Chaparral Biome

Chaparral Biome

Human Impacts and Threats

Humans have hurt the California chaparral by cutting down the trees which the birds and animals live in. People are cutting down the trees because they need fire wood and pasture. In some ways people have helped the chaparral by repairing ares and water sources which have been destroyed by domestic animals and water diversion.

Mediterranean regions have long been impacted by humans especially through the use of fire and livestock grazing. We know the Mediterranean was formerly forested with live oaks, pines, cedars, wild carob and wild olive. The shrub lands are more extensive today than before aboriginal burning and Spanish livestock grazing. Today the Spanish Mediterranean area supports extensive olive groves, cork forests, cattle farming and the production of sherry.

Climate

In the winter the Chaparral climate, also known as the Mediterranean climate, is mild and moist, but not rainy. During the summer it is very hot and dry. The temperature is usually mild but it can get very hot or nearly freezing. The temperature range is between 30° and 100° F.

This biome only gets about 10-17 inches of rain all year, and most of it comes in the winter. Because of the long period of dryness in the summer, only plants with hard leaves can survive, such as scrub oaks, chamiso shrubs, pines, cork and olive trees. Many leaves are also hairy so they can collect the moisture out of the air and use it.

There are many fires in the chaparral because of the heat and dryness. Some plants have adapted even to the fires.

Plants and Animals

Types of Chaparrals

The Mediterranean chaparral differs from similar areas in Australia and areas adjacent to the Caspian Sea. Specialized plants and animals have developed in these localities as well. For example, the subtropical climate of Australia supports eucalyptus and the koala that feed on it.

The California Chaparral has peaks that rise up to 5,000 feet above sea level and the mountains are steeply sloped. The valleys and streams are narrow and widely spaced.

The Mediterranean biome houses many forms of wildlife such as wild goats, sheep, cattle, mouflon, and horses. The land supports lynx, wild boar, rabbits, vultures and three types of eagles. Many small mammals, reptiles and insects inhabit this region. Local people graze goats, sheep, cattle, donkeys, and horses on this rugged land. This area is also known for the breeding of the famous bullfighting bulls.

The plants that live in the Chaparral are oaks, pines and mahoganies, and brush such as narrow leaf golden brush. These different plants are adapted to the Chaparral because of the climate and all the room they have to grow. The plants have adapted by conserving water through small, waxy leaves and being able to live with as little water as possible. The Chaparral contains approximately 2,036 of plants other than trees.

Some of the animals and birds that live in the chaparral are the Sonoma Chipmunk, Suisu Shrew, Scrub Jays, and Acorn Woodpeckers.

Location

The Golden Jackal is abundant in the Mediterranean chaparral

Chaparrals are located in western California, Northern Africa, parts of Europe, Southern Australia and South America.