The Plants and animals Of Santa Catalina Island

Catalina Island formed as the result of plate tectonics millions of years ago. It took several thousand years for the island to transform from a barren rock into a land mass that could support native vegetation. Most of the plants that currently occupy Santa Catalina were swept in from the mainland 22 miles away.

Seeds from plants were brought by birds or ocean currents that helped to enrich the soil and support entomological life. Eventually, the island was inhabited by American Indians who were believed to have brought acorns, island foxes and oaks to Santa Catalina Island.

Due to the isolation and restricted gene pool of Santa Catalina from the mainland, the plants and animals you will find on Catalina Island are often endemic in that they only exist on the island. This is a feature that is present on the other Channel Islands too. This islands the Santa Catalina Island Fox and bald eagles that fly in the air currents above the island.

Santa Catalina Island has over four hundred native plants and two hundred non-native plants that call the island their home.

However, a non-native plant does not automatically mean that it’s introduction into the ecosystem will become a disruption for natives.
Careful monitoring and control of invasive species is important in order to prioritize the problems that each plant may represent.

Conservation Efforts on Catalina Island

Channel Islands Restoration supports efforts to help conserve the plant and animal life on all of the Channel Islands including Catalina Island where we have done plant restoration and invasive species removal work throughout the years.

Volunteers and staff members have participated in removing invasive plants on Catalina including flax-leaved broom and fennel from Parson’s Landing.

According to the Catalina Island Conservancy, there are a few animal species that are in need of immediate protection on Catalina Island including the Catalina Island Fox.

In 2021, the fox population on Santa Catalina Island is hovering around a couple thousand for the the species total population. Ongoing conservation work will be needed to ensure it’s continued protection and survival.