California is the third largest state in the United States and has several different climate areas. But, a large portion of the state (70%) is classified as California Floristic Province. This climate is a Mediterranean-type climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. (International, 2016). Here are two important, or vulnerable species in the area. The first is the Dipodomys nitratoides or more commonly known as the Fresno Kangaroo Rat, San Joaquin Kangaroo Rat, (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources., 2000). The kangaroo rat is a food source for other animals. They are an important part of the food chain, as they need little to no water to survive, but when eaten, provide water to
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In 1994, it was rare, but in 1996 upgraded to vulnerable. (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources., n.d.). It survives in areas near streams, ponds and sloughs. And while venomous, their venom isn’t hazardous to people. They can grow to approximately five feet in length. They hibernate during the winter and start activity seeking burrows left by other small mammals above any threat of flooding in early fall. They emerge in mid spring. The biggest threat they face is due to flood activities due to agriculture. (Swenty, 2015)
Photo credit - Adults, Yolo County. © Gary Nafis. Specimen courtesy of Glen Wylie, USGS On the endangered species list for this area is the Sequoiadendron giganteum, or Giant Sequoia. (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 2000). Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman tree. It is the largest tree in the world. The sequoia depends on fire to thrive. Its bark protects the tree from fire, but the heat from the fire releases seeds from the cones. (Giant Sequoias, n.d.).
Photo credit – NightRyder84 vis
In 1994, it was rare, but in 1996 upgraded to vulnerable. (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources., n.d.). It survives in areas near streams, ponds and sloughs. And while venomous, their venom isn’t hazardous to people. They can grow to approximately five feet in length. They hibernate during the winter and start activity seeking burrows left by other small mammals above any threat of flooding in early fall. They emerge in mid spring. The biggest threat they face is due to flood activities due to agriculture. (Swenty, 2015)
Photo credit - Adults, Yolo County. © Gary Nafis. Specimen courtesy of Glen Wylie, USGS On the endangered species list for this area is the Sequoiadendron giganteum, or Giant Sequoia. (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 2000). Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman tree. It is the largest tree in the world. The sequoia depends on fire to thrive. Its bark protects the tree from fire, but the heat from the fire releases seeds from the cones. (Giant Sequoias, n.d.).
Photo credit – NightRyder84 vis