Some part of the panthers' current habitat is only of marginal quality. Today, Florida panthers occupy a larger habitat than they did in the 1970s. Unless Florida panthers acquire a larger habitat, their population will not be self-sustaining. If the population of Florida panthers ever exceeds 250, it will be self-sustaining.
There are 70 to 100 Florida panthers alive today. This represents a very large increase over their numbers in the 1970s, but their population must reach at least 250 if it is to be self-sustaining. Their current habitat is not large enough to support any more of these animals, however.
If the statements above are true, which one of the following must also be true?