Terrestrial Habitat Trends

The following table provides estimates of loss of native terrestrial habitats in California's Central Valley and Central Coastal areas.

Valley oak
Quercus lobata

Hardwood Woodlands

Central Valley to 9,000 feet, and Central Coast from sea level to 5,000 feet where soil types allow the formation of a tree layer dominated by oaks.

Typically found in sloped areas, valleys, raised stream benches and terraces with shallow, moderately to excessively drained soils.

Habitat losses associated with construction and water deliveries of Federal and State Water projects have occurred at various locations.

Although the majority of the losses occurred prior to construction of either water project, significant local losses have occurred both within the Central Valley and in the Central Coast since 1940.

Many upland species like deer, bear, and the California quail frequent this habitat.

Hardwoods are essential for many special status species including the Shasta salamander, Bohart's blue butterfly and Greenhorn adobe-lily.

Chaparral

Central Valley and Central Coast areas from 3,000 to 10,000 feet generally on north facing slopes where soil type and hydrology allow for the presence of woody, often hard-leaved shrubs.

Over 50% losses in some areas. For example, El Dorado County has experienced rapid urbanization and related losses in chaparral and associated habitats.

This has resulted in the listing of several plant species including Stebbins' morning glory, Pine Hill ceanothus, Pine Hill flannel bush, El Dorado bedstraw and Layne's butterweed.

Riparian

Central Valley and Central Coast areas from sea level to 8,000 feet associated with water sources and containing various tree and shrub species.

Over 90% losses compared to historic levels with additional losses in quantity and quality over the last 50 years.

Impacts to riparian habitat are estimated to have occurred as a result of Federal and State water project facility construction and modification of flow patterns below dams.

Riparian habitats are one of the most productive areas for migratory bird species.

Riparian-endemic special status species include the western yellow-billed cuckoo, southwestern willow flycatcher and riparian brush rabbit.

Alkali Desert Scrub

Limited to the southern and western part of the San Joaquin Valley where historic soil conditions in remaining relatively unimpacted sites allow for its continued existence.

Decreased by as much as 68% compared to historic levels, of which 240,000 acres have been lost since the 1940's.

Many historic sites for this habitat are now converted to agriculture and/or urban development, partially a result of Federal and State water projects deliveries.

Essential for many special-status species including the San Joaquin kit fox, kangaroo rats and the blunt-nosed leopard lizard.

Grasslands

Central Valley and Central Coast areas from sea level to about 3,900 feet within flat plains to gently rolling foothills. These areas contain a much different vegetation composition than during historic conditions^/.

Decreased by over 50% from historic levels. Within the Central Valley, nearly 2,000,000 acres have been lost since the 1940's within areas receiving water deliveries from the Federal and State water projects.

Grassland dependent species include, the coyote, badger and migratory birds such as the western meadowlark.

Special status species include the Aleutian Canada goose, San Joaquin kit fox and California tiger salamander.