Predator-Prey Research Project

The Predator-Prey Ecology Study began in January 2004 and was a cooperative project between the Town of Kiawah Island and the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy. Field research was conducted by Jim Jordan, Town Biologist, and Shane Roberts, graduate student at the University of Georgia.  Shane’s research began with the Fawn Mortality Study in January 2002 and was expanded to include this research project as well.

This project provided for the continuation of the Fawn Mortality Study through 2005 and also investigated a variety of interactions between Kiawah Island’s native wildlife species as well as interactions between wildlife and people. The project has provided the Conservancy and Town with important data on the current status of keystone species on Kiawah including bobcats, gray foxes, alligators, and white-tailed deer. The project has produced data sets on species not previously studied, as well as built on existing data sets produced by the cooperative efforts of the University of Georgia and Town of Kiawah Island in other funded projects, including the Deer Ecology Study, Bobcat Ecology Study and Fawn Mortality Study.

This study was the beginning of a new partnership between the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy, the Town of Kiawah Island, and the University of Georgia. The Town of Kiawah Island, in cooperation with the University of Georgia, has funded and supported a variety of wildlife research projects over the last 6 years. The island has received significant national and international recognition in the wildlife community for its support of these projects. Data and results from these projects are used by all entities on Kiawah Island.

Additional Project Information

• Predator-Prey Project Research Plan
• Shane Roberts' Final Project Dissertation