These numbers reflect data collected beginning in January 2022 (Accurate as of Aug. 2024)
Kiawah Island Bobcat Project
Bobcats on Kiawah Island (Charleston County, SC) have been monitored since 2000, with collaring efforts remaining consistent since 2007. This has led to one of the longest-running GPS studies of a predator globally. Long-term studies require consistent manpower, funding, and public interest, all of which have led to Kiawah Island bobcats becoming famous!
This long-term monitoring effort has reinforced the value of wildlife for Kiawah Island residents, and introduced valuable information about bobcat home range patterns, habitat selection, and bobcat response to human development. As of 2023, biologists have GPS collared over 100 bobcats!
By remaining consistent in their efforts for nearly 15 years, Town Biologists Jim Jordan and Aaron Given were able to identify and investigate a population decline beginning in 2017. After several bobcat deaths were attributed to acute anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning, Kiawah Island set yet another example by urging residents to use alternative pest management methods through their Bobcat Guardian program. This effort has been well-received by many residents, businesses, and pest-control agencies on the island and Kiawah bobcat mortality rates have since decreased. Consequently, several other Charleston-area communities have created similar Bobcat Guardian programs,
Kiawah Island is the sole focus of Project Goals 1 & 2, and a key part of Project Goals 3 & 4 (see: Clemson Project).
Please visit the Town of Kiawah Island Bobcat Research page for more information!
This long-term monitoring effort has reinforced the value of wildlife for Kiawah Island residents, and introduced valuable information about bobcat home range patterns, habitat selection, and bobcat response to human development. As of 2023, biologists have GPS collared over 100 bobcats!
By remaining consistent in their efforts for nearly 15 years, Town Biologists Jim Jordan and Aaron Given were able to identify and investigate a population decline beginning in 2017. After several bobcat deaths were attributed to acute anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning, Kiawah Island set yet another example by urging residents to use alternative pest management methods through their Bobcat Guardian program. This effort has been well-received by many residents, businesses, and pest-control agencies on the island and Kiawah bobcat mortality rates have since decreased. Consequently, several other Charleston-area communities have created similar Bobcat Guardian programs,
Kiawah Island is the sole focus of Project Goals 1 & 2, and a key part of Project Goals 3 & 4 (see: Clemson Project).
Please visit the Town of Kiawah Island Bobcat Research page for more information!
