Rep. Soto to Sec. Zinke: Keep Florida Panther on Endangered Species List

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darren Soto sent a letter to Secretary Ryan Zinke of the U.S. Department of the Interior today, expressing strong support for keeping the Florida Panther on the Endangered Species List. The Panther is recognized as Florida's official state animal and it is still at dangerously low numbers to ensure a healthy breeding population.

"This iconic and unique large cat has made great strides, but it is still far from ready to be taken off the [Endangered Species] list," Rep. Soto wrote in the letter.

Citing the work of Larry William, USFWS's Florida State Supervisor of Ecological Services, Rep. Soto emphasizes that recovery of the Florida Panther will "require a long-term concerted effort by many partners committed to finding common-sense solutions that balance many different and competing interests, yet are grounded in a shared purpose of conserving the lands that support Florida's native wildlife and its ranching heritage."

Rep. Soto concluded the letter by strongly encouraging Secretary Zinke to reach out to state partners at the Florida Wildlife Commission:

"Important Florida Panther conservation efforts coupled with a robust cattle reimbursement program for our ranchers is a win-win for Florida!"