[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 201 (Wednesday, October 19, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-25875]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: October 19, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
 

Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment 
Addressing Genetic Management Options for the Florida Panther for 
Review and Comment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of document availability and public comment period.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the 
availability for public review of a draft Environmental Assessment 
addressing genetic management options for the Florida panther, Felis 
concolor coryi. A single population estimated to number 30 to 50 adults 
represents the sole known remaining population in the wild. This 
population utilizes approximately 2-3 million acres of habitat on 
public and privately owned lands in south Florida. Existing data 
indicate that the Florida panther will likely to extinct without 
actions to restore genetic health to the population. The Environmental 
Assessment examines four genetic management alternatives for the 
panther. The preferred alternative involves a strategy to restore lost 
gene flow to the panther from a western Felis concolor population. 
Copies of the draft Environmental Assessment can be obtained by making 
requests to the address below. This notice is being furnished under 
provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act Regulations (40 CFR 
1501.7) to obtain comments from other agencies and the public on the 
draft Environmental Assessment. Following an appropriate public comment 
and review process, the Service intends to evaluate all comments 
received and select an intended course of action by December 31, 1994.

DATES: Comments on the draft Environmental Assessment must be received 
on or before December 5, 1994 to receive consideration by the Service.

ADDRESSES: Comments soul be addressed to the Regional Director, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia 
30345.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND COPIES OF THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL 
ASSESSMENT CONTACT: Dennis B. Jordan, Florida Panther Coordinator, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, PO Box 110450, Gainseville, Florida 32611-
0450, 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 goals of the Service's endangered species 
program. The Service will consider all information presented during the 
public comment period prior to finalizing and implementing a specific 
genetic management strategy for the Florida panther.
    The Florida panther is one of the most endangered large mammals in 
the world. The biological circumstances of geographic isolation, 
habitat loss, population reductions, and associated inbreeding have 
resulted in significant loss of genetic variability and health of the 
population. The genetic variability and health of the Florida 
population must be restored for the tax on to survive even with 
adequate habitat preservation and other enhancement measures.
    The Florida 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.). The 
panther is presently restricted to a small relict population in 
southern Florida numbering 30 to 50 adults. This population utilizes 
approximately 2-3 million acres of habitat on public and privately 
owned lands.
    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+% of male population at times), abnormal sperm 
(average 93.5% per ejaculate), and atrial septal defects (5 
individuals). Furthermore, the Florida panther has suffered from 
numerous health problems and infectious diseases that many be a 
consequence of a defective immune system.
    The goal will be to develop and implement a management strategy to 
restore and maintain the historic genetic character of the of Florida 
panther. The objectives will be to reduce the occurrence of inbreeding 
and restore genetic variability and vitality of offspring produced and 
recruited as breeders into a healthier, ore resilient panther 
population and to resume the evolutionary adaptive potential by 
restoring levels of genetic diversity in the Florida population to 
levels comparable of other Felis concolor subspecies in western North 
America. The identification and implementation of actions needed to 
accomplish this goal will be guided by the analysis and evaluation of 
various alternatives that may be available.

 Public Comments Solicited

    The Service solicits written comments on the draft Environmental 
Assessment. All comments received by the date specified above will be 
considered prior to finalizing the Assessment.

Authority

    The authority for this action is Section 4(f) of the Endangered 
Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f).

    Dated: October 12, 1994.
David J. Wesley,
State Administrator.
[FR Doc. 94-25875 Filed 10-18-94; 8:45 am]
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