BOBCAT GPS RESEARCH PROJECT

The Town of Kiawah Island, in partnership with the Kiawah Conservancy, initiated a Bobcat GPS study in 2007. The study is ongoing and a total of 43 bobcats have been captured and fitted with GPS collars (5 in 2007, 8 in 2008, 10 in 2009, 6 in 2010, 8 in 2011,a nd 6 in 2012). Collars are programmed to obtain a specific number of locations per day. More than 28,000 individual bobcats locations have been obtained to date.

* Kiawah's bobcat population is stable and healthy

* Bobcats make extensive use of scrub-shrub, forest, and developed areas for nighttime hunting forays

* Bobcats prefer scrub-shrub habitat along marsh edges and secondary dunes for daytime resting cover

Location data from bobcats are closely analyzed to look for patterns in habitat use during day and nighttime hours, denning sites, travel corridors, etc. This information is used to pinpoint specific areas or habitat types on the island that are of vital importance to bobcats and to update the Bobcat Management Guidelines for the island. This plan provides suggestions and recommendations to all island entities regarding creation, preservation, and improvement of habitat to benefit bobcats.