Reptiles and Amphibians
“Kiawah's dense vegetation and excellent ponds
are a haven for reptiles and amphibians.” However, of
100 known coastal mainland reptiles and amphibians,
only 30 were found on Kiawah. In 1975 the most
common terrestrial snakes were the yellow rat snake and
black racer. The most common snake species overall
were found near or around water: ribbon snakes, water
moccasins and banded water snakes. Copperheads
and canebrake rattlesnakes were found but much less
frequently than water moccasins. Several species were
found that were represented by only a few individuals:
coachwhip, chain or eastern king snake, corn snake,
crown snake, garter snake and scarlet king snake. The
most abundant amphibian was the tree frog. We are all
familiar with their song early on a warm evening. The
only commonly found turtle was the yellow-bellied slider.
The 1975 report noted that “A yellow-bellied turtle