#Animal Welfare
Target:
Ron Desantis
Region:
United States of America
Website:
www.rawearthfoundation.org

Background Information Supporting the Petition to Construct Wildlife Land Bridges to Protect the Florida Panther

The Florida panther, a critically endangered species, is one of the most iconic animals in the southeastern United States. Once found throughout Florida, the Florida panther’s population has dramatically declined due to habitat loss, human activity, and road mortality. Today, fewer than 120 panthers remain in the wild, and they are confined to the southern portion of Florida, primarily in the Everglades and surrounding areas.

One of the most significant threats to the survival of the Florida panther is road mortality. As the human population in Florida continues to grow and urban sprawl expands, the construction of highways and roadways increasingly divides the panther’s natural habitat. In particular, roads such as Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) have become deadly barriers for panthers attempting to cross from one habitat area to another. Since 1972, over 20 panthers have been killed in vehicle collisions. These collisions not only result in the loss of individual panthers but also disrupt genetic diversity, making it harder for the species to recover.

To address this issue, wildlife conservationists have proposed the construction of wildlife land bridges—elevated structures or underpasses designed to safely allow wildlife, including panthers, to cross over or under highways and roads without encountering traffic. These land bridges are crucial in reducing vehicle-wildlife collisions and providing safe corridors for panthers to move between habitats, increasing their chances of finding mates and expanding their range.

While these land bridges will be especially beneficial to Florida panthers, they will also protect many other species that share their habitat. Wildlife such as deer, bears, raccoons, and smaller mammals are also at risk from vehicle collisions. The land bridges will provide safe passage not only for panthers but for all wildlife attempting to cross busy roads, creating a safer environment for multiple species.

Wildlife land bridges have proven effective in protecting other species across the world. For example, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has already seen success with the installation of wildlife underpasses on I-75, which have allowed animals such as bears, deer, and panthers to safely cross the road. In Europe, similar wildlife crossings have successfully reduced mortality rates among large mammals like deer and elk.

Studies have shown that panther populations are critically dependent on maintaining genetic diversity. By providing safe routes for panthers to travel between isolated populations, wildlife land bridges offer an opportunity for genetic exchange, which is essential for the long-term survival of the species. Furthermore, these bridges help preserve other wildlife that shares the panther’s habitat, supporting a healthier, more robust ecosystem.

Wildlife land bridges are not only beneficial for panthers but for broader wildlife conservation efforts. They help create wildlife corridors that facilitate the movement of species across fragmented habitats, allowing for more resilient ecosystems and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

By constructing wildlife land bridges, we can ensure the survival of the Florida panther, protect biodiversity, and promote the health of Florida’s natural ecosystems. This infrastructure investment will safeguard not only the panther but also the many other species that share its habitat, contributing to Florida's environmental legacy for future generations.

Petition to Construct Wildlife Land Bridges to Protect the Florida Panther

We, the undersigned, call on state legislators and the Florida Department of Transportation to prioritize the construction of wildlife land bridges across critical highways to protect the Florida panther and other wildlife species from road mortality.

The Florida panther is a critically endangered species, with fewer than 120 individuals remaining in the wild. These majestic animals are particularly vulnerable to vehicle collisions, which are a leading cause of death and disrupt the genetic diversity essential for their survival. These collisions also pose a threat to other wildlife, including deer, bears, and smaller mammals, who are at risk as they attempt to cross busy highways.

We urge state legislators and relevant authorities to take action by constructing wildlife land bridges—elevated crossings or underpasses—on key roadways such as Interstate 75, where panther road mortality has been a significant problem. These wildlife crossings have been proven effective in reducing vehicle-wildlife collisions, preserving habitats, and ensuring the safe movement of animals, not only for panthers but for all species that share their ecosystems.

By supporting the construction of wildlife land bridges, we can help protect the Florida panther, promote biodiversity, and create safer corridors for wildlife, which will contribute to healthier ecosystems and fewer human-wildlife conflicts.

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The Petition to Construct Wildlife Land Bridges to Protect the Florida Panther petition to Ron Desantis was written by Raven Petca and is in the category Animal Welfare at GoPetition.