Baja California Flora and Fauna

Baja California Flora and Fauna

By Dr. Kyle Muller

Mexico is a country of great extension that houses a wide variety of ecosystems distributed in its 32 states. One of them is Baja California, located north and on the border with the United States. You have probably heard of one of its most popular cities, Tijuana. If you are wondering what is Baja California’s flora, we invite you to read this ecology article to know also what animal represents Baja California. Do not miss the Flora and the fauna of Baja California!

Baja California Flora and Fauna Characteristics

Baja California has, to the west, exit to the Pacific Ocean and, to the east, form to the Gulf of California. Its terrestrial ecosystems are striking and varied because it has deserts, valleys and mountainous mountains. Besides, The predominant climate is very dryin 69% of the total area of โ€‹โ€‹the State, although there are also areas with semi -discharge and subhumid temperate. It has endemic species, in danger of extinction and many protected by Mexican legislation.

Therefore, the characteristics of Baja California’s flora and fauna are the following:

  • Contrasting
  • Desert
  • Protected
  • Endemic
  • Varied
  • Cultivated
  • Of economic value
  • Wild
  • Maritime
  • Adapted to very dry climates
  • Unique

Baja California flora

He 80% of vegetation of this state They are thickets. Then come the chaparrales of the mountains that are made up of woody bushes, with 7% of the area. In coastal areas there are coastal dunes. Directing to more temperate areas, enclosures and coniferous forests can be found, covering 4% of the flora.

They can also find palmars. There is an agricultural sector that forms 7% of the vegetation of Baja California, although it is low because of the Little rain that comes. Thus, we present some examples of the vegetation of Baja California:

Vine (Vitis vinifera)

To the northwest there is a tempered and dry climate that allows the vine to be cultivated, whose majority is destined for the preparation of wines. In fact, 90% of Mexican wine comes from this state and produces 2 million wine boxes a yearwith high economic value.

Brandegge biznaga (MBrandeei ammillaria)

The following example of Baja California plants are Brandegge biznagas. The mamillarias They are desert cacti characterized by having a cylindrical shape coated with thorns, with a crown of flowers. In the case of this species, it produces yellow flowers and grows up to 10 centimeters high.

Pino Bishop (Pinus muricata)

This pine has Very few branches with leaves And it presents them only very up. It measures on average 20 meters and grows in wooded areas associated with cypresses and oaks, always near the coastal mountains. It is endemic to Californias, which includes California in the United States, Baja California and Baja California Sur in Mexico. It is a very used tree for ornamental purposes.

Baja California Flora and Fauna - Flora de Baja California

Baja California fauna

Two fish appear in the Baja California shield, so we could say that The fish is the animal that represents Baja California. However, there are many other iconic species that live in this state, and there are many that are endemic. We have for example the sea vaquita PHocoena Sinus which only exists in Baja California.

Here are some of the most representative animals of this state.

White shark (Carcharodon Carcharias)

It is a Important Tope predator that regulates the population dynamics of the entire trophic chain of its area. The White Shark arrives at the Isla Guadalupe Biosphere Reserve, in the Pacific Ocean of Baja California between July and August and retires in December. It is the only sanctuary of Mexico that receives these sharks and is one of the five most important points in the world to see them.

Perhaps you are interested in taking a look at the following ecology article in the types of sharks: how many there are and species.

Roadrunches (Geococcyx Californianus)

The Road Running is famous for cartoons, but it is a real bird. Inhabits In the deserts and chaparralesand honors his name because he can reach the 30 kilometers per hour. Their skills are concentrated more on Earth than on the flight, although they can make small planning

It measures approximately 25 centimeters high. It is characterized by having a brown color with which it is mimicked on the desert floor and a fairly long tail.

Orca (Orcinus orca)

The orcas are cetaceans and marine mammals of carnivorous habits. They are characterized by having the black dorsal zone, and the white ventral part. They are very social animals and They form matriarchyorganizing in groups of 1 to 30 individuals.

Between 1972 and 1997 there was a total of 843 orcs in the Gulf of California. Are Migratory animals And they concentrate in areas such as Japan, Antarctica, Norway or Iceland.

Is Orca a whale? Discover the answer in the following post of Ecology Verde that we recommend.

Northern marine elephant (Mirounga Angustirostris)

It is a migratory seal which remains in the area of โ€‹โ€‹the Gulf of California and Alaska. It is brown and lives on the marine coast. They have a very elongated face, hence the name of Elephant is received. In males it is much larger than in females and also coincides with the weight.

It is an active predator that feeds on octopus, squid, fish and even small sharks. They can immerse up to 2 kilometers In search of your prey.

After discovering the animals that live in Baja California, you may be interested in consulting which are the animals in danger of extinction in Baja California.

Flora and Fauna of Baja California - Baja de Baja California

If you want to read more articles similar to Baja California Flora and Faunawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.

Literature
  • Guerrero-Ruiz, M., Gendron, D., & Urbรกn, J. (1998). Distribution, Movements and Communities of Killer Whales (Orcinus Orca) in the Gulf of California, Mexico.Report of the International Whaling Commission, 48, 537-543.
  • Conanp (2016). Start white shark sighting season in Baja California. Available at: https://www.gob.mx/conanp/prensa/inicia-temporada-de-avistamiento-de-tiburon-blanco-en-isla-guadalupe-baja-california
  • National Institute of Geography and Statistics. (SF). Flora and fauna of Baja California. Available at: https://cuentame.inegi.org.mx/monografias/informacion/bc/territorio/recursos_natural.aspx?tema=me&e=02
Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
Published in