Florida Panther Size

Panther classification and evolution the panther also commonly known as the black panther is a large member of the big cat family native to asia africa and the americas.

Florida panther size. The updated population estimate is 120 to 230 adult and subadult florida panthers according to a february 2017 report from the agencies collaborating on conservation and recovery efforts. From nose to tail adults measure 1 8 2 1 metres 6 7 feet. 106 148 pounds males 65 100 pounds females. The florida panther is a subspecies of the cougar whose last remaining population only exists in south florida in less than 5 of its former range.

Most male florida panthers are relatively large weighing 45 72 kg 100 160 pounds. Females were considerably smaller with a weight range of 50 to 115 pounds and measuring about six feet. The previous florida panther population estimate was 100 to 180 adult and subadult panthers in 2014. Prey and conservation status.

About 12 years in the wild. Florida panthers are average sized for the species being smaller than cougars from colder climates but larger than cougars from the neotropics. The florida panther is mostly confined to southwest florida usually in pinelands hardwood hammocks and mixed swamp forests. Florida panthers are very solitary animals.

Panthers are wide ranging secretive and occur at low densities. Today the panther is recognized as florida s official state animal but it is also one of the most endangered mammals in the country. 24 28 inches at shoulder. Protecting them and the vast unspoiled wild territory each one needs to survive an average of 200 square miles for a single male protects many other plants and animals that live there.

Adult males may range over an area of 200 square miles while females range over a 70 to 80 square mile area. The panther is not a distinct species itself but is the general name used to refer to any black coloured feline of the big cat. Kittens are buff with dark brown or blackish spots and weigh 0 5 kg 1 pound at birth. Mature male panthers examined in the wild in florida since 1978 have weighed from 102 to 160 pounds and measured nearly seven feet from nose to the tip of the tail.

Panthers are an umbrella species. Originally throughout florida and the southeast. Through historical bounties habitat destruction habitat fragmentation genetic bottle necking and road collisions florida panthers are estimated to only have a total population of 120 230. Females weigh 30 45 kg 65 100 pounds.

Today the primary threats to the remaining panther population are habitat loss fragmentation and degradation. Perceived as a threat to humans livestock and game animals the species was nearly extinct by the mid 1950s. Now restricted to southwestern florida near big cypress national preserve.