Wildlife biologist introduced eight female Texas panthers 15 years ago to help with genetic diversity in bringing back the big cat. Biologist are stating that this has helped not only increase the population of these cats, but also made a healthier population in this isolated pocket of the species.
This provides hope for isolated populations of other large predators, like the Grizzly Bear or Grey Wolf.
And on a global scale, Lions and Tigers in isolated populations will benefit from the findings of this intense study.
Originally, thousands of Florida Panthers roamed the southeast, until in the 1990's their population and range was depleted to a small area between Miami and Naples and there were estimates of only 20-25 adults remaining in the wild. Now with an estimated 100 of the big cats located in the ever declining area, biologists have released the results of their extended study of this isolated sub-species and feel that they have hope of strengthening some of the other endangered large cats of the world.
Birds: Congratulations to the winners of the I-Race 150 mile race today, and a special shout out to Sal Rodriguez, who had two birds in the top 5 places. Next week will be the 300 mile race, looking forward to being there.
Honey: Going to set the wine aside tomorrow, and attend Oktoberfest up at Snowbird!
While the housing crunch is in full swing and home building projects are down it is with hope that MAYBE more and more Florida Panther habitats (native) will continue to remain undeveloped.
ReplyDeleteThe last time I was in Florida I remember feeling disgusted and outraged when asked why so many trees were burning. Thinking the reply would be "wildfires" turned out to be the developers making way for more homes and businesses. But...there were swamps in there. "That's ok. They'll fill it in with sand and soil and clay..." Really? Is that what you REALLY do?
Nothing but bad news for the 'gators, critters, and panthers.
I also remember walking across a bridge at a wildlife refuge along the intercoastal waters and spotting maybe 3 or 4 manatees. Such graceful creatures. I nearly wanted to plunge in to swim with them but...thinking about it...I didn't want to be like the builders and destroy the sensitive relationship among the wild things.
To me, though the "recession" has folks in an uproar I am thankful it has caused us to stop spreading our distructive fingers into the lands that are not ours. We haven't learned to co-exist responsibly and, until then, let the recession continue.
“Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell.” Edward Abbey
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's one reason I still live in this old farm house, circa 1875
Interesting perspective, Anonymous? Could a recession be a season of regrowth for our earth? Makes one think....
ReplyDeletePeople encroach, don't understand, then get in an uproar when wildlife hunts in neighborhoods. American sprawl destroys with little comprehension and just about no compassion. Living in the west I keep my eye on what is happening with the reintroduced wolf populations. Ranchers get mad at stock loss (which in relatity seems low), but after the work to reintroduce and manage the pack numbers it's a shame if they start the cycle of reduction over again.
ReplyDeleteRoosevelt elk numbers in Oregon were depleted until the late 1970s. With control over the numbers hunted the herds have gained in health and population.