California GrasslandsEcology and Management

Stromberg, Mark R.; Corbin, Jeffrey D.; D’Antonio, Carla M.

doi:10.1525/california/9780520252202.001.0001

Cited by 29 publications

(33 citation statements)

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“…High intensity livestock grazing was introduced across California during the European settlement period and continues to this day. There had not been such persistent grazing prior to this since a megafaunal extinction event over 10,000 years ago (Edwards, 2007). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Local patterns of diversity in California northern coastal scrub

Wrubel

Parker

2018

Ecology and Evolution

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Within global biodiversity hotspots such as the California Floristic Province, local patterns of diversity must be better understood to prioritize conservation for the greatest number of species. This study investigates patterns of vascular plant diversity in relation to coast–inland environmental gradients in the shrublands of Central California known as northern coastal scrub. We sampled coastal shrublands of the San Francisco Bay Area at coastal and inland locations, modeled fine‐scale climatic variables, and developed an index for local exposure to maritime salts. We compared diversity, composition, and structure of the coastal and inland plots using indirect gradient analysis and estimated species accumulation using rarefaction curves. Coastal plots were significantly higher in alpha, beta, and gamma diversity than inland plots. Plant diversity (effective species number) in coastal plots was 2.1 times greater than inland plots, and beta diversity was 1.9 times greater. Estimated richness by rarefaction was 2.05 times greater in coastal sites than inland sites. Salt deposition and water availability were the abiotic process most strongly correlated with increased maritime plant diversity and compositional differences. Stands of northern coastal scrub on the immediate coast with higher maritime influence exhibit markedly higher plant diversity than most interior stands, paralleling previous work in other vegetation types in this region. These studies suggest that the California coastline deserves special consideration for botanical conservation. Fine‐scale climatic models of cloud frequency, water availability, and the salt deposition index presented here can be used to define priority areas for plant conservation in California and other coastal regions worldwide.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Local patterns of diversity in California northern coastal scrub

Wrubel

Parker

2018

Ecology and Evolution

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“…Here, we selected 12 focal species that represent a range of habitat attributes found in grassland and oak savannah ecosystems, and we developed population, density, and habitat objectives to meet the longterm goal of genetically robust, self-sustaining, and resilient focal species populations. Protecting, restoring, and managing Central Valley grassland and oak savannah ecosystems to support this set of focal species would potentially benefit other wildlife that also depend on these ecosystems, including species that are declining or at-risk such as Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) and the San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica; Stromberg et al 2007). These conservation activities will also contribute to the prosperity and quality of life in the Central Valley by providing for carbon sequestration and pollinator refugia (Havstad et al 2007;Kroeger et al 2009;Chaplin-Kramer et al 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is no single unifying and agreed upon definition of "grassland" or "oak savannah," though Stromberg et al (2007) describes grasslands as dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plant species, and savannahs as a "grassland containing widely spaced trees." Our definition of "grassland" is a landscape dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plant species with <10% woody cover, and "oak savannah" as woodlands with sparse (10% to 40%) tree cover, where the dominant tree species are oaks (Quercus spp.)…”

Section: Grassland and Oak Savannah Habitatmentioning

confidence: 99%

Population and Habitat Objectives for Avian Conservation in California’s Central Valley Grassland–Oak Savannah Ecosystems

DiGaudio¹,

Dybala²,

Seavy³

et al. 2017

SFEWS

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“…Invasive species deplete the moisture from the soil as they compete with native plant species and other invasive species (Wetzel and van der Valk, 1998). Native plants, which are a vital resource to animals, would also be negatively affected due to the lack of sufficient amounts of nutrients and water for growth and reproduction (Stromberg et al, 2007). Furthermore, Fiscalini Ranch and Rancho Marino regions were in a drought and soils were drier than normal.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Phalaris aquatica on the abundance and diversity of vertebrate animals in Mediterranean coastal grasslands in California

Joseph

Nazal

Saini

et al. 2017

Preprint

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Harding grass (Phalaris aquatica), an invasive non-native species of bunchgrass, has been introduced to grasslands in many regions of California, particularly those with a history of disturbance, such as tilling and grazing. Due do the invasive nature of Harding grass, we sought to examine whether it has an effect on small animal abundance and diversity in the grasslands, Rancho Marino Reserve (RM) and Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (FR) in California. Both grasslands have similar climate and geographic location but differ in management history. Two transects were created in each site, with eight plots per transect. Animal cameras were deployed over the course of three nights to examine the abundance and diversity of small animals. Due to the history of tilling and planting of RM, and its increase in P. aquatica coverage, there was less animal abundance and diversity compared to FR. The results indicated that the untilled/unplanted areas had more animal abundance and diversity compared to tilled/planted due to the lack of Harding Grass. This can be due to factors such as diminished soil quality, difficulty in maneuvering in the tall grass, and adaptability to native vegetative state. Invasive plants have the ability to increase rapidly in space and potentially lead to ecosystem degradation. This adds further knowledge in the relationship between small animals and their habitats and helps conservation biologists ensure mammalian populations remain stable.

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California GrasslandsEcology and Management

Cited by 29 publications

References 0 publications

Local patterns of diversity in California northern coastal scrub

Local patterns of diversity in California northern coastal scrub

Population and Habitat Objectives for Avian Conservation in California’s Central Valley Grassland–Oak Savannah Ecosystems

Effect of Phalaris aquatica on the abundance and diversity of vertebrate animals in Mediterranean coastal grasslands in California

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