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
An annual Wilson’s Plover survey was initiated in 2009 in conjunction with SCDNR. The first survey took place on May 12, 2009. A total of 52 Wilson’s plovers were observed during this survey of the entire Kiawah Island beachfront. The 2010 survey was conducted on May 17, 2010 and a total of 70 birds were seen.
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 are surveyed twice every 10 days (once at low tide, once at high tide) from August 1 – October 31, twice every month from November 1 – February 28, and twice every 10 days from March 1 – April 15. 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. As of May 26, 2010, biologists have logged 252 flagged red knot resightings. Biologists also assisted SCDNR in capturing 59 red knots on May 7, 2010 with a cannon net.
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.