minimized . The understory not only provides cover but also offers food sources , which are very important to 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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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 , 69 % 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 requirements ( 100 % of landscapes for new homes installed since January 2015 ), this percentage has increased by 19 % since the program ’ s inception in 2011 .
Kiawah Conservancy Preserved Land Through December 31 , 2017 :
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The Conservancy owns 34 properties , totaling 32 acres .
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The Conservancy holds conservation easements on eleven properties , totaling 1,085 acres
2017 Wildlife Data
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Loggerhead turtles : 354 nests documented on Kiawah ’ s beach .
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Alligator population density : 168 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 : 71 per square mile . Deer numbers continue to show a slow upward trend , but remain at acceptable levels ; Kiawah ’ s 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 2017 .
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Fall migration bird banding : 4,795 new birds banded ( 83 species ) and 1,210 recaptured at Captain Sam ’ s Spit ; 3,597 new birds banded ( 74 species ) and 633 recaptured at Little Bear Island .
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Marsh sparrow banding ( 2016-2017 ): 362 new birds banded , and 337 recaptured . 47 GPS tags were deployed on seaside sparrows .
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Painted Bunting banding : 170 Painted Buntings banded with 144 recaptures . 25 geolocators were deployed . 152 individuals of other species were banded with no recaptures .
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Breeding Bird Survey : 4,321 individual birds ( 79 species ) counted .
More wildlife information can be found at www . wildlifeatkiawah . com .
Kiawah Conservancy 2017 Annual Report 5