February 01, 2022
Kiawah Island Bobcat and Rodenticide Study
Collaborating with Clemson University’s Wildlife and Fisheries Department and Town Biologists, Meghan Keating, a Ph.D. student at Clemson University, presented the Kiawah Island Bobcat study plans to the Town’s environmental committee last week. This study consist of observing the animals’ persistence despite rapid human development.
“I feel fortunate to work with a predator species that is so highly valued by the people it shares Kiawah with. Through this research, I hope to highlight how a community has balanced human development with this shy but charismatic carnivore,” said Keating. “Thanks to our partners, we will be able to provide novel insight into island bobcat ecology and conservation.”
The project has five primary objectives as listed below:
- Monitor second-generation anticoagulant (SGA) rodenticide concentrations in bobcats and patterns in bobcat behavior and survival over the next three years on Kiawah.
- Assess historical patterns in bobcat behavior and demography on Kiawah Island over time using existing data.
- Assess patterns in bobcat diet.
- Continue monitoring SGA concentrations in small carnivores other than bobcats over the next three years on Kiawah Island.
- Quantify rodent species distribution/density and SGA concentrations on Kiawah Island.
The full presentation of Keating’s project can be viewed by clicking here