California has the largest amount of endangered animal species compared to all other states in the nation. In order to solve this issue we must understand why this issue exists in the first place, as well as the methods that have prevailed in the past when saving endangered species in California.

California is an incredibly unique place, both biologically and geographically. The combination of these factors lead California to be the most bio-diverse state in the country. This biodiversity is part of what makes California’s natural environments so amazing and special. However, because so many species are lower in population and specialized to their own unique environments it can lead them to be more vulnerable to becoming endangered due to dwindling numbers and loss of limited habitats.

We can begin by asking, why does California have so many endangered species? In short, California’s large human population and rapid land development does not mix well with the aforementioned unique habitats and specialized species that are spread across the state. The geography of the state often leads species to evolve in isolated areas separated by barriers like rivers or mountains. While this does lead us to have the amazing biodiversity that we do, it has the side effect of fostering species that are often too specialized to move away if their habitat is threatened. Unfortunately, because of California’s vast human presence and expansion these species’ habitats are often threatened, leading them to become endangered in many cases.

While the previously mentioned factors may paint a bleak picture, California is no stranger to animal conservation success stories. The most notable and well known is likely the California Condor. The California Condor at one point had its population reduced to a mere twenty two in 1982 due to habitat loss, poaching, and insecticide poisoning. Since then their population has bounced back to 561, nearly twenty six times what it was in 1982. How was this accomplished? A combination of habitat protection, captive breeding programs, and regulation of threats to the species such as banning DDT all have aided in the continuing recovery of the Condor population.

These techniques and lessons learned are now being used once more in hopes of saving another endangered species in California, the Pacific Marten (pictured on the cover image). This animal is a small mammal native to Northern California and Oregon and resides in low forests and foothills. It is a perfect representation of how species that evolve to the wonderfully unique environments in and around California can be extremely vulnerable to irresponsible human development. Due to trapping and habitat destruction, it is believed there are only a few hundred Pacific Martens remaining in the wild. The good news is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service just declared the habitat of the Pacific Marten to be designated as a “critical habitat“. This means that their habitat is recognized as imperative to their survival as a species and necessary to protect as they are classified as endangered. While this situation is far from ideal, the actions being taken to protect this unique species shouldn’t go unappreciated and hopefully will lead to another California conservation success story.

California is an amazing state, specifically when it comes to wildlife and the natural environment. That being said, we must keep in mind that in many ways the same factors that give California its great biodiversity also leave those species vulnerable to human actions. It is not impossible for us to coexist with these species, and it has been proven that conservation techniques such as regulating human practices and protecting critical habitats can work and has worked in the past leading to fantastic results. If we don’t help support these animals and protect their unique habitats, many of the reasons that make California so special and attractive when it comes to its geography and ecosystems may not be around much longer to enjoy.

Image Credit: Wolf Education and Research Center

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