Demographics and Genetic Introgression in the Florida Panther

摘要: With the release of eight female Texas cougars (Felis concolor stanleyana) into south Florida between March and July 1995, natural resource agencies have embarked on a task that is intended to restore genetic integrity panther (F. c. coryi). Although this intentional introgression may, if successful, eliminate phenotypic characters are presumed derive from inbreeding, there insufficient evidence support contention such drastic management currently necessary. Early research (1981-1985) resulted in impression remnant population panthers was composed old, nonreproductive individuals suffering heavy parasitism, malnutrition, maladaptive characters, high rate road mortality (Alvarez 1993; Meffe & Carroll 1994: 229; Foster Humphrey 1995; but see Maehr et al. 1991a). More recently, cardiac male-reproductive anomalies been cited as inbreeding immediate threats survival subspecies (Roelke Glass 1992; Roelke 1993a). No male reproductive failures observed population, however, problems were involved only two known deaths confounded by captive those individuals. One these occurred after "rehabilitated," road-injured adult returned wild with severely worn canines resulting his efforts escape captivity. The other young died immediately surgery correct heart abnormality. notions demographic collapse endure day despite data suggest otherwise. evolution thought relative status analogous cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Caro Laurenson (1994) discussed can arise detailed analyses laboratory samples absence corresponding ecological data, Caughley examined dangers