This event sets the plot in motion and introduces several key elements:
* The mystery: The panther's death is suspicious, leading to investigations and uncovering a web of lies and corruption.
* The conflict: The discovery forces the protagonist, Skink, to confront the environmental issues threatening the Everglades, including poaching and development.
* The stakes: The panther's death highlights the fragile ecosystem and the danger of unchecked greed, raising the stakes for Skink and his allies.
This rising action propels the story forward, engaging the reader and setting the stage for further conflicts and revelations.