Wild Boar Gully Plant Communities

In 1999, the entire gully supporting the federally endangered Catalina mahogany was fenced against all non-native herbivores, enclosing 112 acres. This is the only substantial area on the island which is free of deer.

Management Objective:
To improve the health, as measured by cover, species richness and diversity, vigor, and ratio of native to non-native plant species, of Santa Catalina Island's plant communities. Towards that goal, to determine the effects of the removal of all non-native grazers and browsers on these aspects of Santa Catalina Island's major plant communities.

Monitoring Methods:
A total of eighteen permanent point-intercept transects (9 inside the exclosure and 9 outside the exclosure) were established in 2000. These are distributed equally among scrub oak chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland communities. In addition, reconnaissance surveys are conducted and all plant species found are listed. Fifteen permanent photomonitoring points have been established and maintained.

Collection Frequency:
Transects are read once per year in the month of May. Transects are revisited in September of each year and any new species within the 30 by 5 meter belt recorded. Reconnaissance surveys are conducted between the months of March and June of each year. Fifteen photo stations have been established and are revisited once per year in the month of March.

Early Findings of Interest:
A population of the Federally Endangered Santa Cruz Island rock cress (Sibara filifolia), has been found within the exclosure. This plant hasn't been seen on the island for about 30 years!