87% of land in the city of LA is privately owned (Barton et al., 2022). Open space and gardens on private property are filled with substantial biodiversity largely populated by flora and fauna species that have adapted to the Mediterranean climate (Marco et al., 2008). Over a thousand private residences, dozens of schools, and more than a hundred common areas independently registered their habitats, leading to the National Wildlife Federation recognizing the entire city of Los Angeles as a certified Community Wildlife Habitat (Barton et al., 2022).
In an effort to monitor and reverse habitat loss and degradation, the city conducted its very first 2022 Biodiversity Index Baseline Report. The resulting low score of 37 out of a possible 110 confirms the city is in a biological emergency.
The city received an average metric score of 1.7 out of a possible 5 (Barton et al., 2022).
Continue reading to see how locals are bringing species richness to their property, by creating or preserving the natural habitats our co-inhabitants need to survive.
(Image retrieved from nwf.org)
Allen's hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) fledglings being fed by their mom in a nest constructed on the branch of a Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii) tree, in the front yard of a private resident’s native garden in Silver Lake (Image by Getz, 2021).
Population: ↓ Decreasing ↓ Biggest threat: Habitat loss 🌳
Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii) tree: Less than 1/2 % left in the entire county (Snyers, 2018).
Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) exploring the nesting area of a protective California scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica) on a power pole in the backyard hillside of a private property in Hollywoodland (Image by Getz, 2021).
Top predator species such as the Red-shouldered hawk rely on the city’s riparian and urban forests (Fish, 2012).
More than 90% of the city's urban forest is located on private property (Barton et al., 2022). This makes the preservation of these habitats essential for species survival.
Image of an American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) on the branch of an Ash tree (Fraxinus uhdei) in the backyard of a private Hollywood Hills home.
(Image by Getz, 2022).
California mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus californicus) approaching the fence at the Hollywood Reservoir (Image by Getz, 2022).
Mule deer in Los Angeles are one of the city's thirty-seven indicator species inhabiting grass and shrublands. They generally stay close to the water and do not venture too far out of these natural habitats. Further loss of habitat and degradation of natural areas compromises their population which has been in decline since around 2015 (Barton et al., 2022; WAFWA, 2021).
In conclusion, we can connect all of these images by acknowledging all of the various habitats in Los Angeles are needed to accommodate many different species. We can recognize that each living organism plays a role in our ecosystem, and when disturbed, a domino effect is triggered resulting in impacts to more than just a single species. We can recognize how everyone can help raise the biodiversity index score by providing habitable areas, native plants, and water to their outdoor spaces, and by getting involved in local planning decisions.
“The most difficult problem we face in protecting the environment is coming to an understanding that we are a part of nature, not its overseer.” (Abramson, 1970)
Image of a Black-Headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) calling from the crown of a tree in the backyard of a private residence in Hollywood. (Getz, 2021).
REFERENCES
Abramson, R. (1970). There Is an Environmental Crisis Today but the World Is Not Coming to an End. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Feb 15, 1970; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.lapl.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/pollution-our-sputnik-70s/docview/156381478/se-2
Barton, M. (2022). LA Biodiversity Index Baseline Report. City of Los Angeles LA Sanitation & Environment Biodiversity Team. Retrieved from https://www.lacitysan.org/cs/groups/public/documents/document/y250/mdc2/~edisp/cnt076756.pdf
Chima, S., Dajadiae, A., Kindle, R., Perez, P., Pingatore, A. (2022). Biodiversity Indicator Species. A Guide to the City of Los Angeles’ Charismatic Umbrella Species. LA Sanitation. Retrieved from https://www.lacitysan.org/cs/groups/public/documents/document/y250/mdc1/%7Eedisp/cnt075161.pdf
Dunning, C., Paine, T., Richard, Redak (2012). Insect-oak Interactions with Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) and Engelmann Oak (Q. engelmannii) at the Acorn and Seedling. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228752831_Insect-oak_Interactions_with_Coast_Live_Oak_Quercus_agrifolia_and_Engelmann_Oak_Q_engelmannii_at_the_Acorn_and_Seedling
Fish, A. (2012). When Red-Shouldered Hawks Arrive, You’ll Hear them First and Loudest. Bay Nature Institute. Retrieved from https://baynature.org/article/the-clarion-call-of-the-red-shouldered-hawk/
Snyers, C (2018). Focus on Engelmann Oak. International Oak Society. Retrieved from https://www.internationaloaksociety.org/content/focus-engelmann-oak
WAFWA (2021). 2021 Range-Wide Status of Black-Tailed and Mule Deer. Mule Deer Working Group. Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Retrieved from https://wafwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2021-Rangewide-Status-of-Black-tailed-and-Mule-Deer_Linked.pdf
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Header image created with an Adobe Stock image by ggfoto