Who is panther

Young stay with the mother for about two years. Females do not mate again until the young have left. Threats to panthers include habitat loss because of human development, collision with vehicles, parasites, feline distemper, feline calicivirus an upper respiratory infection and other diseases.

The biggest threat to their survival is human encroachment. Historical persecution reduced this wide-ranging, large carnivore to a small area of south Florida. This created a tiny isolated population that became inbred. Reduced speeding zones, construction of panther underpasses, public education, captive breeding programs and research are efforts being taken to save the Florida panther from extinction.

Black Panthers. The black panther is the common name for a black specimen a genetic variant of several species of cats. Zoologically, a panther is the same as a leopard, while the term Panthera describes the whole family of big cats.

But, in North America, the term panther is also used for puma. In South America it could also mean a jaguar.

Elsewhere in the world it refers to leopard. It does not exist as a separate species. The genetic variant is most common in jaguars Panthera onca where it is due to a dominant gene mutation, and leopards Panthera pardus where it is due to a recessive gene mutation.

Close examination of one of these black cats will show that the typical markings are still there, and are simply hidden by the surplus of the black pigment melanin. The mountain lion is the largest cat in the borders of the United States and it roams mostly across the western states. The mountain lion is largely extinct in the east , except in Florida. Melanistic jaguar and its sibling. Again, only four species are classified Panthera leopard, jaguar, lions and tigers. But, according to zoologist and science writer Dr.

There you have it! National Wildlife Federation has a long legacy of protecting big cats, from helping to prevent the Florida panther from going extinct in the Everglades, to working to save the isolated population of mountain lions in Los Angeles, including the world famous cougar, P, who lives under the Hollywood sign, with our SaveLACougars campaign.

Seems like we all can play the hero when it comes to protecting panthers! Like what you read? Please consider making a donation to support our programs like protecting the Everglades and the SaveLACougars campaign, and other critical conservation work:.

This Bill Saves Wildlife in Crisis. Urge Congress to Support It. Learn More. Our beloved wildlife ambassador has been creating lifelong connections with nature for generations.

It's most well known in leopards , which live in Asia and Africa, and jaguars , inhabitants of South America. Domestic cat lovers might be interested to know the agouti gene doesn't cause black fur in house cats. According to Big Cat Rescue , the colouring comes from a surplus of melanin, the same pigment responsible for suntans, and an animal with the condition is known as "melanistic. Also, just because black panthers are dark in colour doesn't mean they don't have spots—they're just harder to see.

Wouldn't a black coat be an advantage for nighttime hunters, and therefore more common? Actually, no, Thomas said. Also, if "you're hunting when it's bright, there's an advantage to having your body broken up by a patterned coat rather than a solid coat.