Implementing a robust monitoring program to measure population demographics of Florida panther, their primary prey and other species - such as turkey and bear - must be done to fully evaluate ecosystem restoration and adaptive management actions on the FPNWR.
Results of this study helped to guide further monitoring of future restoration and management actions on the Refuge and among habitats needing or undergoing similar restorations off the Refuge.
Refinement of remote camera survey protocols for Florida panther and their primary prey on FPNWR also assist in the development of a population-wide survey protocols for both species within the current and historic range of the Florida panther.
Funding for this project was provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Black Bear Scratching on a "Rub Tree"This black bear video was actually captured by a wildlife cam as part of a long-term panther prey study taking place on the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge led by Conservancy of Southwest Florida principle investigator David Shindle and supported by partners from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge.Shindle says even though the bear appears to be scratching his back on this “rub tree," it’s more likely scent marking behavior used to communicate his presence and status to other bears.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and Friends of the Florida Panther RefugeHelp support projects like this one by donating today: https://www.conservancy.org/donatePosted by Conservancy of Southwest Florida on Tuesday, February 24, 2015
This black bear video was actually captured by a wildlife cam as part of a long-term panther prey study taking place on the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge led by Conservancy of Southwest Florida principle investigator David Shindle and supported by partners from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge.Shindle says even though the bear appears to be scratching his back on this “rub tree," it’s more likely scent marking behavior used to communicate his presence and status to other bears.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and Friends of the Florida Panther RefugeHelp support projects like this one by donating today: https://www.conservancy.org/donate