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The majority of the main yard is comprised of understory shrubs and ground cover plants . Open areas , such as turf or laid pine straw are minimized . The understory not only provides cover , but also offers food sources that are very important to many resident and migratory birds . Lightly maintained shrubs that exhibit a more natural look are more beneficial to wildlife . Additionally , using native species helps maintain the ecological integrity of the Island .
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There are no exotic invasive plant species ( tallow trees , non-clumping bamboo ) observed . These invasive plants are difficult to control and over time can have negative impacts on Kiawah ’ s ecology by outcompeting native species . Additionally , tallow trees can have harmful effects on unique habitats , especially the Island ’ s limited freshwater wetlands .
Currently , 64 % of developed single-family home sites incorporate landscapes that meet the Naturally Kiawah criteria for providing important wildlife habitat . Due to improvements of existing landscapes and new installations that meet the criteria ( 100 % of new homes since January 2015 ), this percentage has increased by 14 % since the program ’ s inception in 2011 .
Kiawah Conservancy Preserved Land
Through December 31 , 2016 :
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The Conservancy owns 27 properties , totaling 20.2 acres .
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The Conservancy holds conservation easements on eight properties , totaling 327.6 acres .
2016 Wildlife Data
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Loggerhead turtles : 392 nests documented on Kiawah ’ s beach .
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Alligator population density : 160 alligators per 100 acres of water , as estimated along the Town of Kiawah Island Wildlife Department ’ s updated survey route .
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White-tailed deer population density : 66 / square mile — representing a stable density over the last 10 years ; Kiawah ’ s balanced deer population is controlled by natural predators ( primarily bobcats and alligators ).
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Bobcat population : 30 – 35 ; five bobcats tracked via GPS collars in 2016 .
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Fall migration bird banding : 3,869 new birds were banded ( 84 species ), and 1,187 were recaptured at Captain Sam ’ s Spit ; 3,439 new birds were banded ( 74 species ), and 1,053 were recaptured at Little Bear Island .
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Marsh sparrow banding : 375 new birds were banded , and 144 were recaptured .
More wildlife information can be found at www . wildlifeatkiawah . com .
Kiawah Conservancy 2016 Annual Report 5