The Florida Bobcat (Lynx rufus floridanus) is a solitary, and territorial predator mammal. Smaller than the Florida Panther, the bobcat is usually around the size of a medium-sized dog. Presently, the bobcat is not listed as endangered or threatened. The University of Florida states: "Conservation of Florida's carnivores is important for maintaining the complex ecological relationships that exist among predators and prey and herbivores and plant communities. Loss of top-level predators in ecosystems can have unpredictable results. Moreover, by conserving the large tracts of habitat required by carnivores, we ensure that sufficient habitat is preserved to support the many other species of plants and animals that constitute Florida's natural environment."