Macro-invertebrate Biodiversity of a Coastal Prairie with Vernal Pool Habitat.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The California Coastal Prairie has the highest biodiversity of North America's grasslands, but also has the highest percentage of urbanization. The most urbanized part of the California Coastal Prairie is its southernmost area, in Los Angeles County. This southernmost region, known as the Los Angeles Coastal Prairie, was historically dotted with vernal pools, and has a unique biodiverse composition. More than 99.5% of its estimated original 95 km(2) (23,475 acres), as well as almost all its vernal pool complexes, have been lost to urbanization. The Madrona Marsh Preserve, in Torrance, California, safeguards approximately 18 hectares (44 acres) of Los Angeles Coastal Prairie and includes a complex of vernal pools. Its aquatic biodiversity had been studied, predominantly t

SUBMITTER: Fiesler E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4867691 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature