Florida Panther Habitat Loss

Three types of habitat loss can affect panthers:

  • Destruction -- habitat is completely or significantly lost (i.e., urban sprawl, development of former agricultural lands, conversion of agricultural lands to intensified agricultural uses, and/or taken over by invasive non-native plant species)
  • Fragmentation -- habitat is cut off from other suitable habitat (i.e., transportation projects or "splatter" development)
  • Degradation -- habitat becomes less suitable due to conversion into other uses (i.e., mining and mineral exploration)
  • Science, Policy, and Panther Habitat

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires mitigation for development projects that will affect panther habitat. Under this process, the US Army Corps of Engineers issues a permit only if the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) makes a "no jeopardy" finding that the project has mitigated (compensated for) the harmful effects to panther survival.

To ensure that this process works, the ESA requires the USFWS to use the best available science in making their findings. Unfortunately, the USFWS has been relying on discredited science in their evaluation process. This has led to the loss of thousands of acres of panther habitat.