[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
