Page 73 - Life in Naples November 2018

Compensation programs do not fully
cover the loss and require ranchers to

aples Zoo is involved in a collaboration to prove a panther killed their calf. This
explore how that might be done. In early 2017,
David Shindle, Florida Panther Coordinator can be difficult since panthers hide
their kills. Preventing calves from
for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, reviewed
research conducted by the conservation group
NPanthera about a cattle breed that defend their being taken is far better.
calves from jaguars in Colombia. Having about 10% of the
herd comprised of this breed provides protection for the whole the cattle arrived in December 2017. As of this writing, half a
herd. Shindle reviewed the idea of a pilot study with Naples dozen calves have been born. The true test will come over time
Zoo’s Director of Conservation Tim Tetzlaff for the benefit to see if these cows defend their calves against coyotes, bears,
of ranchers in Florida. Tetzlaff coordinated a discussion with vultures - and especially panthers.
Panthera’s Chief Conservation Officer, Dr. Luke Hunter, who If this pilot program shows promise, these cattle could be
then brought in the Colombian study’s lead researcher and incorporated to protect more herds throughout the state. If sufficient
other key scientists in the field. The team identified a closely numbers of ranches become protected in this way, panthers may
related cattle breed to the Colombian variety – a descendant of someday teach their offspring to avoid cattle altogether.
Spanish fighting bulls. Keeping ranchlands working and profitable instead of being
With expertise and connections made, JB Ranch was converted to developments puts food on our table and provides
identified as the perfect test site as it has suffered consistent calf jobs for thousands of Floridians while also maintaining natural
losses to panthers. Operated by Russell and Aliese “Liesa” Priddy, systems that keep our beaches, waters, and lands healthy. It
the ranch is just north of the Florida Panther National Wildlife also means a future for panthers, other native wildlife, and for
Refuge. Naples Zoo purchased the cattle from an Arizona Florida’s rich ranching heritage.
breeder and JB Ranch coordinated and paid for transporting See the 8-minute documentary created through a partnership
eleven bred cows and one bull to their Immokalee ranch. between Naples Zoo and Big Cypress National Preserve and
Following delays from hurricanes in Texas and Florida, understand more at www.thefloridapanther.org.

Life in Naples | November 2018 73