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Tag: Everglades

Nature’s Reflections – Florida Panther: Our Biggest Cat

A subspecies of the western cougar

 

The Florida panther (Felis concolor corti) was first listed as an endangered species in 1973 and protected by both state and federal laws. These large, tawny-colored, long-tailed, elusive cats average 80-130 pounds. They are reported to live about twelve years in the wild. These large cats are mostly nocturnal and rarely seen. Panthers are solitary, skilled hunters who live and hunt in large home ranges up to 200 square miles. They maintain boundaries by scent markings and rarely fight over territory. Deer and feral hogs are the preferred food, but panthers also eat raccoons, rabbits, armadillos, alligators, fowl and other small animals.

 

Habitat loss and collisions with vehicles are the principal reasons for population decline. In the early 1990s genetic defects from inbreeding and mercury poisoning also threatened their survival.

 

seco_energy_natures_reflections_november_2016-01

 

In 1995, Florida imported eight female Texas cougars to breed with the panthers and strengthen their genetic diversity. The kittens produced from the cross-breeding are considered Florida panthers and protected the same as the purebreds. Today, panthers roam remote swamplands like the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. Others go mostly undetected, roaming remote areas in central and north Florida, making it difficult to get an exact count. Female panthers begin breeding at about two and a half years of age. After a three-month gestation period, a litter of one to three kittens are born in a simple, secluded den. Spots on their tawny coats help them blend with dense vegetation. Weaned at two months, the kittens follow their mother for up to two years to learn hunting and survival skills. Once trained, the mother leaves her kittens at a kill and doesn’t return, leaving them to make their own way.

 

Current plans focus on securing and enhancing available habitat and breeding panthers in captivity, then reintroducing them into the wild. Let’s hope endeavors to help save this symbol of Florida’s wilderness are successful.

 

Column & photo by: Sandi Staton

 

 

Nature’s Reflections – Florida’s Flamingos

A unique bird that is more than a Florida icon, The American Flamingo, (Phoenicopterus ruber), is one of several flamingo species found through-out the world. It stands about four feet tall, has a down-curved hooked bill, very long legs, and pink webbed feet with three toes. Black tips on the wings are visible mostly in flight and the wingspan is about five feet.

 

Wild flamingos are found in South Florida, the Everglades, the Florida Keys and throughout the Caribbean. Normally, they do not migrate unless food becomes scarce. Only then, they will take flight on a clear night to find a new location.

SECO Energy's Nature’s Reflections February 2016, Florida’s Flamingos

Following hurricanes in Florida, some flamingos have been spotted as far west as Mississippi, although most of those are believed to be escapees from Florida’s parks and zoos. Somehow, they eventually find their way back home.

 

Flamingos feed in shallow coastal saltwater lagoons and mudflats by stirring up the mud with their feet. Then, they turn their head upside down to scoop up the water, straining it through bristles inside the curved beak and tongue. Blue-green algae is their primary food source and the reason for their pink color. In addition, small shrimp, seeds, mollusks, and microscopic organisms are also picked up in the process.

 

Flamingos in the wild are usually more brightly colored that those in captivity and may live up to twenty years. Males and females look alike; males are larger. They mate for life.

 

Courting includes a variety of flamboyant behaviors, head movements, wing displays and vocalizations. One egg is laid on a mound of mud. Both parents take turns incubating the egg for a month. Prior to hatching, the chick calls to its parents from inside the egg and from that moment, the parents forever know their chick’s call. The downy-gray chick hatches with a straight bill which makes feeding it easier. Both adults feed the chick until it fledges after seventy days. Chicks reach adult size at two years, but may not get their full adult plumage until three or four years of age.

SECO Energy's Nature’s Reflections February 2016, Florida’s Flamingos

 

Read the full February 2016 SECO News here.

Column & photo by: Sandi Staton