Naples, Fla. - On the 16th day of their 100-day, 1,000-mile trek, the explorers of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition will arrive at the ranch of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner Aliese Priddy. After paddling, biking and hiking nearly 200 miles, the explorers will be spending the morning with Commissioner Priddy and FWC panther biologist Darrell Land exploring the habitats of the endangered Florida panther in Big Cypress National Preserve.
The Big Cypress National Preserve is home to the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge (FPNWR). The refuge is the core of the panther habitat and serves as home to a number of panthers, which are among the most endangered carnivore species on Earth - an estimated population of only 100 to 160 adult panthers.
Despite the challenges of sharing Florida with 18 million people, the big cat survives. Recent announcements that the U.S. Department of Interior will attempt to expand FPNWR suggests that, after many years and much controversy, the way forward in panther conservation is becoming more clear.
Photo Opportunity
What: Meet the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition, Commissioner Aliese Priddy
and panther biologist Darrell Land as they explore panther habitats in Big Cypress National Preserve
When: Wednesday, February 1, 2012, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Commissioner Priddy's Ranch, 7305 State Road 29 South (Just north of
the Oil Well Park, about eight miles north of I-75 and 11 miles south of Immokalee.)
Opportunity: Hear adventures of the expedition as the explorers
photograph and film the wildlife and habitats in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
About the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition:
The Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition is a 100-day, 1,000 mile trek to raise awareness of a functional ecological corridor that spans the entire state of Florida. The four explorers - photographer Carlton Ward Jr., biologist Joe Guthrie, conservationist Mallory Lykes Dimmitt and filmmaker Elam Stoltzfus - are committed to connecting the remaining natural lands, waters, working farms and ranches from the Everglades to South Georgia. They will study and document the land, wildlife and waters for the visionary project.
To follow the expedition, view the calendar of activities and download photos and additional media materials about the Florida Wildlife Corridor project, visit http://www.floridawildlifecorridor.org.
Connect with the expedition team during the trek on its social media pages:
• Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/FloridaWildlifeCorridor
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/FL_WildCorridor
• YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/FLWildlifeCorridor
• Google+ - http://bit.ly/FWCExpeditionGooglePlus
