Reports and Studies 2014 Review: 1975 Environment of Kiawah Report | Page 27

Summary & Analysis of the 1975 Kiawah Environmental Report 

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50 freshwater turtles
200 alligators

Species Sampled
Of 100 known coastal mainland reptiles and amphibians, 30 were found.
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Frogs: 6 of 24 species
Amphibians: 1 of 19 species of amphibians
Lizards/skinks: 6 of 10 species of lizards
Turtles: 2 of 10 species of turtles
· Yellow bellied sliders have the only established population.
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Shells of box and mud turtles were also found. (These have recently been
seen on Kiawah.)
·  o snapping turtles were found on Kiawah, although they are common on
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the mainland.
· Loggerhead turtles nest on the beach.
Only one species of alligators exists on Kiawah. Over 100 were estimated to be
on the island in 1975.
Snakes: 14 of 35 species of snakes
· 
The most common terrestrial snakes were the yellow rat snake and black
racer.
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The most common snake species overall were found near or around water:
ribbon snakes, water moccasins, banded water snakes. Copperheads and
canebrake rattle snakes were found but much less frequently than water
moccasins.
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Several species were found that were represented by only a few individuals:
coachwhip, chain king (eastern king), corn snake, crown snake, garter
snake, and scarlet king snake.

Occurrence by Habitat
The fact that Kiawah is relatively small provides easy mobilization between different
habitats. Excess rain fall also plays a major roll in where species are found
• Open beach: none to speak of other than sea turtles.
• Salt marsh, tidal creeks, and brackish areas: Diamondback terrapin.
• Exposed dunes: Coachwhip snakes observed but not frequently seen.
• Maritime forests:

·  amphibians and more than a dozen reptiles are commonly found in these
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forested areas. (Slimy salamanders are restricted to the moist forested
areas.)
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Skinks (braid-headed, five-lined, and ground) are found exclusively in
these areas.
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Many of the snake species are associated with the forested areas. These
include king snakes, rat snakes, crown snakes, blackracers, copperheads,
and canebrakes.
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Due to the proximity of the forested areas to the ponds the following
aquatic species were frequently encountered: ribbon snakes, banded water
snakes, water moccasins, and American alligators.
• Freshwater ponds
· Approximately 12 freshwater ponds exist on Kiawah.

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Green tree frogs and leopard frogs are frequent, along with alligators and
aquatic snakes (banded water snakes and water moccasins).

Ecology of species
Yellow bellied sliders
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Probably intolerant of higher salinities.

Revised: May 2014_REV 8

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