♪ ♪ <Narrator> The state of South Carolina is home to some of the most fascinating and diverse wildlife on the planet.

Its varying geographic regions host a variety of ecosystems, each providing the necessary ingredients for life to flourish and grow.

♪ Just as remarkable are the people whose mission is to protect and ensure that these fragile habitats continue to thrive.

♪ Now it's time to learn and discover what's wild!

♪ Hello, from the beautiful Catawba River.

I'm Desiree Cheeks.

For this episode of What's Wild, we'll be learning about plant and animal species grown and raised right here in South Carolina.

First, let's head out on the river and see how one celebrated aquatic plant species is receiving help from a dedicated group of conservationists.

♪ Like veins in the body's circulatory system, South Carolina's rivers weave throughout the state, providing the essence of life.

Rivers here not only serve as picturesque pathways for recreational activities like kayaking and fishing, but also play a vital role in supporting local ecosystems and wildlife.

The lush riparian habitats along the river banks provide essential resources for various animals and plant species.

One beautiful and rare aquatic plant holds a special place in the hearts of nature enthusiasts and conservationists statewide.

♪ Despite its enchanting appearance, it faces significant challenges for survival.

Dedicated organizations and everyday South Carolinians are giving a helping hand to make sure this species flourishes in the wild.

♪ Only growing in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina, the Rocky Shoals spider lily requires a particular and unique environment to thrive.

It needs direct sunlight in a shallow, swift water current.

Its flowers only bloom from early May to late June.

The lily gets its name from the long, delicate tendrils that extend beyond its white petals resembling the legs of a spider.

Like any part of a healthy ecosystem, the spider lily plays an important role in sustaining other life forms.

For many insect species, their lifecycle begins in the rivers.

The lilies provide sustenance for them with their sweet nectar.

In turn, bird species use the lilies as their active hunting grounds to catch these insects for a quick snack.

The Rocky Shoals spider lily is also what's known as an "indicator species," likely to indicate a healthy and pristine river environment.

♪ Once prevalent in rivers across the Southeast, the Rocky Shoals spider lily now faces a host of threats that have significantly diminished its populations.

One of the most prominent threats is the construction of dams on rivers.

These dams alter the natural flow of water, which is essential for the lily's survival.

Additionally, the dams can block the movement of seeds and plant fragments downstream, hindering the natural process of reproduction for the lilies.

♪ Furthermore, pollution remains a pressing concern for the lily's survival.

Runoff from agricultural activities in urban areas carries pollutants and excess nutrients into the rivers, affecting water quality, and the lily's ability to develop.

♪ The Catawba River Keepers are a dedicated conservation organization that serves as the sole non-profit on the water advocate for the extensive 8,900 miles of waterways within the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.

Their mission is centered on providing accurate and science based information concerning water quality and the various issues that impact it.

One of the commendable initiatives undertaken by the Catawba River Keepers in partnership with Dr. Althea Hagan from Clemson University is their involvement in preserving the Rocky Shoals spider lily.

Under the lilies' peak bloom in the late summer months, The team ventures out on kayaks and canoes to carefully harvest the precious spider lily seeds.

The organization strategically places these seeds in other suitable locations where the spider lily may struggle to reach, providing opportunities for the plant to thrive and increase its population.

Through such hands on conservation efforts, the Catawba River Keepers demonstrate a profound commitment to protecting the biodiversity and ecological health of the river basin.

♪ But it's not just conservation organizations that hold this lily close to their hearts.

Lily Fest, the celebrated festival held at Lansford Canal State Park, has become a beacon of hope for the preservation of the Rocky Shoals spider lily.

This annual event draws around 3,000 visitors each year, comprising regular citizens eager to contribute to the conservation efforts.

The park itself spans 400 acres along the picturesque Catawba River, housing the largest concentration of spider lilies in the world.

During the festival, attendees are treated to a wholesome experience.

Local artists provide musical performances that fill the air with melodies, and over 20 vendors offer delectable food choices, creating a festive atmosphere.

However, the true highlight lies in the opportunity to witness the captivating beauty of the Rocky Shoals spider lilies.

Visitors embark on a one and a half mile trail that winds through a magnificent hardwood forest.

Leading them to an observation deck that offers spectacular views of the lilies in their natural habitat.

By attending Lily Fest, These everyday citizens contribute directly to the maintenance of the lily's habitat, ensuring that they have the ideal conditions to flourish.

♪ South Carolina is as rich in its history as it is in its wildlife.

For our next segment, let's explore what animals once roamed the foothills of the Palmetto State and how they can be seen grazing today in one of the wildest ranches.

♪ ♪ A symbol of wild America, bison have remained an untamed story of enduring spirit over the last half million years.

In fact, they have been recognized as the national mammal of the United States.

As the lifeblood of the Great Plains, they shaped the land and served as a vital resource for indigenous people who revered them as sacred beings.

These resilient creatures face the brink of extinction.

Yet against all odds, they have survived.

Though it may be hard to imagine these great mammals once roamed the foothills of South Carolina and to this day can be seen grazing at one of the wildest ranches in the Palmetto State.

♪ Before the 19th century, upwards of 30 million bison were estimated to have lived in North America.

In the centuries prior, Native American tribes heavily relied on them for sustenance, clothing, tools and shelter.

More than that, bison held an immense cultural significance, forming a profound connection between the people and the natural world.

The arrival of European settlers, driven by westward expansion and the desire for buffalo hides, marked the beginning of a tragic chapter in bison history.

The bison were relentlessly hunted.

Their numbers decimated, and their habitats destroyed.

Though predominantly found in the western plains, there were also bison populations in the Piedmont Prairies, a term used to describe the grassland ecosystem that stretched from New Jersey to Alabama between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coastal plain.

By the 1770s, wild bison had virtually disappeared east of the Mississippi River.

♪ Over the next hundred years, the bison population dwindled to less than a thousand individuals left in the world.

Recognizing the urgent need for conservation, visionaries such as William T. Hornaday and Theodore Roosevelt worked tirelessly to protect the remaining bison.

Through the establishment of national parks, private ranches, captive breeding programs and the efforts of Native American tribes, the bison population slowly began to recover.

Today, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the bison population in the United States has rebounded to approximately half a million.

♪ While bison and buffalo are often used interchangeably, these are two distinct animals.

Bison, scientifically known as Bison bison, are native to North America, while buffalo, such as the African Cape Buffalo and the Asian Water Buffalo, exist on other continents and are only distant relatives.

When the first settlers arrived in North America, they knew about these buffalo and because of the curled in horns and brown fur, bison got their buffalo nomenclature.

Alternatively, it is believed this misnomer was caused by French fur trappers working in the new world during the 1600s who refer to the animals as "boeuf," which translates to "beef."

Bison are the largest mammals found in North America.

Adults can weigh anywhere from 1,000 pounds for females to 2,500 pounds for the large males.

Despite their immense size, bison are surprisingly agile.

They can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, jump six feet high, and are known to be strong swimmers.

As social animals, they travel in herds.

A herd size can vary ranging from a few dozen to thousands.

Within the herd lies a social hierarchy, typically based off age.

Though there are dominant males known as bulls within a herd, groups are directed by a female matriarch.

♪ Calves are born between April and June after nine months of pregnancy.

A baby bison can weigh as much as 40 to 45 pounds at birth.

Due to their reddish tan coat, bison calves are affectionately called "red dogs."

After a few months, their hair will change to a familiar dark brown and their characteristic shoulder hump and horns will begin to grow.

Bison also display some unique animal behaviors.

They communicate by using a series of low grunts to maintain contact with one another and will snort to warn away any intruders.

The bison's iconic hump comprised of strong muscles surrounding the spine, allows them to use their head as a snowplow when trekking through arduous terrain in the winter.

♪ They also engage in wallowing, a behavior that involves rolling around in dirt or mud.

Wallowing aids in skin and fur maintenance by helping to remove seasonal coats, as well as protect the bison from biting insects.

Wallowing also plays a social role within bison herds.

This behavior allows them to leave scent markings, enhancing communication and signaling territorial boundaries to other members of the herd or potential rivals.

♪ Nestled in enchanting York County, Tatanka Ranch stands as a haven for bison enthusiasts.

Founded in 2015, this remarkable sanctuary is home to a thriving herd of 44 bison.

The name "Tatanka" derives from the Lakota tribe's word for bison, signifying the deep respect and reverence that the ranch holds for these majestic creatures.

Following the Native American philosophy, Tatanka Ranch is dedicated to providing a natural environment for the bison where they can thrive as nature intended.

The bison at Tatanka Ranch are exclusively grass fed, adhering to a wholesome and sustainable diet.

With a motto of preservation, education and agritourism, the ranch not only aims to protect and preserve the bison, but also to educate visitors about their history and significance.

Offering a variety of informative tours, Tatanka Ranch provides guests with the opportunity to delve into the captivating world of bison, learn about their rich heritage, and gain insights into their fascinating behaviors.

In addition to its conservation and educational efforts, Tatanka Ranch proudly offers the opportunity for visitors to experience the flavors of bison through the sale of its own bison meat.

Known for its lean and nutritious qualities, bison meat can be a healthy alternative to more traditional meats.

♪ The ranch also plays a pivotal role in the vibrant local community by hosting the highly anticipated annual event known as the South Carolina AG and Art Tour.

This free self-guided tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through various farms and markets, showcasing the talents of local artisans.

The event provides a unique opportunity for individuals to gain firsthand knowledge of the origins of their food, as well as witness artists in action.

At Tatanka Ranch, this event comes to life with the presence of ten specially selected artisans, each demonstrating and selling their exquisite works.

Adding an extra touch of cultural immersion, a 26 foot authentic teepee is set up where Native American demonstrations provide an enriching glimpse into the traditions and heritage of the land.

As visitors explore the ranch's picturesque landscapes, they can catch a glimpse of the bison roaming freely, encapsulating the essence of rural life, and providing a newfound respect for these amazing and wild animals.

Some plant species have evolved to better attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Others have taken a more ferocious approach when it comes to charming insects.

Next, let's take a look back at one of our earlier episodes discovering some of these botanical beasts.

♪ There are over 3000 recorded plant species within South Carolina.

The state's variety of natural habitats and geographic size make it one of the most diverse areas for flora in the nation.

In this botanical utopia, there's a wide range of colors, sizes and shapes.

Their adaptations vary from mechanical defenses, such as thorns and spines, to brightly hued flowers more easily detected by insects for pollination.

Others have come up with some fascinating, wild ways of taking adaptation to an entirely new level.

♪ Carnivorous plants, also known as insectivorous plants, are distinguished from other plants by their ability to capture and digest insects or other small animals.

Often mistaken, carnivorous plants do not eat their prey for energy.

Rather, they digest animals to get the needed nutrients absent in the soil of their environment.

While this adaptation may seem like an upgrade, there are some disadvantages.

Their modified leaves used to trap their prey are not as efficient at capturing the sunlight necessary for photosynthesis.

Because of this, carnivorous plants require a bright sunny environment and don't compete well against other plants.

♪ The most easily recognized carnivorous plant, the Venus flytrap, is native to nowhere else but the Carolinas.

It has the rarest active mechanism in carnivorous plants known as the "snap trap."

The trap is comprised of two specialized leaves with slender trigger hairs that are activated when bent.

Once the trap is activated, the leaves seal shut, releasing digestive juices to break down its food.

Like the Venus flytrap, the pitcher plants secrete sweet smelling nectar to attract insects near its paristome or rim.

The slippery surface near the pitcher plant's mouth causes the prey to fall inside its funnel-like body.

This passive approach, known as a "pitfall trap," prevents animals from escaping with downward pointing hairs lined along the inner wall of the plant.

Inevitably, the prey will drown in the fluid filled cavity and be digested.

One of the most unique carnivorous plants in South Carolina is the sundew.

Also known as "Drosera," the sundew plant has tiny tentacle-like hairs covering its leaves that are tips with what looks like a drop of dew.

These glistening dewdrops are actually a sticky mucilage substance secreted by the plant that act as an adhesive.

When the glandular tentacles are touched, adjacent tentacles bend gradually towards the struggling prey.

Special enzymes are then secreted in order to break down the catch and absorb its nutrients.

♪ There are approximately 31 species of carnivorous plants in South Carolina.

Some of them are exceedingly rare.

And like many plants, are in decline and have become a protected species.

Major threats to carnivorous plants include habitat alterations, poaching and invasive or competitive species.

Since 1976, groups like the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources have been able to protect these plants by establishing nature preserves.

Today, there are 76 preserves covering nearly 100,000 acres statewide.

Conservation efforts include prescribed burnings to eliminate unhealthy competition, tracking rare plants in a database for wildlife management planning and reintroducing species into their natural habitat.

These critical efforts will help these ferocious, yet delicate plants, continue to flourish and allow everyone to enjoy their beauty for generations to come.

Can't get enough of What's Wild ?

Go to SCETV.org for more exciting episodes of South Carolina wildlife.

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From everyone at South Carolina ETV, I'm Desiree Cheeks.

Thanks for watching, and remember to stay wild.

♪