Wildlife

Orange-Throated Whiptail

Aspidoscelis hyperythrus

The orange-throated whiptail has a relatively narrow range in southern California but is thought to be abundant and in good condition in the EHA Study Area. It is considered an indicator of ecosystem health because it only lives where its preferred prey (termites) and habitat (floodplains and streams) are found.

Blainville’s Horned Lizard

Phrynosoma blainvillii

Both the presence and abundance of Blainville’s horned lizards are good indicators of ecological health because they highly correlate with the occurrence of native ants, native chaparral community plants, and sandy areas. Habitat loss and invasive species have led to a condition of caution for these lizards here.

Southwestern Pond Turtle

Actinemys pallida

The southwestern pond turtle lives in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, is susceptible to introduced disease, and is sensitive to non-native species introductions. It is also relatively long-lived and can contribute to our understanding of environmental trends over time. This species is in a condition of caution here, with the biggest threats being habitat loss and invasive species.

Western Spadefoot Toad

Spea hammondii

The western spadefoot toad depends upon both aquatic and terrestrial environments, is susceptible to environmental contaminants, and is relatively long-lived. It depends on seasonally wet habitats, such as vernal pools or temporary ponds, making it an indicator for these habitats, which other species also depend upon. It is in a condition of caution here, primarily due to the presence of invasive species and the scarcity of suitable habitat.

Coastal Cactus Wren

Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus

The coastal Cactus Wren depends on mature stands of prickly pear and cholla cacti for nesting. In southern California, it serves as both a conservation priority and an indicator of healthy cactus scrub ecosystems, which many other species also depend upon. The condition of this species is of significant concern in the Coastal Study Area and caution in the Central, largely due to habitat conditions.

Coastal California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica ssp. californica

The Coastal California Gnatcatcher is a small, non-migratory songbird that depends on coastal sage scrub habitat. It was listed as a federally threatened species in 1993 and it played a central role in the development of Orange County’s Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP), making it a key indicator of the health of coastal sage scrub and the success of regional conservation strategies. It is currently in good condition in he Coastal Study Area, but caution in the Central one.

Bobcat

Lynx rufus

The bobcat is a valuable indicator of ecosystem health, reflecting the balance of prey and predators as well as the overall stability of the natural system. It is in good condition in the Central Study Area but caution in the Coastal. The main challenges it faces include habitat loss, declining prey, road strikes, disease, and a loss of connected habitats.

Mountain Lion

Puma concolor

As both an umbrella and a keystone species, the mountain lion is an important indicator of ecosystem health. Development in the region has led to the habitat fragmentation and loss that currently threatens these cats. While they are in good condition, inbreeding is of significant concern.

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