CONT. small airplanes to track movements because
they can travel many miles per night. We have recently added a new feature to our website called “Quick Maps” where users can access Google Earth maps showing panther tracking data.” Panthers are tagged in the cooler winter months, with nearly 200 panthers tracked overall. Non-profit groups are increasingly consolidating and coop-
erating. Land says, “One of the Conservancy’s biologists (Dave Shindle) is a former FWC panther team member. We have con- tracted with the Conservancy to take advantage of his expertise as needs arise.
during our busy winter capture season.” Innovations have played a role beyond tag-and-track sys-
tems. “Genetic analyses help us manage this small remnant population of 100-160 panthers. This number represents a sig- nificant increase from the 20-30 panthers thought to exist in the 1970s-80s. One reason for the increase is due to the genetic res- toration program we initiated in 1995. We introduced a limited number of pumas from Texas (a very close relative of panthers) into Florida panther range to help bolster the genetic health of our isolated population. Historically, such genetic exchange would have happened naturally among Florida panthers and other puma subspecies. Since civilization isolated panthers over 100 years ago, they became more closely related to each other, leading to inbreeding and health issues. Genetic restora- tion was successful at reversing those trends.” You too can play your part regarding environmental impact
by staying informed and supporting these cultural and ecologi- cal initiatives. Says Darrell Land, “All of our work is funded by the sale of Florida panther specialty license plates. Proceeds go to the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund. The Wildlife Foundation of Florida also has a fund where people can donate to help us rescue and rehabilitate injured/ orphaned panthers.”
*Please visit
www.wildlifefoundationofflorida.com for more general information about how to get involved.
Florida Panthers:
www.floridapanthernet.org Sea Turtles:
www.conservancy.org/seaturtles
Pulsecaught up with Barbara Wilson of the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida. The Conservancy runs multiple research and rescue programs alongside their government, corporate and educational affiliations. They are currently expanding their visi- tor center to state-of-the-art green tech energy systems such as solar and a geothermal generator. The rennovated center will be open next year, capping the Conservancy’s long-term renovation project with over $38M raised as of May, 2011. According to Andrew McElwaine, Con- servancy of SWFL President, the new facilities are due to meet world-class ecological standards, earning Gold L.E.E.D. (Leader- ship in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification. Thomas Walther, general manager of construction contractor Johnson Controls, insists that the environment must be treated with com- passion through energy efficiency buildings.
Pulse Magazine SWFL | 19 This partnership has been especially helpful
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