Florida Panthers Could Disappear Forever Without Your Help

Dear Secretary Salazar,

Florida panthers are rapidly disappearing. Please immediately order the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to designate critical habitat for the endangered Florida panther.

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There are only 100 to 120 Florida panthers left in the world. While individual panthers roam throughout Florida, and one was even killed up in Georgia last year, breeding panthers are only found in southwestern Florida on 5 percent of their original range — which used to extend throughout the Southeast. Much of their remaining habitat is urgently threatened by development.

Research has shown that animals and plants with critical habitat designated for them are far more likely to be moving toward recovery than those without. The Florida panther was listed as endangered in 1967, and yet its habitat is still not protected 32 years later.

The Florida Panther Recovery Plan makes clear that without protection of habitat, the panther will never recover and will eventually dwindle toward extinction. Attempts at habitat protection that do not designate critical habitat will not save this iconic animal.

The Florida panther is counting on you – and so am I. Please ensure that critical habitat is designated so that Florida panthers will survive and recover.

Thank you for your swift action.