibration of flexible cartilage at the base of their tongue, panthers are usually quiet creatures. When panthers do make sounds they will usually chirp, peep, whistle, purr, moan, scream, growl or hiss. Females signal their readiness to mate by yowling or caterwauling.

PANTHERS IN PERIL
The Florida Panther is one of the most critically endangered animals on the planet. As a population of only 50 to 80 individuals they are the last cougar subspecies to inhabit the eastern region of the United States. Most of the population can be found in or around Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park.

Habitat loss is the number one reason why these animals are in such trouble. Due to urban development, the panther is concentrated on only 5% of the original range it used to roam. This is a major problem for conservationists as it is necessary to give these animals plenty of land for hunting and breeding. As a result of this habitat loss, an increase in automobile-related injuries and aggression between panthers for territory have led to a rise in panther deaths.

Photo by Larry Richardson

CONSERVATION EFFORTS
Since the Florida Panther was added to the Endangered Species Act in 1973, the government and many grassroots organizations have worked tirelessly to save this wondrous creature from extinction. A preserve called the Florida Panther Wildlife Refuge was established in 1989 to protect some of the remaining panther habitat.

While working in the habitat, researchers discovered that inbreeding was occurring due to the small population. To remedy the problem researchers introduced eight panthers from Texas to help produce healthier offspring. The introduction of the new individuals also increased the population of panthers from 20 - 30 in 1993 to about 80 in 2003. Along with introducing other panthers into the environment, organizations are using research, captive breeding and public education to ensure the future of this magnificent animal.

Resources for this article provided by wikipedia.org and US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.