Background
Bobcats on Kiawah Island have been monitored by Town Biologists since the early 2000s (see: Kiawah Project). Biologists noticed a decline in the bobcat population in 2017 and several deaths were later diagnosed as acute toxicosis by anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs). This catalyzed efforts to further explore the connection between rodenticide exposure and bobcat survival and space-use patterns, and has since developed into a PhD project within Clemson University's Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation. The project goals listed below coincide with Meghan Keating's dissertation chapters.
Goals
1. Understand changes in movement patterns with respect to human development
Our goal is to compare fine-scaled movement patterns to trends in development on Kiawah Island. This is an important step towards understanding the spatial pressure these bobcats are facing through habitat loss and fragmentation. Further, we aim to differentiate between the long-term trends in bobcat behavior and the acute effects of ARs. To accomplish this goal, we will use historical bobcat GPS data, Kiawah Island development plans, and high-resolution landcover data.
Our goal is to compare fine-scaled movement patterns to trends in development on Kiawah Island. This is an important step towards understanding the spatial pressure these bobcats are facing through habitat loss and fragmentation. Further, we aim to differentiate between the long-term trends in bobcat behavior and the acute effects of ARs. To accomplish this goal, we will use historical bobcat GPS data, Kiawah Island development plans, and high-resolution landcover data.
2. Analyze bobcat survival and recruitment over time
Our objective is to look at trends in bobcat survival and population trends over time. This is an important step towards identify key moments and potential causes of changes in bobcat survival. Further, we aim to forecast the population into the future under different scenarios of AR use, development pressure, and the continued efforts of the Bobcat Guardian Program. To accomplish this goal, we will use historical bobcat capture data and known bobcat mortality.
Our objective is to look at trends in bobcat survival and population trends over time. This is an important step towards identify key moments and potential causes of changes in bobcat survival. Further, we aim to forecast the population into the future under different scenarios of AR use, development pressure, and the continued efforts of the Bobcat Guardian Program. To accomplish this goal, we will use historical bobcat capture data and known bobcat mortality.
3. Identify spatial and temporal rodenticide exposure risk
Bobcat home range and habitat preference can vary by age and sex, as well as between populations. Generally, bobcats prefer habitats that allow them to effectively hunt by sight and ambush. Bobcats are territorial, but rather than violently defend their realm they communicate boundaries and personal information through markings and scat.
To understand habitat selection on Kiawah Island, we will continue the Island's efforts to GPS collar and mark bobcats each winter. To generalize our findings to other bobcat populations, we have added a second population within the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center (Georgetown County; Yawkey Project). These bobcats are exposed to lower levels of human activity and may serve as a "control" for the exposed Kiawah Island bobcats.
We will collect toxicology information from captured bobcats as well as from scat samples gathered across both sites. Scat samples will also provide DNA profiles of each bobcat. The objective of this study is to look at spatial patterns of bobcats across differing levels of ARs exposure.
Bobcat home range and habitat preference can vary by age and sex, as well as between populations. Generally, bobcats prefer habitats that allow them to effectively hunt by sight and ambush. Bobcats are territorial, but rather than violently defend their realm they communicate boundaries and personal information through markings and scat.
To understand habitat selection on Kiawah Island, we will continue the Island's efforts to GPS collar and mark bobcats each winter. To generalize our findings to other bobcat populations, we have added a second population within the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center (Georgetown County; Yawkey Project). These bobcats are exposed to lower levels of human activity and may serve as a "control" for the exposed Kiawah Island bobcats.
We will collect toxicology information from captured bobcats as well as from scat samples gathered across both sites. Scat samples will also provide DNA profiles of each bobcat. The objective of this study is to look at spatial patterns of bobcats across differing levels of ARs exposure.
4. Compare bobcat diet patterns between seasons, habitats, and populations
Bobcats on Kiawah Island face higher levels of human activity and human development than their counterparts at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, which means they may also have differing prey availability. Similarly, bobcats on Kiawah Island may not be able to shift their diet seasonally and may prefer house-loving prey species such as invasive rats.
Our goal is to compare the diets of bobcats on Kiawah Island to those within the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, as well as seasonal and demographics variations in diet. Additionally, we will collect data on prey availability across both barrier islands to understand prey preference and investigate any connections between preference and AR exposure.
Bobcats on Kiawah Island face higher levels of human activity and human development than their counterparts at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, which means they may also have differing prey availability. Similarly, bobcats on Kiawah Island may not be able to shift their diet seasonally and may prefer house-loving prey species such as invasive rats.
Our goal is to compare the diets of bobcats on Kiawah Island to those within the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, as well as seasonal and demographics variations in diet. Additionally, we will collect data on prey availability across both barrier islands to understand prey preference and investigate any connections between preference and AR exposure.
