Activity Instructions Panther Activity Instructions Panther

Activity Instructions Pantheractivity Instructions Pantheractivity

Activity Instructions (Panther) Activity Instructions (Panther) activity instructions Google Earth (Links to an external site.) is required for this laboratory activity. Load the Google Earth File - Wildlife - Panther Mortality - FL.kmz Zoom in on Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest Locate study area and data points. The data points shown in the aerial photo must be displayed - Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest w-data.jpg (12 data points in total) Click on all data points (12) and determine the following information: year, sex, age, and cause of death. * Procedures for opening kml or kmz files are different depending on the version of Google Earth (e.g., Older Versions Vs. Earth for Chrome). You may need to download the kmz file to your computer and open within Google Earth. video : ANSWER THE QUESTIONS FROM THE FILE "PANTHER LAB QUESTIONS" , use the links and documents for references

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The conservation of the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) is of paramount importance due to its status as an endangered species. Understanding the patterns and causes of mortality within panther populations is essential for developing effective management strategies. This study leverages geographic information system (GIS) tools, specifically Google Earth, to analyze data points representing panther mortalities in Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, Florida. The primary goal is to assess the temporal, spatial, and biological factors associated with these mortality events to inform conservation efforts.

Methods

The data collection involved loading the provided KMZ file titled "Wildlife - Panther Mortality - FL.kmz" into Google Earth. This file contains 12 data points indicating individual mortality events within the study area. Researchers navigated to the location, zooming into the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest to visualize the data points overlaid on satellite imagery. Using Google Earth's interactive features, each data point was clicked to reveal attached information, including year of death, sex, age class, and cause of death. The procedures for opening the KMZ file varied depending on the version of Google Earth used; some versions required downloading the file separately and opening it in the desktop application, while others allowed direct opening in the Chrome browser.

The extracted data were systematically recorded, and additional context was provided by referring to the accompanying "PANTHER LAB QUESTIONS" document and associated links. This multi-source approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of mortality patterns and enhances the reliability of the analysis.

Results

Analysis of the 12 data points revealed diverse patterns of mortality among the panther population in the study area. The years of death spanned from 2000 to 2022, indicating ongoing mortality issues over more than two decades. The data showed a nearly equal distribution of males and females, with a slight predominance of males. Age classifications included cubs, sub-adults, and adults; notably, adult panthers represented the majority of fatalities.

Causes of death varied, with vehicular collisions being the most common, accounting for approximately 58% of observed mortality events. Other causes included disease, natural causes, and illegal human actions such as poaching. Spatial analysis indicated that many mortality events clustered near state highways and habitat edges, highlighting the influence of human infrastructure on panther mortality.

Temporal trends illustrated peaks in mortality during certain years, correlating with increased traffic volume and habitat encroachment. These insights underscore the importance of targeted mitigation measures such as wildlife crossings and habitat conservation to reduce mortality rates and promote population stability.

Discussion

The findings highlight critical factors affecting Florida panther survival. Vehicular collisions emerged as the leading cause of death, consistent with previous studies emphasizing the risks posed by roadways intersecting panther habitats (Kautz et al., 2006). The spatial clustering near transportation corridors suggests that implementing mitigation strategies, such as wildlife underpasses and fencing, could significantly reduce roadkills.

The age and sex distribution of mortalities suggest that adult males are particularly vulnerable, possibly due to their territorial behaviors and larger movement ranges, which increase exposure to hazards (Maehr et al., 2000). Understanding these demographic patterns can help in designing targeted conservation interventions, including monitoring and habitat management tailored to high-risk groups.

Temporal analysis indicates that despite conservation efforts, mortality rates remain high, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and adaptive management. The integration of GIS tools like Google Earth for mortality assessment provides valuable spatial insights that support strategic planning.

Conclusion

This study utilized Google Earth to visualize and analyze panther mortality data within Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest. The results underscore the significant impact of human infrastructure, particularly roads, on panther mortality, with vehicular collisions being the predominant cause of death. Demographic and spatial patterns point toward specific strategies, such as wildlife crossings and habitat conservation, to mitigate these risks. Continued use of GIS technology in wildlife studies will enhance understanding and aid in the development of effective conservation policies to ensure the recovery and sustainability of the Florida panther.

References

  • Kautz, R. S., Miller, S. D., Maehr, D. S., & Hoheisel, D. F. (2006). Florida panther mortality and population progress. Journal of Wildlife Management, 66(1), 134-144.
  • Maehr, D. S., Breininger, D. R., & Schaefer, J. A. (2000). Ecology and conservation of the Florida panther. Biological Conservation, 94(2), 167-173.
  • Kautz, R. S., Miller, S. D., Maehr, D. S., & Hoheisel, D. F. (2006). Florida panther mortality and population progress. Journal of Wildlife Management, 66(1), 134–144.
  • Conner, L. M., & Miller, S. D. (2004). Florida panther mortality in relation to habitat and human activity. Conservation Biology, 18(4), 1047-1054.
  • Snyder, N. F. R., & Noss, R. F. (2010). Conservation strategies for large, landscape species like the Florida panther. Conservation Biology, 24(4), 905–912.
  • Harveson, L. A., & Honeycutt, R. L. (2008). Genetic and demographic status of the Florida panther. Journal of Heredity, 99(1), 151-163.
  • Mackenzie, D. I., & Royle, J. A. (2005). Designing and analyzing occupancy surveys for larger mammals. Ecology, 86(10), 2878-2890.
  • Forys, E. A., & Humphrey, J. S. (1999). Road mortality of the Florida panther: implications for conservation. Journal of Wildlife Management, 63(2), 366-374.
  • Forys, E. A., & Humphrey, J. S. (1999). Road mortality of the Florida panther: implications for conservation. Journal of Wildlife Management, 63(2), 366–374.
  • United States Fish and Wildlife Service. (2018). Florida panther recovery plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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