Image courtesy of nps.gov
By Esme Hyatt
I live in Los Angeles, California. California is home to unique habitats and resources. For instance, the majority of California is situated in The California Floristic Province, a biodiversity hotspot. California is one of 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
Santa Monica, which is in Los Angeles County, is known for its beaches and mountains. In the Santa Monica Mountains, biodiversity is especially important with the rare species located in the area. One-third of all plant species growing in The California Floristic Province is solely found in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Habitat loss has been rapid in the area for a number of reasons, firstly due to population growth. Los Angeles has a large population (3.8 million people in 2021), and tourist attracttions bring about a further increase in population. Population growth leads to a demand for land needed for development and housing purposes. Natural resources are then more valuable and taken away from the habitats of wildlife.
With development comes the introduction of freeways. Los Angeles, being a large city, spans 502 square miles; many of these miles consist of freeways.
The development of freeways has utilized land that is home to a diversity of plant and animal species, in turn leading to habitat loss. Furthermore, freeways have put animals in danger. Due to the close proximity of freeways with habitats such as the Santa Monica Mountains, animals are in danger of being hurt by vehicles.
One animal particularly at risk is the mountain lion. The mountain lion is the Santa Monica Mountains’ largest predator, making its decline especially detrimental to the entire ecosystem. In 2013, a lion attempted to cross the 101 freeway and unfortunately lost its life. Furthermore, they are physically at risk not only due to the freeway but also because of inbreeding indirectly caused by the freeway.
The freeway encapsulates the mountain lions and isolates them, which results in inbreeding. According to a paper published by the University of Southern California and the National Park Service, if inbreeding continues, mountain lions could become extinct in 50 years.
Despite the far-reaching causes of habitat loss, there are ways to help. First, you can plant native plants in areas prone to habitat loss in order to restore an ecological balance. If you don’t know what plants are native to your area, try looking it up on Google; for the Santa Monica Mountains, native plants include fire poppies and sycamores.
You can also volunteer with organizations that help restore and conserve habitats, such as the World Wildlife Fund and the Nature Conservatory.
Another option is donating to charities that are helping to curb habitat loss. Donate and learn more about some of these charities, such as Wildlife Conservation Network, Rainforest Trust, National Resources Defense Council, and National Geographic Society.
Habitat loss is an issue that is encompassing and threatening, one that desperately needs to be addressed. Remember: there are many ways to help and make a positive impact.
About Author
