The chaparral biome refers to native shrublands in California with portions in southern Oregon and Baja - shaped by a Mediterranean climate and infrequent fire.

Chaparral is California's most distinctive wildland. Characterized by drought-tolerant, woody shrubs, high intensity, infrequent fire, and shaped by a Mediterranean-type climate (hot, dry summers & mild, wet winters), chaparral covers most of California's coastal foothills and interior mountain slopes.

The chaparral biome supports most of the biodiversity in California, meaning huge numbers of species call it home.

Photos of grasslands, forests, and jungles are misidentified as chaparral, and animals, such as jackals and hyena-like aardwolves, are listed as characteristic species (alongside California Gnatcatchers and Wrentits).

It is uncommon to see most of the mammals that call the chaparral home. The largest, and most characteristic chaparral mammal is now extinct, the California grizzly bear. However, whenever you are out and about on the trail, you can be sure, you are seen.

The Essential 64 Plants and Animals of Southern California Chaparral . From Fire, Chaparral and Survival in Southern California . by Richard W. Halsey (2008) KEY: Resp: resprouter . S: Seeder . FF: Fire Follower . Native Animals # Conmmon Name Species 1 Big-eared woodrat Neotoma macrotis 2 Wrentit Chamaea fasciata

California chaparral is one of four sclerophyllous shrublands in North America. Sclerophyllous refers to evergreen, woody shrubs that are able to withstand challenging levels of drought with evaporation resistant, thick, leathery leaves.

The California Chaparral Institute www.californiachaparral.org Page 1 . The Chaparral Habitat For Young Chaparralians . Douglas fir punching through the chaparral in canyons, but for the most part, trees are very rare. Chaparral shrubs are quite tough.

The scientific consensus is overwhelming – California native chaparral shrublands, one of the state’s primary sources of biodiversity and carbon sequestration, are being threatened by climate change and increased fire frequency.

Ceanothus chaparral deep in the Cleveland National Chaparral (Forest) Preserve west of Temecula, California. Chamise chaparral with its creamy-yellow blossoms having turned auburn in the summer. Light green manzanita shrubs are interspersed.