Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge near Naples, United States

Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge covers 26,400 acres (107 km2) in the upper Fakahatchee Strand of the Big Cypress Swamp, twenty miles east of Naples, north of I-75 and west of SR 29. Its mix of dry upland habitat and wetlands includes pine rocklands and tropical hardwood hammocks, with tropical orchids such as Cyrtopodium punctatum and Epidendrum nocturnum.

The refuge was established in 1989 to protect the endangered panther population, which had fallen to fewer than 30 individuals at that time. Since then, conservation efforts have gradually stabilized and increased the population.

The refuge lies in the upper Fakahatchee Strand of the Big Cypress Swamp, north of I-75 and west of SR 29, twenty miles east of Naples. Its mix of pine rocklands, tropical hardwood hammocks and wetlands shelters rare orchids such as Cyrtopodium punctatum and Epidendrum nocturnum. Visitors may also spot Big Cypress fox squirrels, swallow-tailed kites and wood stork rookeries.

Access is limited to two public hiking trails near the visitor center, while most of the area remains closed to protect animal habitats. It is important to stay on marked trails and avoid disturbing wildlife.

The area functions as a vital wildlife corridor connecting multiple protected lands, allowing panthers to maintain their extensive hunting territories. This connection between reserves is essential for the long-term survival of the population.