Management Implications of Aquifer Fractures on Ecosystem and Habitat Suitability for Panthers in Southern Florida

• DOI: 10.4236/gep.2018.62012
• Publication Date: 2018-02-28T06:09:18Z
• Authors: Wenjing Xu; Sergio Bernardes; Sydney T. Bacchus; Marguerite Madden
• Keywords: Swamp

Our case study analyzed the proximity of previously mapped fractures in aquifer matrix to 93 Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) dens from 2007-2016 south Florida. Dens occurred five counties (Collier = 77, Dade 1, Hendry 9, Lee 5, and Monroe 1) three sub-basins Greater Everglades Basin (Big Cypress Swamp 83, Caloosahatchee 3, 7). Fractured aquifers occur worldwide, but are not focus habitat suitability studies, despite evidence that influence plant species composition density. Habitat alterations can many kilometers surface footprint groundwater regional Floridan system via preferential flow through fractures. Increased natural discharge recharge at fracture intersections. induced changes also may All were within 5 km a fracture; 36% 74% 1 2 km, respectively, those fractures; 47%, 74%, 90% 3.25 nearest intersection. Results suggest and/or availability for dens, selection den sites, as well abundance high quality prey items essential nutritional demands successfully rearing kittens wild. We recommend more detailed investigations of: a) vegetation characteristics near b) cumulative impacts associated with (e.g., altered density), c) all habitats underlain by