[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 4, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 478]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-57]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of a Final Environmental Assessment, and a 
Finding of No Significant Impact Regarding Genetic Restoration and 
Management for the Florida Panther

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of document availability and finding of no significant 
impact.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces completion 
of the Environmental Assessment regarding genetic restoration and 
management for the endangered Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi). 
Copies of the Environmental Assessment are available from the Service. 
The Service also announces a determination that the proposed genetic 
restoration and management program are not a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the 
meaning of Section 102(2) (C) of the National Environmental Policy Act 
of 1969, as amended. The ``Finding of No Significant Impact'' is based 
on information contained in the final Environmental Assessment, the 
approved Florida Panther Recovery Plan, the Plan for Genetic 
Restoration and Management of the Florida Panther, other pertinent 
scientific and technical data, and public comments received on the 
draft Environmental Assessment.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Environmental Assessment are available from 
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Post Office Box 110450, 
Gainesville, Florida 32611-0450.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis B. Jordan, Florida Panther 
Coordinator (see ADDRESSES section), telephone 904/392-1861.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Restoring endangered or threatened animals or plants to the point 
where they are again secure, self-sustaining members of their 
ecosystems is a primary goal of the Service's endangered species 
program. The Florida panther is one of the most endangered large 
mammals in the world. The panther formerly occupied a range comprising 
much of the southeastern United States. This range was contiguous with 
other populations of North American cougars (Felis concolor spp.). A 
single population estimated to number 30 to 50 adults represents the 
sole known remaining population in the wild. This population utilized 
approximately 2-3 million acres of habitat on public and privately 
owned lands in southern Florida. The biological circumstances of 
geographic isolation, habitat loss, population reductions, and 
associated inbreeding have resulted in significant loss of genetic 
variation and health of the population. The genetic variability and 
health of the panther must be restored for the taxon to survive even 
with adequate habitat preservation and other enhancement measures. 
Existing data indicate that the Florida panther will likely go extinct 
without actions to restore genetic health to the population.
    Population declines and associated inbreeding in the Florida 
panther have resulted in significant losses in genetic variability and 
viability. The population exhibits multiple physiological abnormalities 
that are likely a consequence of recent close inbreeding. High 
incidences of maladaptive traits which include reproductive and medical 
abnormalities have been observed. Significant among these are: 
Cryptorchidism (50+ percent of male population), abnormal sperm 
(average 93.5 percent per ejaculate), and atrial septal defects (5 
individuals within last 2 decades). Furthermore, the Florida panther 
has suffered from numerous health problems and infectious disease that 
may be a consequence of a defective immune system.
    The purpose of the proposed action is to implement a genetic 
restoration and management program designed to improve the genetic 
health, survivability and recovery potential of the Florida panther. 
The proposed program involves a strategy designed to restore lost 
historic gene flow into the panther from another Felis concolor 
subspecies.
    As part of the development of the proposed action, the Service 
consulted with the Florida Panther Interagency Committee; numerous 
biologists, geneticists, scientists, and managers; and, received and 
reviewed written comments from the public. Based on the results of this 
review process, the Service has concluded that the proposed action 
(Alternative 2 of the subject Environmental Assessment--translocate a 
minimum number of wild non-Florida individuals into the wild 
population) provides the best overall opportunity to restore genetic 
health to the Florida panther.

Author

    The primary author of this document is Mr. Dennis Jordan (see 
ADDRESSES section).

Authority

    The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act (16 
U.S.C. 1532 et seq.).

    Dated: December 27, 1994.
John T. Brown,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 95-57 Filed 1-3-95; 8:45 am]
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