|
Map Satellite This section of the Tehachapi Mountains, which link the Sierra Nevada biota with the Coast Range and the Mojave Desert organisms, is geographically isolated, producing endemic populations, especially at the higher elevations, which may lack genetic channels of gene flow-back to the major population sources. Thus the white fir–ponderosa pine, Abies concolor– Pinus ponderosa, belt is ecologically quite distinct. One of the prominent plants in this association is Ivesia santolinoides. The rare Fritillaria brandegei also occurs here. Among the several other communities found in the area is a pinyon pine - shin oak forest which includes, in addition to the dominants Pinus monophylla and Quercus garryana var. breweri, Mormon tea, Ephedra viridis, and Lotus strigosus. There is some grassland, with the native Achnatherum lemmonii and the introduced Avena barbata present. As Brite Creek, which flows through the area, is an intermittent stream that forms year-round pools, there is a substantial animal population. The rare California condor, Gymnogyps californianus, feeds in the area. There are outcrops of Mesozoic granite and pre-Cretaceous limestone in the area. Numerous archaeological remains are present. Integrity: Portions of the area have been subdivided. Use: Private July 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
|
