- 4 Components of an ecosystem using the Diablo Range as an example of an intact ecosystem:
The topography of Diablo consist of an average elevation of 3000 feet and the summit at over 2300 feet is considered high since the range consist of rolling plateaus and grasslands that are punctuated by sudden peaks. Geologically the Diablo Range matches up with the Calaveras Fault of the California Coast Ranges. The climate of Diablo Range consist of extremely dry and hot summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall. The valley has been a home to many are and threatened species of birds, animals, reptiles, and plants like Mount Hamilton Thistle, red legged frog, North American Badger, tiger salamander, golden eagle coyote and Tule elk.
- Why is connectivity IN THE LANDSCAPE (also known as a wildlife corridor) between the Diablo Range and Santa Cruz Mountains through the Coyote Valley important for wildlife?
The fundamental goal of implementing connectivity in the landscape is to increase biodiversity between Diablo Range and Santa Cruz Mountains through the Coyote Valley where human settlement has interfered with the wildlife. In is essential for wildlife because, connectivity reconnects the fragments of wildlife spaces. Connectivity contributes to colonization (animals’ ability to move and occupy new areas where they get food and other natural resources that are lacking in their territories.), migration, and interbreeding.
- Ecosystem Management- How can a large-scale or “landscape” approach to regional planning help wildlife? Why is planning for wildlife corridors essential to protect and/or restore natural communities? Give an example of a large mammal species (like Tule Elk, coyote) that might use a wildlife corridor throughout Santa Clara County.
Ecosystem management of Coyote valley is essential for preservation of the valley to the wildlife. The landscape approach to ecosystem management can help the corridor in maintaining proper habitat for the endangered species. Coyote Valley ecosystem is under unprecedented strain that has threatened prospects for sustainable improvement. Planning for wildlife provides opportunities for the local communities and authority who aim at providing services that support environment like fishing games and tourism (Böhnke 135). For Coyote Valley to acquire environmental conditions for equity, stability, prosperity there must be timely responses that are proportionate to the level of environmental challenges are necessary. Animals that might use the corridor include Mount Hamilton Thistle, red legged frog, North American Badger, tiger salamander, coyote and Tule elk.
- Sustainability Goals: What are your educational and professional goals? Can the ecosystems knowledge you learned in this class be applied in your future career?
The ecosystem knowledge that has been learned from class is very supportive in my future career. Environmental science is an inexhaustible field of study and I look forward to understanding environmental science and all its components. Being acquainted in this environmental science is helpful in making this world more habitable by all types of plants and animal of species. It is a positive move to wildlife preservation.
Work Cited
Böhnke H., Baulcomb C., Koss S., Hussain S., & Rudolf S. Typology and indicators of ecosystem services for marine spatial planning and management Original Research Article. Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 130, 2013, Pages 135-145
Giebels D, Buuren A, & Edelenbos J. Ecosystem-based management in the Wadden Sea: Principles for the governance of knowledge Original Research Article. Journal of Sea Research, Volume 82, 2013, Pages 176-187
