Research

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.

Bobcat GPS Study

This study began in 2007 and is ongoing. A total of 50 bobcats (5 in 2007, 8 in 2008, 10 in 2009, 6 in 2010, 8 in 2011, 9 in 2012, and 4 in 2013) 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

Predator Prey Ecology Study

Bobcat Ecology Study

Town of Kiawah Island Wildlife Reports Archive

DVD Library of wildlife presentations from the Kiawah Conservancy

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.