Fall 2005
Mediterranean Ecosystems: Rare and Threatened Which ecosystem is the more threatened: the bordering the Mediterranean Sea, central Chile, tropical rainforest or California’s Mediterranean the Cape region of South Africa, southwestern and southern Australia, and California Ecosystem? (including part of Oregon and Baja). These areas California’s Mediterranean Ecosystem. are roughly distributed between 30 and 40 It’s the most threatened ecosystem in the world, degrees latitude—north and south, along the disappearing at a faster rate than south and western edges of the rainforest – 3% per year. Along with Rainforest continents where the climate is Crunch, maybe Ben and moderated by cold offshore To understand why this is so, Jerry should also be we need first to locate and define selling Chaparral Chunks ocean currents. and Chewies. Mediterranean Ecosystems (ME). These areas are characterized by Simply put, this ecosystem mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. occurs in five small areas of the world: the area Rainfall can vary significantly; (cont. on Pg 4) Inside this issue…. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Feature Story What’s so special about Mediterranean Ecosystems Greetings from the MRCA From the Editor Feature Story cont. Cyberteer Bus Access to our Parklands Volunteers Make a Difference Volunteer Recruitment Volunteer Happenings Featured Plant and Animal Science News You Can Use And How You Can Use It For Parents and Educators Region 8 Workshop Ask the Naturalist Parks in the News Notes from the Field Photo Gallery
California Quail. Photograph by John Grogan
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