Journalism Next | Habitat loss still top threat to Florida panther

In the backwoods of Southern Florida, a mighty feline predator stalks in the bushes, his sights set on Sus scrofa, or the wild hog.

Crouching in the palm fronds ubiquitous among his natural habitat, he waits ... then lunges out with deadly speed when the time is right.

The hog stands no chance.

Puma concolor coryi, commonly known as the Florida panther, is a sizable, stealthy cat rarely seen in the wild.

Refuge specialist Jessica Sutt of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, east of Naples and on north side of Interstate 75, describes it as similar in appearance to the other subspecies of pumas.

"It's a big, tawny, tan-colored cat," Sutt said. "They are very large, and have a very long tail. It is the only animal that looks like this in South Florida."

The Florida panther is also an endangered animal.

Fear and misunderstanding drove the animal to this status, experts say.

Persecution of the cat began back in the 1800s when European settlers began building in Florida, which much of the feline's natural habitat.

Modern-day construction continues to take a toll on the Florida panther population.

Males can claim large territories as their own home ranges, which can be as wide as 200 square miles. These home ranges sometimes overlap with those of other panthers.

Sutt confirms the cat cannot peacefully exist among humans without an adequate stretch of land.

"Right now, the primary threat we tend to list is habitat loss and fragmentation," Sutt said.

The estimated population in the wild is between 100 and 160 panthers, but it is believed to be growing ev

ery year.

As the population continues to grow, panthers are beginning to venture north into more urban areas -- and into the yards of Florida residents.

Sutt reports incidents of panther shootings are on the increase due to fear and lack of knowledge about the animal.

Weighing in at 130 to 160 pounds for males, and 70 to 100 pounds for females, a panther would be a startling sight for many Floridians.

"The Florida panther can be considered a 'keystone' or 'umbrella' species," Sutt said. "Losing the panther could lead to losing other species. It keeps prey species in check."

Humans can help save this mighty feline, Sutt said.

"Learn about the panthers. Be able to identify them," Sutt said. "Humans should remember that they are a protected and endangered species."

Education is the key, she said. Anyone can make a difference by supporting lands providing homes for Florida panthers, and volunteering at Florida parks and refuges.

This story was originally published March 9, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Journalism Next | Habitat loss still top threat to Florida panther."