[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] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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] BILLING CODE 4310-55-M