Susan Harrison 
Plant and Animal Endemism in California 

California is globally renowned for its biological diversity, including its wealth of unique, or
endemic, species. Many reasons have been cited to explain this abundance: the complex geology and topography of its landscape, the special powers of its Mediterranean-type climate, and the historic and modern barriers to the wider dispersal of its flora and fauna.
Plant and Animal Endemism in California compiles and synthesizes a wealth of data on this singular subject, providing new and updated lists of native species, comparing patterns and causes of both plant and animal endemism, and interrogating the classic explanations proposed for the state’s special significance in light of new molecular evidence. Susan Harrison also offers a summary of the innovative tools that have been developed and used in California to conserve and protect this stunning and imperiled diversity.

Cuprins

Preface and Acknowledgments

Introduction


1. Biotic Uniqueness: An Overview

Problems in Defining Endemism

Large-Scale Patterns in Species Richness and Endemism

Origins of Endemic Species

Traits of Endemic Species


2. A Brief History of California

Geologic History

Climatic History

Floristic History


3. Plant Endemism in California: Patterns and Causes

Estimating Plant Endemism

Geography of Diversity and Endemism

Edaphic Endemism

New Evidence on the Evolution of Neoendemics

New Evidence on Paleoendemism

Californian Plant Endemism in a World Context


4. Animal Endemism in California

Cross-Taxonomic Comparisons

Mammals

Birds

Reptiles

Fish

Amphibians

Invertebrates


5. Conservation Challenges in California’s Endemic-Rich Landscape

Endangered Species Laws

Natural Community Conservation Planning

Conservation Easements

Conservation Banking

Advance Mitigation

Biodiversity Information

Systematic Conservation Planning

Marine and Aquatic Conservation

Climate Change Science and Policy


6. Synthesis and Conclusions


Appendix: Preliminary List of Plant Species Endemic to the California Floristic Province

Literature Cited

Index

Despre autor

Susan Harrison is Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at University of California, Davis.