Florida Panthers Face Critical Habitat Threat
The Florida panther population has dwindled to just 120-230 individuals, putting the species in jeopardy.
Confined to Five Percent of Historic Range
Panthers now survive in a small swath of cypress swamps and sawgrass prairies in southwest Florida.
Sea Level Rise Threatens Panther Homes
A half-meter of sea level rise by 2040 could wipe out 11 percent of remaining panther habitat.
Massive New Development Authorized
The planned Rural Lands West Project threatens nearly 5,000 acres of prime panther habitat.
Conservation Groups Plan to Sue
Advocates are preparing to sue federal agencies for violating the Endangered Species Act over the project.
Death By A Thousand Cuts
Experts warn continuous, fragmented development leaves the panther with no escape route for recovery.
Government Claims Minimal Short-Term Impact
The FWS claims the habitat loss is minor, despite the panther's already precarious population numbers.
Wildlife Agencies Suffer Severe Staff Cuts
FWS staff in Florida was slashed by 26 percent, severely hindering their ability to protect species.
Panthers Need Vast Territories to Survive
Male panthers require up to 200 square miles of unbroken habitat to thrive without fatal conflicts.
Mitigation Plans Called Insufficient
Developers promise corridors, but critics say suburban landscapes are incompatible with panthers.
The Panther’s Last Stand
Advocates warn this development could push the majestic Florida panther past the point of no return.