Baja California ecosystems

It is the predominant ecosystem of Baja Californiaforming 80% of its area. Most of them are in the Valley of the Cirios, a natural protection area. The second area where bushes abound is in the coastal area.

It is an ecosystem composed of Low shrubsthey are very dry and arid, with the typical biodiversity of these areas such as the Cimarrón sheep (Ovis canadensis) or the cacomixtle (Bassariscus Sumichrasti).

We tell you more about the bushes: what are, types and fauna in the following post of Ecology Verde.

Related to the dried thickets we find the deserts, ecoregions of the Baja California Peninsula characterized by having little biodiversity. Even so, in Baja California desertGeococcyx Californianus)rattlesnake (Crotalus inyo) and desert zorrita (Vulpes macrotis) that run through the 77,700 square kilometers that occupies this ecosystem.

Typical of these areas, the desert of Baja California does not usually witness rains and presents a Subtropical and dry climate. If we talk about the flora of the so -called California desert, we find xerophilic bushes.

If you have doubts about what an ecoregion is, consult this article that we recommend.

Most Baja California forests are mixed forests of oaks and conifersforming 4% of the State. Another type of mixed forests are the palm trees in association with oaks and conifers such as pines, cypresses and junctions. These extend in the upper part of the mountains, such as on Guadalupe Island. These have been seen threatened by the goats introduced They have ended the endemic vegetation.

For more details about coniferous forests: characteristics, flora and fauna, look at the next post.

These ecosystems are found in San Pedro Mártir, in the Sierras de Juárez already throughout the coasts, covering 9% of Baja California. They are composed of medium -sized woody bushes and oaks abound Quercus. In addition, they are characteristic of the frequent fires that wake up within them.

To have more information on the subject, visit the following article on the flora and fauna of Baja California.

This xerophyte ecosystem is In the coastal limits of the Statethat is, in the transition areas to the sea, specifically behind the beach. They are distinguished by being sand accumulations, which is composed of disintegration of mollusc shells and coral reefs.

About them can grow halophite vegetationwhich means that it can grow in very saline soils. Many insects such as bees, ants or spiders and other animals such as birds, small mammals and even turtles are associated with this type of vegetation.

They are also Important “Engineers” ecosystems that regulate the conditions the action of the winds, the erosion and filtration of water.

Under water, forests can also be found, but they are formed, not by trees, but by yellow seaweed that extend up to several meters high. They float with the help of structures full of air. These ecosystems are found in the Pacific Ocean, specifically in the San Benito Islands and house many species, such as marine wolves (Zalophus Californianus).

Just as there are marine forests, there are also aquatic meadows that make up their ground. Are They are properly plants And not algae. They are angiospermas plants and They grow in the marine soil to shallow depth. Multiple fish, mollusks and crabs swim, as well as sea fans can be sighted (Gorgonia spp.), Among other organisms.

They are ecosystems similar to coral reefs in that they house a wide variety of animals. They are important because They regulate physical causes of the environmentlike currents, sediments and marine substrates.

Here are more information about sea grasslands: what are, characteristics and animals.

Inland there are several bodies of fresh water, although they are Few for the lack of precipitation. Some of Baja California’s fresh water ecosystems are:

• The Colorado River: It is the most important and where drinking water for citizens comes from, because all year it contains water. It flows to the Pacific Ocean. Tour from the United States to Mexico, and is protected in the latter by the Reserve of the Alto Gulf and Delta of the Colorado River, as it houses more than 50 endangered species, such as the marine vaquita (Phocoena sinus)endemic to the area. There are also whales, turtles, sharks and stripes.
• Minor and intermittent rivers: They are the Ríos Tijuana, Guadalupe, El Rosario San Carlos, Santo Tomás, San Telmo, San Vicente and San Fernando.
• The salty lagoon: It was detached from the Colorado River, but today it is completely dry and has become a desert.

Several dams have also been built artificially to collect water, as there are several communities that suffer due to the lack of vital fluid.

Now that we review the ecosystems that make up the Peninsula of Baja California, we cannot ignore the lands of agricultural use. These are not of natural origin, but They were modified for cultivation of different economic value plants.

The rain is very low in this state, so agriculture is not as widespread as in other areas of the country, deriving in proportional agricultural activity. Despite this, they can find crops of:

• Cotton.
• Sesame.
• Jitomate
• Wheat.
• Olive.
• Vid: From which there is an important high quality wine producing industry.

If you want to read more articles similar to Baja California ecosystemswe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.