Reports and Studies 2014 Review: 1975 Environment of Kiawah Report | Page 22

Summary & Analysis of the 1975 Kiawah Environmental Report 

LOGGERHEAD TURTLES
1975 Environmental Report
Purpose of Study
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Study and collect data on loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from 1972-1975.
Confirm and document Kiawah Island as an established rookery.
Determine geographic locations of nesting sites.
Evaluate factors that influence nesting.

Methods of Study
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Total emergences of adult females were recorded daily during four nesting
seasons (1972-1975).
Topographical conditions, and meteorological events were noted.
Females were tagged and documented during egg deposition, dry runs, and
in-season returns.
T
 he beach was divided into 7 zones, and nesting concentrations were compared
annually.
T
 ime of day and tidal conditions of emergences were graphed for 1974-1975.

Conclusions
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Kiawah beach is an important nesting location for the threatened species Caretta
caretta.
Two hundred adult females were estimated to be present each year of the study.
Concentration and egg deposition is subject to sand structure, artificial lighting, and human activity.
Most nesting occurs after dark from 9 PM to 1 AM.
N
 esting season begins in May and continues until mid August with highest
concentrations in June and July.
M
 ost active emergences are recorded after a new or full moon with prevalent
flood tides.

Revised: May 2014_REV 8

Page 22

• The Loggerhead Sea Turtle,
Caretta Caretta, was designated
as the official reptile of the
State of South Carolina by the
General