The Florida Panther: Life And Death Of A Vanishing Carnivore (Paperback)

~ David Maehr (Author) "I saw my first living panther on this day in one of the remotest corners of the Fakahatchee Strand..." (more)
Key Phrases: habitat preservation plan, panther research, panther habitat, Bear Island, Fakahatchee Strand, Collier County (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

South Florida is home to many endangered species; the Florida Panther is one of the best known. Yet, writes author David S. Maehr in this scientific book, many misconceptions abound about this carnivorous feline. Maehr, an assistant professor of conservation biology in the Department of Forestry at the University of Kentucky and a biologist in Naples, Florida, was leader of the Florida Panther Study Project for nine years. The panther, a subspecies of cougar, no longer lives primarily in Everglade National Park but in the Big Cypress National Preserve and around the Okaloacoochee Slough. Maehr calls this area panther eden. "Probably more kittens have been reared on this plot than on any other comparably sized area in Florida, perhaps in the United States." These felines are more solitary than many big cats; the adults have a home range of between 20 and 456 square miles; and they eat white-tailed deer and wild hogs. Maehr's aim is to make us better understand the species' status and to better protect its habitat. He adds, "Another reason we need the panther is for ourselves...because we share ancient roots in evolution and because they have been studied so long." He refutes other voices about the creature's future: "there is no need yet to write the panther's epitaph." -- From Independent Publisher

Product Description

When the first field study of the Florida panther took place in 1973, so little was known about the animal that many scientists believed it was already extinct. During more extensive research conducted from 1981 to 1986, panthers were proven to exist, but the handful of senile, anemic, and parasite-infested specimens that were captured indicated a grim future. During those early years a remarkably enduring image of the panther was born, and despite voluminous data gathered over the next decade that showed the panther to be healthy, long-lived, and reproducing, that earlier image has yet to be dispelled.

For nine years, biologist David S. Maehr served as project leader of the Florida Panther Study Project, helping to gather much of the later, surprisingly positive data. In The Florida Panther , he presents the first detailed portrait of the animal-its biology, natural history, and current status-and a realistic assessment of its prospects for survival.

Maehr also provides an intriguing look at the life and work of a field biologist: how captures are made, the intricacies of radio-telemetry tracking, the roles of various team members. He describes the devastating intrusion of politics into scientific work, as he discusses the widespread problems caused by the failure of remote and ill-informed managers to provide needed support and to communicate effectively to the public the goals and accomplishments of the scientists. He examines controversial efforts to establish a captive breeding program and to manipulate the Florida panther's genetic stock with the introduction of relatives from west Texas.

Protection of high-quality habitat, much of it in the hands of private landowners, is the key to the long-term survival of the Florida panther. Unless agency decision makers and the public are aware of the panther's true situation, little can be done to save it. This book will play a vital role in correcting widespread misconceptions about the panther's current condition and threats to its survival.

Product Details

• Paperback: 278 pages
• Publisher: Island Press; 1 edition (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155963507X
• ISBN-13: 978-1559635073
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,533,958 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars excellant, May 26, 2005

By	Steven Mumford - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Not really a scientific essay in my opinion, but a labor of love. A good read and something that will let you feel and fear for the future of this beautiful animal. Hats off to Mr. Maehr for taking the effort to relate his experiences... one of my favorite nature "books".... long live the panther

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a must for any amature wild life enthusiast, November 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Florida Panther: Life And Death Of A Vanishing Carnivore (Hardcover)

Dear readers,

Today morning before leaving for work i happen to watch National geographic channel wherein there was one hour programe on Florida panther. It's survival seems to be highly endangered due to the fact that their genetic poll being limited and in-breeding among the cats inevitable it gives a very tragic case of survival. I being an avid wildlife enthsiast from India hope that American people will defenitely do something for the survival of Florida panther.

Thanks