The Pros And Cons Of The Florida Panther

Over the past generations, the state of Florida has experienced rapid industrialization and undergone an economic boom. These changes have especially been beneficial to the surrounding population and economy. However, industrialization affects wildlife and nature in a much harmful and different way. The Florida panther is a prime example of the harmful effects of human expansion. A once dominant species both in strength and in number, has been diminished to less than 100 members (National Wildlife Federation). Local government and institutions are trying to save this endangered animal. However, an individual can only wonder if the attempts to preserve this species will be successful or too late.

In continuation, the panther is part of a big

Human-wildlife conflicts are any problems that occur between humans and wildlife in direct correlation with living in close proximity with one another. For example, since the animals and the humans live so close to one another, a panther would sooner or later, come across a road or highway (Defenders of Wildlife). The panthers are in a dangerous situation of becoming roadkill because their habitats coexist with the development of roads in southern Florida. Just how dangerous is the road for the Florida panther? According to Defenders of Wildlife, twenty-five panthers were killed by vehicles in 2014 alone. More than a quarter of the total population of the panther became roadkill. On the other hand, certain preventative measures are being taken in order to keep the people and the panthers safe. Moreover, slow speed zones and wildlife crossings are being established where panthers live (Defenders of Wildlife). Defenders of Wildlife are also helping by installing a system which they call a Roadside Animal Detection System (RADS). Furthermore, RADS is being observed in US-41 and Big Cypress National Preserve (Defenders of Wildlife). Also, one of the other ways Defenders is trying to help is through the construction of additional wildlife crossing. The additional wildlife crossings work by providing a tunnel that goes underneath the road to provide safe

However, years of industrialization and urbanization have led to the direct downfall of the panther. Expanding into the wilderness of Florida served as a temporary solution and leading to a permanent problem. Problems that have suddenly emerged from this expansion is habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts, and low genetic diversity. Organizations like Defenders of Wildlife, Big Cat Rescue, and The Nature Conservancy, work hard to protect these animals from the dangers that they face at an everyday basis. To conclude with, we are now taking action for what we've done to the panthers in the past, but the panthers may have run out of