Mortality Patterns of Panthers in Southwest Florida

Mortality of Florida panthers (Felis concolor coryi) was examined from December 1979 through May 1991 in southwest Florida. Average annual mortality (17.2%) over a 4-year period (1987-1990) was similar to unhunted populations of mountain lions. Highway collisions caused 46.9% of documented mortality followed by natural causes (28.1%), illegal shooting (6.2%), and research activities (6.2%). Road mortality appears greater from November to January and more likely among male panthers and panthers residing adjacent to State Roads 29 and 84. Natural mortality, especially intraspecific aggression, was more prevalent than road mortality in radio collared panthers