Featured image by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region 

Threats to Florida’s native plants and animals made headlines this month—at the same time that officials are pushing to reduce protections for vulnerable species. Against the trend, however, one marine creature gives signs of hope.

Imperiled Panthers:

What’s going on

The panther, Florida’s iconic cat, has been spotted with a disorder that affects its ability to walk. Trail footage shows eight panthers and one bobcat with difficulty coordinating their hind legs, causing them to stumble and fall. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has confirmed neurological damage in a panther and a bobcat, both dead.

While the cause is unknown, officials are looking into rat poison and toxic algae in addition to disease and nutritional deficiencies. The FWC is asking the public for help in the investigation by submitting any footage of affected panthers here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/panthersightings/

Why it matters

The panther is the state animal of Florida and endangered. In the early 1970s, the estimated population in Florida was between 20-30 individuals.  The panther is a protected species, and while unknown how many remain in the wild, estimates say between 120-230.

 


Troublesome Tans:

What’s going on

Palm trees from the Keys all the way to Jacksonville are succumbing to a bacterial disease known as lethal bronzing.

The disease gets its name from the color of dried up fronds on affected trees. Transmitted by invasive insects, the bacteria move into the base of the palm and proliferate causing blocking the circulatory system and preventing the flow of essential nutrients.

Why it matters

Once infected by the fatal disease, the trees must be uprooted and destroyed. Tree nurseries and business owners face significant losses if impacted. Treatment with a preventative antibiotic may prove too costly for most people and businesses.

Learn more

Florida’s Iconic Palm Trees Threatened by Invasive Disease 

 


Weakening Protections:

What’s going on

The Trump administration announced new rule changes to the Endangered Species Act that would, according to Politico, limit the protections for species considered “threatened” and decrease how much climate change factors into their assessment of species.

Why it matters

Critics of the move, including the former head of the Fish and Wildlife Service and members of Congress, fear that the rule change may unnecessarily endanger the very species the law aims to protect.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Longboat Key) called the proposed change “unconscionable.”

Interior Secretary David Bernhardt believes this will streamline operations to ensure conservation goals are met, although Bernhardt’s has a history as a lobbyist for oil and agriculture industries and some question his motivations.

What’s next?

Members of Congress and several State Attorneys General have announced plans to challenge the changes through legal and legislative means.

Learn more

Trump Administration Eases Endangered Species Rules

Vern Buchanan Calls Trump’s Plan to Weaken Endangered Species Act Unconscionable 

 


Key to Survival:

What’s going on

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials are reportedly considering removing Key deer from the Endangered Species list. Many Keys residents have vocally opposed the move.

Why it matters

While the subspecies of whitetail deer has rebounded and is no longer regularly hunted, it still faces threats like car collisions and habitat loss. Sea level rise may heighten risks.

What’s next?

The USFWS will evaluate a U.S. Geological Survey report on the impacts of climate change and decide whether to de-list the deer. If de-listed, Key deer would still be protected by the state.

Learn more

Keys Crowd Says Keep Key Deer on Endangered Species List

 


A New Hope:

What’s going on

Atlantic coral has spawned in a lab for the first time. The scientists at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay who accomplished the feat hope it paves the way for restoring North America’s Barrier Reef.

Why it matters

Reefs have been under pressure from bleaching events, disease and ocean acidification, but can’t evolve fast enough to adapt to a changing environment. Scientists hope that this propagation increases genetic diversity and produces offspring that is more resistant to current environmental conditions.

What’s next?

With pillar coral not spawning again for another year, the scientists hope to get maze coral to spawn in the coming months. Once matured, the hope is to replant them to replenish Florida’s reefs.

Learn more

It’s A Baby! (Or At Least A Million) As FL Aquarium Announces First Atlantic Coral Spawning

Scientists coax imperiled Florida coral to spawn in lab for first time

The takeaway message:

While Florida’s iconic palm and panther are affected by malady, officials look to reduce protections of other threatened species amid strong pushback.

At the same time, scientists are optimistic about the future of Atlantic coral after the historic feat of laboratory-induced spawning.