The Florida panther is the state’s official animal. It is also a biological testament to what happens when man establishes special protections to save an endangered species — the species rebounds and avoids extinction.

The Florida panther has been on the federal endangered species list since it was created in 1967. Since then, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has monitored the progress – or decline – of the Florida panther. This year the USFWS is conducting what typically is considered a routine five-year review of the panther’s endangered status. Considering just an estimated 230 of the animals are believed to be living, it is hard to imagine how the review, and the decision to keep the Florida panther listed as endangered, could be anything other than a slam dunk. Remarkably, it is not.

It seems there are some observers who question whether the Florida panther is really any different than other panthers that roam the United States, particularly out west. In short, they say, it just is not that special.

Of course this is ridiculous. In the mid-1990s the Florida panther population had dwindled to as few as 20 or 30 animals. Since then, the protections, as well as ramped-up efforts to create more habitat, have resulted in the panther population growing to an estimated 230 cats.

Yes, it sounds like a success story, and it is. A great success. But that does not mean we are out of the woods, so to speak, as far as guaranteeing the long-term survival of the Florida panther. Consider:

- So far, no one has cited any specific or scientific justification for downlisting the panther. There simply is no need or reasoning.

- Florida panther deaths are on the rise at an “alarming” rate, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Last year, the organization reports, an average of three panthers a month died on Florida roadways. This year alone, 13 panthers have been struck and killed on highways.

And if road deaths and predators are not enough, a number of massive new developments in Southwest Florida – home to the largest numbers of Florida panthers – threaten to destroy even more of the big cats’ habitat.

The endangered species designation helps to stabilize the panther population, protect and preserve habitat and, ultimately, prevent extinction. So far, it has worked wonderfully.

Again, while this is a routine five-year review, we cannot forget that in March the USFWS inexplicably downgraded the manatee from endangered to threatened, despite vocal opposition from the public and the scientific community.

To make a comment regarding the panther, email david_shindle@fws.gov or send a letter to the U.S. Wildlife Service at 12085 State Road 29 South, Immokalee, FL 34142.

In addition to being Florida’s state animal, the Florida panther has its own specialty license plate. Federal officials should heed the slogan on that plate – “Protect the panther” – and leave its endangered status stand.