158 
J. Whitfield Gibbons and Julian R. Harrison III 
less terrestrial than H. squirella. Although relatively large breeding cho- 
ruses develop on both islands after heavy spring or summer rains, H. 
cinerea appears to be much less abundant than H. squirella, especially on 
Capers Island and in the developed parts of Kiawah. 
Kiawah Island — Before And After 
Development of Kiawah Island as a resort community has led to cer- 
tain changes in the herpetofauna of the modified areas. Many species 
persist in these areas, but their population densities appear to be consid- 
erably reduced. Sparrow Pond and associated habitats in the vicinity of 
the present hotel complex previously harbored a rich herpetofauna 
represented by virtually all of the species known to occur on the island. 
With development, the pond was enlarged and deepened and most of the 
emergent vegetation removed, either deliberately or as a result of envir- 
onmental manipulations. In addition. Sparrow Pond was stocked with 
largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, and sunfish, Lepomis sp., 
which do not occur naturally on the island. Surrounding habitats were 
modified chiefly by clearing understory vegetation, removing surface lit- 
ter and some trees, and constructing buildings and roads. 
One apparent consequence of these activities is loss of breeding popu- 
lations of frogs and toads. While a few species still frequent this area 
(Table 4), population densities are extremely low and may represent 
recruitment by dispersal from other parts of the island. Often only two or 
three individuals are heard calling during or after heavy rains (such as 
Hurricane David in September 1979) whereas prior to development such 
meteorological conditions triggered choruses involving hundreds of frogs. 
Large choruses are still heard in some undeveloped parts of the island. 
We found no evidence (e.g. eggs and/or larvae) that any anuran is now 
reproducing in the Sparrow Pond area. Failure of reproduction is due at 
least in part to the presence of introduced predatory fish. Absence of eggs 
may also be attributed to use of insecticides in the general area; the entire 
island is treated weekly during the summer months. Insecticides may 
affect eggs, larvae, or adults directly, or they may limit population sizes 
by reducing available food sources (Hall 1980). 
The palmetto forest that previously bordered the northern perimeter of 
Sparrow Pond had a large population of P. glutinosus. It is doubtful that 
a population persists in the area today, as no individuals were observed 
during the recent study period. Removal of organic litter, warmer ground 
temperatures resulting from increased insolation, and perhaps use of 
insecticides, may explain this species’ absence. Similar considerations 
may account for the absence of scincid lizards; none was observed during 
the recent study period although three species were abundant earlier. 
Thamnophis sauritus and Agkistrodon piscivorus were previously 
