It is a fact that as population rises in a limited habitat range, population density increases. As density increases, we might expect that mortality rates due to intraspecific aggression also increase. Evidence of this is that according to the Florida Panther Net website, among radio-collared panthers, the most frequent cause of death was panthers killing other panthers (intraspecific aggression).
In addition, there are other factors that may impact the panther population. Among the density dependent factors that have influenced are limiting factors, such as resources needed for survival but that may be in short supply, and resistance factors, such as predation, competition, and disease. It is important to consider that the effects of density dependent factors, like diseases, competition, and predation, increase as populations grow.
On the other hand, there can be density independent factor that will occur regardless of the population size, such as natural disasters. Effects of density independent factors affect a population, regardless of its size, but can serve to decrease the population. All these factors influence population size and growth.
Another aspect to consider is competition for other resources. In a population that is too dense, competition,…show more content… As Commission Chairman Kenneth Wright said panther expansion northward is going to be mostly due to the cooperation with private landowners. The panther needs a large area to roam, as much as 200 square miles for an adult male. Commissioner Ronald Bergeron suggested that areas are managed successfully there will be room for more panther population growth. He stated that it should be a priority both to conserve the core population in south Florida and prepare for expansion north of the Caloosahatchee
