Vehicle-related mortality and road crossing behavior of the Florida panther

The Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) is a relatively well studied species and it is well established that the most important threat to panthers include limited habitat area and continued habitat loss and fragmentation. Despite the recognition that roads result in panther mortality and may limit panther movement there has been very limited research on the importance of roads. In the current study panther telemetry data from 1981 until 2004, detailed road networks and vegetation maps were used to determine vehicle-related mortality and road crossing behavior of the Florida panther. Differences by age and gender were determined, as well as the effect of road size. Results indicate that vehicle collisions are a major threat to the Florida panther population, especially adult males. Major roads present a stronger barrier to movement than minor roads, and the movement of females is more affected than that of males. Road networks in south Florida have essentially segregated the movement of the sexes and have fragmented the limited remaining habitat of the Florida panther.

Research highlights► Florida panther telemetry data from 1981 until 2004 as well as detailed road networks and vegetation maps were used to determine the influence of roads on individual panthers.► Vehicle collisions are a major threat to the Florida panther population, especially adult males.► Major roads form more of a barrier to movement than minor roads, and females are affected more than males.► Roads have essentially segregated the movement of the sexes and have fragmented not only the limited habitat of the Florida panther, but also segments of the adult population critical to the propagation of the species.