releases: http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398536
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| http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398536 | Florida Members Urge President Obama to Establish a Critical Habitat Designation for the Florida Panther | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | FL | Alcee Hastings | H000324 | alceehastings.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) sent the below letter to President Obama urging the establishment of a critical habitat designation for the endangered Florida panther. The Florida panther is one of the most endangered species in the world, andless than 180 of them survive today. Joining Hastings in sending the letter were Representatives Patrick Murphy (D-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Curt Clawson (R-FL), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Cathy Castor (D-FL). Please find below and attached a copy of the letter: December 9, 2015 The Honorable Barack H. Obama President of the United States The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear President Obama: The Florida panther is one of the most endangered species in the world as less than 180 of them survive today. As you know, the two greatest threats to the Florida panther are the loss of habitat and automobile-related deaths, both of which are caused by increased development in environmentally sensitive areas. The best available science suggests that current lands in conservation do not provide enough suitable habitat area to support even the limited number of existing panthers. Further, on November 28th, two more panthers were killed by cars. As members of the Florida delegation, we are writing to request your support in establishing a critical habitat designation for the endangered Florida panther. The Florida panther was listed as an endangered species in 1973, but critical habitat has never been established, even though the Endangered Species Act includes a requirement for the designation of critical habitat for endangered species. In other words, the Florida panther is protected by the federal Endangered Species Act, unfortunately its home is not. It is of great importance to designate a critical habitat not only because it would preserve and encourage the growth of the current population of Florida panthers, but also because it would help to protect other valuable environmental resources, such as wetlands, aquifer-recharge areas, drinking water supplies and the habitat of other endangered species. At the top of the food chain, Florida panthers help keep feral hog numbers in check and deer, raccoon and other prey populations balanced and healthy. Moreover, a designation of critical habitat does not mean that no further development is allowed in an area, it simply requires additional review when projects requiring federal permits would impact habitats considered essential to preventing the Florida panther from going extinct. We urge you to ensure the continued existence of the Florida panther and the preservation of Southwest Floridas natural resources and unique character by supporting the designation of critical habitat for the endangered Florida panther. Thank you for your time and consideration. The decision to take action now will provide a historic opportunity for protecting the Earths most endangered umbrella species the Florida panther. Sincerely, Alcee L. Hastings Member of Congress Patrick E. Murphy Member of Congress Theodore E. Deutch Member of Congress Lois Frankel Member of Congress Vern Buchanan Member of Congress Curt Clawson Member of Congress Frederica S. Wilson Member of Congress Cathy Castor Member of Congress Debbie Wasserman Schultz Member of Congress Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |