Event Programs and Photo Albums LG Program 2017 | Page 29

BOBCAT GPS
What are we learning?
• Bobcats play a vital role in maintaining the healthy balance of wildlife on Kiawah Island.
• Normally secretive and shy, bobcats have adapted to sharing the Island with humans.
• Kiawah’s bobcat population is stable and healthy.
• Bobcats make extensive use of understory, forest, and developed areas for nighttime
hunting forays .
• Bobcats prefer scrub-shrub habitat along marsh edges and secondary dunes for
daytime resting cover.
Location data from the bobcat GPS collars is closely analyzed by Town of Kiawah Island wildlife
biologists to look for patterns in habitat use during day and night-time hours, denning sites, travel
corridors and more. This information is used to pinpoint specific areas or habitat types on the
Island that are of vital importance to bobcats. As a result of this research Town biologists have
created Bobcat Management Guidelines for the Island. These guidelines provide suggestions
and recommendations to all Island entities regarding creation, preservation and improvement of
habitat to benefit bobcats. This research program is funded by the Town of Kiawah Island. Learn
more at www.kiawahisland.org/wildlife.
How can you help?
• Promote and encourage native vegetation,
focusing on creating dense understory.
• Discourage and eliminate exotic and invasive plant
species.
• Contact the Kiawah Conservancy (843-768-2029 or
[e-mail]) for an assessment
of your yard’s habitat and recommendations for
improvement.