News and Information
WILDLIFE ON KIAWAH ISLAND
WILDLIFE RESEARCH ON KIAWAH ISLAND
The Town of Kiawah Island takes a very active role in researching and managing the natural resources on the island. To this
end, the Town has 2 full time biologists that spend almost half their time conducting research projects. Since 2004, the Kiawah
Conservancy has been instrumental in providing funding for a variety of research projects designed to better understand
and manage the wildlife species on the island and their habitat.
This study began in 2007 and is ongoing. A total of 29 bobcats (5 in 2007, 8 in 2008, 10 in 2009, and
6 in 2010) have been captured and fitted with GPS collars during this project. Location data from collars is analyzed
and the information is used to help make better decisions on how to manage bobcats and their habitat on the island. Recommendations
and suggestions can be found in the Kiawah Island Bobcat Management Plan which focuses on creation, preservation,
and improvement of habitat to benefit bobcats. For more details on this study, click here. Trapping efforts for the 2010
Bobcat GPS project were completed on February 17, 2010. 2 males and 4 females were fitted with GPS collars.
Additional Research Projects and Information
Bird Monitoring Program
The Town of Kiawah Island, with support from the Kiawah Conservancy, initiated an island-wide bird monitoring
program in 2009. The program includes 6 main components: seasonal point-counts, seasonal bird banding, annual marsh bird
survey, an annual nightjar survey, an annual breeding bird survey, and beach bird nest monitoring.
Town of Kiawah Island
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
(843) 768-9166
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
(843) 768-9166
The Kiawah Island Bobcat GPS study has been featured in 2 recent journal articles. Click the links below to view.
NEW BOBCAT PUBLICATIONS
Hooded warbler
Bird Banding Reports
