News Life

Lone Star cats rescue cousins in Sunshine State

Introduction of Texas panthers to Florida boosted genetic diversity of local population, report says

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

Plenty of people hated the idea in 1995, but borrowing some genes from Texas has improved prospects for endangered Florida panthers, a new report says.

FURRY HOPE Florida panther kittens have been healthier and more likely to survive since eight Texan females arrived in the 1990s to infuse genetic variety into a struggling population.