Distribution and conservation status of coastal sage scrub in southwestern California

Journal of Vegetation Science
By: , and 

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Abstract

A landscape-based characterization of vegetation has been developed for southwestern California using satellite imagery, air photos, existing vegetation maps, and field data. Distribution maps of nine dominant coastal scrub species and 13 species assemblages that were identified by divisive information analysis have been analyzed to quantify spatial patterns of species co-occurrence. Three general distribution patterns are identified that suggest the Diegan, Ventaran and Riversidian Associations identified by other workers. Vegetation data have also been related to land ownership and management to assess the conservation status of upland plant communities. A large proportion of the mapped distribution of species and vegetation types is on private land, and several taxa show less than 4 % of mapped distribution in nature reserves. The analysis highlights the need to extend current conservation planning efforts into the northern part of the region to encompass areas where Salvia leucophylla is a frequent community dominant.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Distribution and conservation status of coastal sage scrub in southwestern California
Series title Journal of Vegetation Science
DOI 10.2307/3235887
Volume 5
Issue 5
Year Published 1994
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description 14 p.
First page 743
Last page 756
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