The Florida panther is an elusive animal long associated with southwest Florida, but its residential range has changed over time as habitat for these large cats has diminished or disappeared.
Wendy Mathews of The Nature Conservancy will deliver the April Discovery Lecture Series program entitled, “Florida Panthers – A Peek Into the Life of Florida’s State Animal” on Thursday, April 2, at Marine Discovery Center. The presentation will begin at 6 p.m.
Guests will learn about The Nature Conservancy’s efforts over the last four decades to bring the Florida panther back from the brink of extinction. Discussion will include details about the panther’s lifestyle, range and factors affecting survival.
Mathews also will discuss information about the Florida Wildlife Corridor and how The Nature Conservancy and its partners are working to connect the landscape across the state to provide for wildlife protection and movement, including how panthers may now be located in Volusia County.
Mathews joined The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in 1992 and currently is TNC’s Senior Conservation Projects Manager in the Land Protection Department. In this role, she is responsible for the implementation of TNC’s land protection work, including conservation real estate transactions, conservation easements and identifying new projects that advance TNC’s mission. She also manages TNC’s Florida panther project.
Mathews has spent her career with TNC as an ecologist in the Land Protection Department working to protect the best of Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes. Working alongside various organizations and agencies, she has helped conserve at least half a million acres of land statewide.
Our lectures are open to the public at no charge, but donations to the center are always appreciated. Pre-registration for this lecture is required and may be done online or by phone at 386.428.4828.
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