Forest Biodiversity

Yellow bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) These large rodents of the squirrel family use their fat stores to keep them warm at high altitudes. It also provides energy during the winter hibernation.

Belding’s ground squirrel (Urocitellus beldingi) Belding's ground squirrels hibernate 8 months out of the year. Juveniles can double or even triple their body mass in preparation of hibernation.

American pika (Ochotona princeps)

The American pike survive the cold harsh climate by developing thick fur in the winter and growing lighter fur in the summer. They spend most of the winter season living in their colony's den.

Little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus)

These little guys are found in different forests across the states. They hibernate in the winter as well in frost free places like caves. Although they're of least concern, their habitats continue to dwindle because of human encroachment.

Clark’s nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana)

These birds rely heavily on trees that produce large pine cones for food. They use their sharp beaks to poke out seeds from the cones which they then store for the winter.

Mountain blue bird (Sialia currucoides)

Mountain blue birds aggressively compete over tree burrows to build their nests. Although they're insectavores, they feed on berries from Junipers during the winter.

Pine grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator)

These small, sluggish finches feed on seeds, plants, and insects. In the winter season, they tend to hang around trees with abundant fruits until the food runs out.

White Pine Blister Rust (WPBR) (Cronartium ribicola) Invasive

Not many invasive species appear in the subalpines because of the harsh climate and spread out forest, but this fungus is an exception. Originally from Asia, it reeks havoc on white pine species throughout the US by inducing WPBR which kills off the tree.

Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis) Endangered

This pine species grows at high elevations in the subalpines. WPBR along with mountain beetle outbreaks are decimating this tree's populations.

Mountain Yellow Legged Frog (Rana muscosa) Endangered

The yellow legged frog used to be abundant in the Sierra Nevada subalpine forests until its populations took a hit from invasive trout species and fungal disease (chrytridiomycosis).

Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) Endangered

This species is genetically and geographically different from other red foxes. Only found in Sierra Nevada, their numbers have dwindled because of human actions (logging, off roading, etc.) and climate change. Only around 20 (possibly less) to 50 individuals remain.

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) Endangered

The Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep population lowered to about 100 individuals during the 20th century because of unregulated hunting, habitat changes, and competition/disease from introduced livestock. Today, they number about 600 individuals since plans to restore the species passed in 1995.

California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi)

These squirrels are everywhere in California except in deserts. They can be found in elevations up to 2000 m. All they need is soft enough soil to dig their burrows.

American beaver (Castor canadensis)

Beavers use their large teeth to cut down trees for dams and huts. You'll typically find them living alongside ponds and lakes in and around forests.

Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)

This porcupine inhabits the northern most range of any species in its genus. This is probably due to the species being acclimated to colder temperatures. While they're not social animals, they'll share dens during the winter.

Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus)

Ringtails are nimble creatures that live in various habitats ranging from deserts, riparian areas, and forests. They're fast climbers and exhibit great locomotive skills. They can be found in altitudes up to 2900 m, but prefer altitudes between 0 - 1400 m.

Spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis)

These nocturnal creatures are great climbers and diggers. During the winter, female skunks sleep in dens together, but the males continue to lead solitary lives.

Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii)

Townsend's big-eared bats are found in California forests and deserts. Unlike other bat species, they prefer to live in open spaces instead of crevices. While not endangered in California, they're a species of special concern.

Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

Raccoons (aka trash pandas) live in forest areas near water. They create their dens within trees, but they won't shy away from using abandoned burrows. Raccoons adapt very well to human society, inhabiting houses and even sewers.

Northern fisher (Martes pennanti)

Fishers prefer habitats with high canopy cover and den within hollowed trees. They don't socialize much with conspecifics. In winter season, they make use of ground burrows instead of tree dens.

Mountain lion (Puma concolor)

Mountain lions make use of various habitats such as forests, deserts, and swamps. They ambush prey within their 30 to 125 squared mile range which sometimes overlaps with other mountain lion territories.

Black bear (Ursus americanus)

Like mountain lions, black bears inhabitat many different ecosystem types. These bears are mostly diurnal, but can be nocturnal depending on proximity to humans and othe bear species. They prefer living in areas with complex plant communities.

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

Mule deer is the most widely distributed and abundant large mammal in western North America. They will live in habitats ranging from chapparal to subalpine/alpine habitats. They feed on mostly grass and forbs, but can also eat other types of vegetation.

Banana slug (Ariolimax columbianus)

These slugs crawl along forest floors in the Pacific Northwest, eating and decomposing vegetation. They also act as vectors for seed migration. They breathe through their skin, making the moist forests of the North California Coast a perfect habitat for them.

Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

The Northern goshawk are large and bulky hawks. They perch themselves at high points, scanning for prey. Goshawks hunt their food quickly and stealthily, even through thick cover. They mostly live in coniferous forests.

Black-backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus)

These woodpeckers are rather loud compared to other woodpecker species. They feed on insects inside of dead trees, where they will also build their nests. While they're mainly insectivores, they also eat fruit and nuts.

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) Invasive

This invasive grass species is found everywhere throughout California. They tend to grow and dry out quickly, benefiting from the frequent fires we've seen as of late. Where they grow, cheatgrass lowers soil moisture and nutrient levels.

Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) Invasive

Like cheatgrass, these plants invaded most of California. They quickly invade any disturbed habitats like forest clearcuts. They grow in dense patches, displacing other vegetation and are unpalatable to both livestock and wildlife alike.

Barred owl (strix varia) Invasive

Barred owls are native to large, mature forests in the eastern parts of the United States. In the 20th century, they found their way into old growth forests in California where they compete with the threatned spotted owl.

Northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) Threatened

The spotted owl was listed as a threatened species in the Endangered Species Act of 1990. They used to be abundant throughout the Northwestern United States until they experienced massive habitat loss because of timber harvesting and land conversion.

Southern rubber boa (Charina umbratica) Threatened

These reptilians are only found in California forests between elevations of 6,500 to 8,000 ft. They're common in their habitat range though it appears that this already limited range has been shrinking because of human encroachment. Threats to this species comes mainly from restort development, off-road vehicle use, and logging.

Humboldt marten (Martes caurina humboldtensis) Endangered

These martens live in coastal northwestern California where it feeds on mammals, birds, carrion, and different types of vegetation. This species became endangered because of habitat degradation from timber harvests and roads. At times, other mesocarnivores under protection, like fishers, may opportunistically kill this endangered species.