Herptofauna Management Guidelines
conserving amphibian and reptile diversity in your landscape
During the summer of 2012, Keith Hanson completed his Master’s thesis at
the College of Charleston, investigating the reptile and amphibian populations of Kiawah
Island. After the completion of his project, Keith provided the Conservancy with a list
of management guidelines and recommendations for conserving reptile and amphibian
diversity. The following are a few management practices that property owners can follow to
improve habitat for these critical species:
• Maintain or improve vegetated buffers adjacent to wetlands and ponds, especially with
native grasses and other low growing plants.
• Maintain or create corridors between habitat patches and advise landscape maintenance
providers to mow grass at a higher setting or less frequently.
• Leave natural refugia, such as rocks and logs in place, when possible. Creating
brush piles in unused portions of your landscape will also provide important habitat
infrastructure.
• Advise landscape maintenance providers to use fertilizers or pesticides only when
needed and in the smallest effective quantity. Check weather and avoid using any
chemicals before rain or storm events.
• Utilize native plants in your landscape and avoid exotic species. Invasive, non-native
species such as the tallow tree threaten Kiawah’s unique freshwater wetlands and the
species that rely on these habitats, most notably amphibians.
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