Our long-range goal is to recover the panther population and to make those responsible for development in south Florida stop and consider all the implications of their actions before they destroy what little is left of the undisturbed areas in the region. Male panthers can measure as much as seven feet from nose to tail. They can weigh more than 100 pounds. Adults have light tawny fur, a pale grey underbelly and longer, more slender tails and legs than other mountain lions. Panther kittens are spotted for the first year, helping to camouflage them against predators.
Females give birth to one to four kittens.
Panthers hunt wild hogs, deer and raccoons. Their favorite environment is hardwood hammocks and pine flatwood forests. Defenders panther advocacy is part of a wider strategy of identifying and protecting important areas for conservation at the state level. By promoting economic incentives for responsible landowners, urging expansion of public lands and fighting misguided road projects, Defenders is working for protection of all important habitats in Florida. By protecting the habitat of wide-ranging animals such as the panther and Florida black bear, Defenders hopes to preserve species despite continuing economic development.