exhibit a more natural look are more beneficial to
wildlife. Additionally, using native species helps
maintain the ecological integrity of the Island.
• • 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, 70 percent of developed single-family home
sites incorporate landscapes that meet the Naturally
Kiawah criteria for enhancing wildlife habitat. Due
to improvements of existing landscapes and new
installations that meet the criteria (100 percent of
landscapes for new homes installed since January
2015), this percentage has increased by 20 percent
since the program’s inception in 2011.
Kiawah Conservancy Preserved Land
Through December 31, 2018:
• • The Conservancy owns 39 properties, totaling 38
acres.
• • The Conservancy holds conservation easements on
twelve properties, totaling 2,235 acres
2018 Wildlife Data
• • Loggerhead turtles: 213 nests were documented on
Kiawah’s beach.
• • Alligator population density: 221 alligators per
100 acres of water as estimated along the Town of
Kiawah Island Wildlife Department’s updated survey
route
• • White-tailed deer population density: 96 per
square mile. Deer numbers continue to show an
upward trend; Kiawah’s deer population is controlled
by natural predators (primarily bobcats and
alligators).
• • Bobcat population: 25-30. Four bobcats tracked via
GPS collars in 2018.
• • Fall migration bird banding: 4,033 new birds
banded (80 species) and 1,326 recaptured at Captain
Sam’s Spit; 2,711 new birds banded (78 species) and
529 recaptured at Little Bear Island.
• • Marsh Sparrow banding (2017-2018): 351 new
birds banded, and 277 recaptured.
• • Painted Bunting banding: 130 new Painted
Buntings banded with 109 recaptures. 17 geolocators
were deployed with 8 later recovered.
More wildlife information can be found at www.
wildlifeatkiawah.com.
In total, the Conservancy preserves 2,273 acres of
natural habitat in and around Kiawah Island.
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