Vanishing habitat: How Southwest Florida’s development boom endangers Florida panthers
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To the editor:
There is a refuge inside our state, the United States National Refuge. In recent years, the refuge and its surrounding lands have been under pressure that threatens to erode the fragile habitat the panthers depend on. In nearby Collier and Lee counties, large-scale initiatives such as the Kingston development and the Bellmar Village are slated to bring thousands of new homes, commercial centers and associated infrastructure into areas adjacent to the panther habitat. U.S. Fish & and Wildlife estimates 23 to 25 panther deaths annually from vehicle collisions and habitat fragmentation.
Critics warn that the new roads, lighting, run off from storms and increased human presence would endanger the wildlife population by isolating wildlife-already heading to further deaths of our panther population. In response, the refuge and FWS are pushing for stronger mitigation measures, including wildlife life crossings, exclusion fencing and stricter review to the Endangered Species Act.
If not checked, these projects would squeeze the already tiny panther population, and make panther survival more precarious.
We must remain vocal and vigilant: Protect habitats now -- it is essential to the Florida Panther population into the future.
Kathleen Callard
North Fort Myers