WILDLIFE ON KIAWAH ISLAND

AMPHIBIANS

Kiawah Island is home to more than 20 species of amphibians, including frogs, toads, and salamanders.  Details on some of our more prominent species can be found below.
 
 
View reptile and amphibian checklist for Kiawah Island courtesy of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort
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Town of Kiawah Island
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
(843) 768-9166
Email a Town Biologist
News and Information
Wildlife Sightings and Information
 
NEW 2012 Bobcat GPS Location Data
 
FAQ about Kiawah Wildlife 
 
Google Earth map of wildlife sightings by residents and visitors
 
Kiawah Island Bird Checklist (PDF)
 
"Wildlife As We See It" provided by the Kiawah Island Golf Resort
 
Report an interesting or unusual wildlife sighting to Town Biologists
 

Southern Toad

Description:  Brown, warty skin with spots. Pale belly.
Where to see:  Common on all parts of the island.
Notes:  Averages 3 inches long. Eats a variety of insects. Often seen in parking lots foraging under lights at night. Enlarged glands behind eyes secrete a poison if crushed. Wash hands after handling.

Eastern Spadefoot Toad

Description:  Olive-brown to black with smooth skin and small warts.  Black, spade-like projection on feet and vertical pupils.  
Where to see:  Uncommon and rarely seen.
Notes:  2-3.5 inches long.  Eats insects, spiders, earthworms, and snails.  Very good digger, spends days in shallow burrows.  Most active at night.  The only toad with vertical pupils.

Green Tree Frog

Description:  Bright green with white belly.  Light colored stripe on sides and spots on back. Large toe pads.
Where to see:  Common on all parts of the island. 
Notes:  2-2.5 inches long.  Eats primarily flying insects. Active at night.  Often seen on home windows at night foraging for bugs attracted to interior lighting.

Southern Leopard Frog

Description:  Green and brown with large spots on back and sides.  Long legs.  
Where to see: Common around ponds and wetlands throughout island.
Notes:  Up to 5 inches long.  Eats insects, spiders, and earthworms. Typically spends days hiding in vegetation on pond edges.  Often seen at night on golf courses close to ponds.  

Eastern Narrowmouth Toad

Desciption:  Smooth brownish-gray to reddish skin.  Pointed snout. 
Where to see:  Uncommon throughout island near wetlands.
Notes:  About an inch long.  Eats primarily ants.  Most visible at night during breeding season (summer) around freshwater wetlands.  Often heard making a sheep-like whinny call.   

Slimy Salamander

Description:  Dark blue to black with light colored spots.  Smooth, moist skin.  
Where to see:  Rare throughout island in moist soil areas. 
Notes:  4-7 inches long.  Eats ants, beetles, earthworms, and many other insects. Hides under debris and leaf litter during day.  Most active at night after heavy rains.