The Big Cypress–Caloosahatchee Critical Linkage

The Big Cypress–Caloosahatchee Critical Linkage forms the heart of Florida panther habitat north of the Everglades. This vast ranchland landscape is rich in wetlands and other critical ecosystems that support large mammal movement, stormwater management, aquifer recharge, and natural water quality improvement. Suburban expansion and the bottleneck at the northern extent of the linkage pose major threats—but emerging conservation initiatives and partnerships are advancing protection and restoration across the region.