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 37 bobcats (5 in 2007, 8 in 2008, 10 in 2009,
6 in 2010, and 8 in 2011) 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 Guidelines which focuses
on creation, preservation, and improvement of habitat to benefit bobcats. For more details on this study, click here.
Additional Research Projects and Information
Bird Research Program
The Town of Kiawah Island, with support from the Kiawah Conservancy, initiated an island-wide bird
monitoring and research 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.
Hooded warbler
Town of Kiawah Island
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
(843) 768-9166
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
(843) 768-9166