Replacing Endangered Species Habitat: The Acid Test of Wetland Ecology

Biodiversity is of special interest in California, a state with a great number of species, a large proportion of endemics, and many taxa in jeopardy. Because major developments have occurred along the Pacific Ocean, coastal habitats have been particularly affected. It is no surprise, therefore, that ten of California’s 94 endangered and threatened animal species are ones with coastal wetland affinities (Dept. of Fish and Game 1989); in southern California, these include the light-footed clapper rail (Rallus longirostris levipes), the California least tern (Sterna antillarum browni), and Belding’s Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi). Of the 298 coastal species considered rare by the California Native Plant Society, 17 (6%) occur in coastal wetlands.