The Endemic Flora & Fauna of California’s Channel Island

The Endemic Flora & Fauna of California’s Channel Islands

Less than 70 miles west of Los Angeles, California’s mesmerizingly wild Channel Islands each tell their own story of biodiversity and ecological conservation.

The eight islands of the archipelago make up some of the continent’s last natural Mediterranean ecosystems—which are known hotspots of biodiversity. An impressive 145 of the islands’ 2,000-plus plant and animal species are endemic, and much like the Galápagos, these isolated isles and their inhabitants are as vulnerable as they are unique. However, four decades of collaborative efforts to restore and protect this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve are beginning to pay off.

Santa Cruz, the largest and most biodiverse island, has more than 60 endemic flora and fauna—and some of the most successful conservation programs in the world. Take the island fox population. After dwindling to less than 100 individuals, it has made a record-fast rebound with help from a breeding program, the eradication of land-hunting golden eagles and the invasive pigs that sustained them, and a reintroduction of bald eagles—who prefer marine meals. Since they’ve reclaimed their place as the top terrestrial predator, the entire ecosystem is successfully tipping back into balance.

On Santa Rosa Island, home to 500 plant species, the native flora is experiencing a similar renaissance. The island is renowned for its endemic Torrey pine forest, one of only two left on Earth. Its windswept groves are likely rare descendents of a Pleistocene population, persisting through millennia in the cool coastal air. Unfortunately, they’re an exception; many endemic plants have struggled to survive let alone thrive.

The island scrub-jay is a prime example of the aerial natives that will capture the attention of birdwatchers. A sapphire blue relative of the California scrub-jay, they’re larger, more vibrant, and have even developed a distinct, raspy call. Ten more of the 60 resident landbirds are endemic, including the non-migratory Allen’s hummingbird, Channel Island flycatcher, island horned lark, and dusky orange-crowned warbler.

Today, endemic Channel Islands icons like the island fox and island scrub-jay are thriving alongside conservation comeback kids—particularly bald eagles, brown pelicans, Steller sea lions, and gray whales. With them, the rugged landscapes are beginning to return to their true nature, resurrecting the beauty of an uninhabited coastal Southern California.