Abstract Detail

Ecological Section

Clark, John [1], Hein, Frank [1], de la Rosa, Carlos [1].

Santa Catalina Island - past, present, and future study of a near-continent island system.

Santa Catalina Island is one of the eight California Channel Islands, located approximately 35 km southwest of Los Angeles. At 194 km², 88% of which is managed by the non-profit land trust Catalina Island Conservancy, Santa Catalina is the third largest Channel Island and is the second tallest with an elevation of 639 meters. Mediterranean in climate, at least 8 defined plant communities have been identified on the island, from coastal scrub, to oak woodlands, to open grasslands. Over 400 species of plants are native to the island and nearly 200 non-native introductions. Only a few mammals are native and include the Catalina Island fox, a ground squirrel, and a few other rodents. Birds are numerous and include an endemic subspecies of California quail and year-round resident bald eagles. Various ungulates have been introduced to the island over the last 150 years and have been managed and/or removed from the island in recent times. These characteristics, combined with a diverse and long history of land use and recovery, make Santa Catalina Island a unique living laboratory for island-based scientific research. The island is the most accessible of all the Channel Islands adding to the appeal of Santa Catalina as a long term research station. Past, present and future studies are described here and opportunities for novel projects and immediate research needs are presented. Collaborations with the Catalina Island Conservancy are encouraged and contact and research goals are provided.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Catalina Island Conservancy, PO Box 2739, Avalon, CA, 90704, USA

Keywords:
California Channel Islands
Island biogeography
Island endemic plant diversity.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 13
Location: Portland Room/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 2:00 PM
Number: 13003
Abstract ID:591