News
Did you know that we have a native tortoise species in South Carolina? The Gopher tortoise is the only species of tortoise found in the southeast and one of only four tortoise species found in the entire U.S.! They dig large underground burrows that hundreds of other animals use for shelter and protection from predators. Gopher tortoises play an important role in the ecosystem as a keystone species, and this makes the protection of this species critical to the entire food web.
Found only in the piedmont of the Carolinas, this native sunflower is a late summer bloomer that has been on the endangered species list since 1991. The Community Habitat team at Sun City Carolina Lakes has been doing their part to preserve and restore one of the rarest species in the nation. Working with local parks, garden clubs, universities, and the SC Native Plant Society, this team has incorporated the plants into their pollinator gardens and are working to distribute seeds throughout their community.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act! Join us as we highlight species throughout the year that have benefited from this landmark legislation.
This week is shark week! Take a dive with us into the fascinating world of sharks and their importance in ocean ecosystems. The oceanic whitetip shark is a federally threatened species that lives off South Carolina’s coast and is a pelagic species, meaning they are found exclusively in waters of the open ocean.
May 3rd is National Endangered Species Day and we are recognizing the importance of wildlife conservation and restoration efforts for imperiled species like the federally endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, a landmark piece of legislation that institutionalized our national commitment to the conservation of wildlife and their habitat.
