Securing expansive, connected land is vital for the survival of Florida panthers, with adult males requiring about 200 square miles to thrive. Habitat fragmentation forces these endangered animals to cross roadways, leading to increased vehicle collisions. Alarmingly, 2024 has seen at least 30 panther fatalities due to car accidents, surpassing last year’s total.
The Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services Pilot Program, for which our Foundation helped secure $1.5 million in federal funding and donated an additional $400,000, is already delivering promising results for panther conservation. Together with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, our Foundation is proud to play a pivotal role in advancing this innovative initiative.
Here’s a snapshot of the program’s success so far:
- 69 applications were received from 14 counties, representing 172,000+ acres of critical panther habitat.
- 56% of applicants are landowners with whom FWC had little to no recent engagement, underscoring the program’s ability to foster new relationships.
- 84% of applicants are eager to support panther research by hosting wildlife cameras, unlocking new data and insights.
While we celebrate these milestones, it’s clear there’s more work to be done. Current funding allows us to enroll 14% of proposed acres, leaving much critical habitat unfunded. Securing an additional $2.5 million annually would enable us to:
- Protect 125,000+ more acres of vital habitat.
- Expand conservation efforts across all 14 counties north and south of the Caloosahatchee River. Expanding the population north of the river is crucial to increasing genetic diversity and creating a second breeding population.
- Strengthen relationships with landowners, who serve as stewards of Florida’s landscapes.
This program exemplifies the power of partnerships among conservationists, landowners, and funders to create lasting impacts. Together, we’re redefining conservation and ensuring a brighter future for the Florida panther and wild Florida.
If you’d like to support this work, donate to our Florida Panther Fund today.
