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 , 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 .
• 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 out competing native species . Additionally , tallow trees can have harmful effects on unique habitats , especially the Island ’ s limited freshwater wetlands .
Currently , 71 % 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 % of landscapes for new homes installed since January 2015 ), this percentage has increased by 21 % since the program ’ s inception in 2011 .
Kiawah Conservancy Preserved Land Through December 31 , 2020 , the Conservancy owns 40 properties , totaling 38 acres , and holds conservation easements on twelve properties , totaling 2,235 acres . The Conservancy through the combination of easements and land ownership preserves 2,273 acres of natural habitat in and around Kiawah Island .
2020 Wildlife Data
• Loggerhead turtles : 342 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 : 1000 estimated on the Island . Deer numbers continue to show an upward trend ; Kiawah ’ s deer population is controlled by natural predators ( primarily bobcats and alligators ).
• Bobcat population : 10-15 with a high recent mortality rate . Four bobcats tracked via GPS collars in 2020 .
• Fall migration bird banding : 4,566 birds banded ( 80 species ) with 1,166 recaptured at Captain Sam ’ s Spit ; 2,633 birds banded ( 70 species ) and 507 recaptured at Little Bear Island . Total birds banded is 7,199 birds with 1,674 recaptures ( 92 species ).
• Painted Bunting banding : 323 new Painted Buntings banded with 174 recaptures .
More wildlife information can be found at wildlifeatkiawah . com
Photo by Pamela Cohen
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