|
>Map >Satellite This area is located in the Jacumba Mountains along the Mexican border. Elements of the flora and fauna typical of the Colorado Desert, the south coast and the Baja California peninsula are found in this area. Coastal species are at the eastern edge of their range, and desert forms at the western limit of their range. Peninsular species of limited distribution in the State are also present. In the lower elevations there is a characteristic desert vegetation dominated by creosote bush, Larrea tridentata, and brittle-bush, Encelia farinosa. Century plant, Agave deserti, jumping cholla, Opuntia bigelovii, and ocotillo, Fouquieria splendens, also occur here. In the higher elevations the dominant species are California buckwheat, Eriogonum fasciculatum, and scrub oak, Quercus sp. Other plants present include sugar bush, Rhus ovata, nolina, Nolina bigelovii, desert apricot, Prunus fremontii, chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, jojoba, Simmondsia chinensis, and holly-leaved cherry, Prunus ilicifolia. Pinyon pine, Pinus monophylla, is the dominant tree in the area. Some 53 species of mammals, 81 of birds, and 43 reptilian and amphibian species have been observed in this area. Common animals include the banded rock lizard, Streptosaurus mearnsi, granite spiny lizard, Sceloporus orcutti, – both primarily peninsular species – California thrasher, Toxostoma redivivum, Bewick's wren, Thryomanes bewickii, bobcat, Lynx rufus, and Merriam chipmunk, Eutamias merriami. Animals at the eastern limit of their range include coast horned lizard, Phrynosoma coronatum, California mountain kingsnake, Lampropeltis zonata, brush rabbit, Sylvilagus bachmani, the dusky-footed wood-rat, Neotoma fuscipes. Among the desert species found here are the leopard lizard, Crotaphytus wislizenii, desert night lizard, Xantusia vigilis, and the uncommon Merriam kangaroo rat, Dipodomys merriami. Several rare animals are present as well. The area is underlain by Mesozoic granitics. Integrity: There are some trails in the area and some of the washes have been damaged by off-road-vehicle activity; however, most of the area is in good condition. Use: Research, educational, observational. Some private. February 1982
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
|
