MENU
Wildlife Surveys and Monitoring
The Town of Kiawah Island conducts a variety of wildlife surveys in an effort to estimate population size and abundance of many wildlife species. Surveys also allow biologists to look at population trends over time to better understand how our native wildlife species are adapting to changes on Kiawah Island. For more information on these surveys, click on the links below.
top
White-Tailed Deer
Spotlight surveys have been conducted for deer since 1997. Surveys are currently conducted for 3 consecutive nights during September and December/January. The survey route is 18.2 miles long and covers most of Kiawah Island. In order to calculate the density of deer on the island, biologists periodically conduct visibility estimates along the route.
By estimating the survey width using the estimates, it is possible to calculate the number of acres surveyed which is used to estimate deer density in deer per square mile. Learn more.
American Alligators
Alligator surveys are conducted annually during July or August for 2 consecutive nights. The survey route covers most of the ponds on the island. The total number of alligators are recorded along with an estimate of their length. Learn more.
Wilson's Plovers
Wilson’s Plover nest on our beaches each spring and are vulnerable to disturbance by beachgoers. Biologists conduct annual surveys for plover nests and protect these areas from disturbance. In addition, a sample of Wilson’s Plovers are captured and fitted with numbered bands to track their movements and nesting success.
Piping Plovers
Piping plovers are a Federally threatened species and utilize the beachfront habitat on Kiawah Island extensively from July to May each year. Plovers surveys are conducted during the fall, winter, and spring. Detailed records are kept on number of birds seen, their GPS locations, presence of bands, habitat use, and behavior.
Least Terns
Least Terns are a state threatend species that currently nest on the east end of Kiawah Island. Historically, least terns nested on dry beach areas throughout the state but are currently only found nesting in a handful of locations in South Carolina, one of which is Kiawah Island. Terns nest from May-July and the nesting area is clearly marked with signs prohibiting access. An annual nest count has been conducted since they began nesting in 2006. In 2010, least terns initiated nesting on the western end of Kiawah for the first time in more than 15 years.
Red Knots
Red Knots have become a species of special concern in recent years as their numbers have dropped significantly. A variety of researchers have placed unique alphnumeric flags on these birds to gather more information on migration patterns and survival. Town Biologists conduct periodic surveys for red knots on the island and report flag combinations to aid in this research. Town Biologists have logged more than 300 individual flagged red knot resightings. Biologists also assist SCDNR and other natural resource agencies with cannon net captures.
Breeding Bird Survey
An annual Breeding Bird Survey has been conducted since 1998 consisting of 50 stops during which all birds seen or heard during a 3-minute period are recorded. Data from this survey is submitted to USGS and is used to monitor trends and changes in bird populations.
Breeding Bird Point Counts
This annual survey has been conducted for the last 9 years. It takes more than a week to complete, covers all of Kiawah Island, and provides detailed trend data on breeding bird populations, abundance, and distribution. Learn more about this survey.
Bluebird Nest Box Program
A dedicated group of volunteers monitors a series of bluebird boxes on the grounds of all five Kiawah golf courses, Night Heron Park, The Sanctuary, and the Preserve. Bluebirds prefer open areas which are limited to these areas of the island. The boxes provide an artificial nesting cavity for bluebirds and other cavity nesting birds. Volunteers maintain detailed records of nesting success each year.