Keep South Carolina Wild
From the scenic vistas of the Blue Ridge, rolling Piedmont and Sandhills, giant towering trees of the coastal plain, productive marshes and expansive beaches – South Carolina is blessed with an incredible diversity of natural resources that are both beautiful and accessible.
But this treasure trove of land and water is not immune from destruction or neglect; we must be vigilant to protect these amazing places and the wildlife they sustain, and safeguard these irreplaceable ecosystems so that they may be enjoyed for generations to come.
Worldwide, wildlife populations have declined by an average of nearly 70% in the past 50 years.
The SC Department of Natural Resources has identified 1,764 species of plants and animals which are in need of conservation measures.
There are several types of birds which are categorized as cavity-nesters, meaning they build their nest inside a cavity, usually a hollow place in a tree. As trees are being cut down at increasing rates, and especially trees with hollow parts, these birds have a harder time finding suitable nesting habitat.
The South historically included open treeless prairies, rocky barrens and glades, pine and oak savannas, coastal prairies, wet grasslands (e.g. bogs and fens), and high-elevation mountaintop meadows called balds. Today our remaining grasslands represent “the last 1%” of what once were unbelievable Southern landscapes. They persist as small fragments, occupying fencerows, powerline corridors, roadsides, corners of old fields, and small clearings among forests. The loss of Southern grasslands has contributed to plummeting populations of many iconic species of animals (Bobwhite quail, Monarch butterflies, Eastern meadowlark) and plants.
In South Carolina, there are 1,125 species of plants and animals which have been designated as “Species of Concern.” There are varying levels of protection, based on population numbers, available habitat, and other factors.
All wildlife need a clean habitat in order to survive and thrive, like natural areas free from litter and pollution, with plants that are native to the region. SCWF continually works to conserve and restore habitats across the state, and there are several ways you can make an impact also!
Your voice matters! Tell your lawmakers that protecting South Carolina’s wildlife and natural habitats is a top priority.
