Ok, so Jaguars were very present in Flordia until humans wiped them out. Not only are they a natural creature that could hunt invasive species such as Boas and Boars, but they would also fill an important role as a natural apex predator on land.

  • OttoVonNoob@lemmy.caOP
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    2 months ago

    The video I referenced said there were only 20-30 left in the 70s, and with heavy support, they are up to 200.

    • FoxyFerengi@startrek.website
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      2 months ago

      Oh. I forgot how confusing the name is lol. When I read jaguar I think “spotted cat”, Florida panthers are Puma not Panthera.

      For what it’s worth, I have seen a melanistic jaguar in Florida at a wildlife refuge

      • LifeInMultipleChoice@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        2 months ago

        Apparently the North American Jaguar went extinct like 7000 years ago. So now it’s just Florida Panthers (puma as you said) and bobcats, which I think might be lynx related? Not sure. I know I used to see those down in wekiwa near the springs/hiking trails.

        • OttoVonNoob@lemmy.caOP
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          2 months ago

          Yes, the video that inspired the meme states Red Wolves and reintroducing Panthers would be the safest way. But im taking the extreme third option xD. Also, I believe Bobcats are the northern sub species of Lynx or vice versa.