Naturally Kiawah Magazine Volume 39 | Page 43

Additionally, the overall SCDNR study of marsh hammocks revealed the astonishing species diversity of both plants and animals. Several rare or endangered plants currently exist in the hammock environment because of unusual soil composition, influenced by the accumulation of shells left on some islands from Native American tribes. Spotty wetland areas on many hammocks allow amphibians to flourish in spite of an otherwise pervasive saltwater atmosphere. Salamanders, frogs, and newts must have access to freshwater in order to reproduce. Mammals are also attracted to the islands because they provide a degree of security that developed areas do not. Migratory birds can be seen resting on hammocks while wading birds wait patiently for the tide to recede. And lastly, aren’t those islands beautiful to look at, either from the river, a car, or while on a hike or a bike! Truly oases rising up in the middle of the marsh, they are an iconic part of the Kiawah landscape. The importance of respecting and preserving these little bits of land cannot be overemphasized. NK Sources: “An ecological characterization of coastal hammock islands in South Carolina,” Whitaker, J. David; South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division, (South Carolina State Library, 2004-12-01). YouTube, South Carolina Hammock Islands, “Presentation by Billy McCord” published by the Kiawah Conservancy, 2015. WINTER/SPRING 2018 • VOLUME 39 In 2004, the Marine Resources Division of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) published a report entitled “An Ecological Characterization of Coastal Hammock Islands in South Carolina.” Biologists focused on hammocks located near Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and the ACE Basin, even though back barrier islands can be found all along the South Carolina coast. In 2008, the Kiawah Conservancy sponsored a lecture by Billy McCord, one of the department’s scientists, who did much of the research on Kiawah. He spoke in detail about all of Kiawah’s marsh hammocks, some of which are developed and some of which are preserved by the Conservancy. While the initial study was conducted almost 15 years ago, the findings are certainly relevant today, even though there has been additional development on a few of the hammocks. Specific findings for the hammocks on Kiawah are: • • They are likely breeding habitats for the eastern painted bunting • • They may be critical nesting areas for the diamondback terrapin • • They may provide critical habitat for mammals such as otter, mink, and bobcat. (Mr. McCord actually found an otter camp on one of the islands.) 41