CNDDB Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/NewsHappy World Snake Day: July 16thhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/News/happy-world-snake-day-july-16th-2023Contributor SpotlightFri, 14 Jul 2023 10:28:35 GMTFor World Snake Day, the CNDDB would like to feature an Online Field Survey Form submission for the red-diamond rattlesnake<p><img alt="A top-down view of a red-diamond rattlesnake on sand." src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Feature_Days/Crotalusruber_AdamClause.jpeg" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /><br /> <strong><em>Crotalus ruber</em></strong> – red-diamond rattlesnake<br /> <strong>Photo credit:</strong> © Adam Clause, all rights reserved</p> <p>July 16th is World Snake Day, which offers no better opportunity to appreciate our scaly friends and the contributions our submitters have made to conserving this group of reptiles through their CNDDB observations. California is home to nearly 50 native snake species, and 16 are tracked through the CNDDB database. This beautiful red-diamond rattlesnake was found by Adam in the Jacumba Wilderness of Imperial County. As its name suggests, this species is identifiable by the color of its scales which can range in hues of pinkish-brown, red-orangey tan, or brick red. This snake can be found slithering in chaparral, woodland, and arid desert habitats through southwestern California to mid Baja. The red-diamond rattlesnake is a CDFW Species of Special Concern with 260 mapped occurrences throughout its California range. Thank you, Adam, for sharing this awesome photo! Happy World Snake Day everyone!</p> <p>Do you have some great photos of rare plants or wildlife detections? Submit them along with your findings through our <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data">Online Field Survey Form</a> and see if your photos get showcased!</p> Photo of the Month: Aprilhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/News/photo-of-the-month-april-2021Contributor SpotlightThu, 13 May 2021 15:30:50 GMTThe CNDDB showcases selected photo submissions received through the Online Field Survey Form each month. This is the April 2021 edition.<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A blunt-nosed leopard lizard perched at the top of a small dirt mound" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Photo_of_the_Month/202104_Gambeliasila.jpg" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /></p> <p><em><strong>Gambelia sila</strong></em> – blunt-nosed leopard lizard<br /> Submitted by Kai Medak</p> <p>This lovely lizard was observed basking in the sun by Kai Medak in Kern County. The blunt-nosed leopard lizard is a relatively large lizard that can be distinguished from other species by its truncated snout, narrow head, and differing color and scale patterns. Habitats with patchy shrubs or grasslands are ideal for these animals as they allow shade without providing too much cover that would reduce the lizard’s ability to detect predators. Burrows are also incredibly important in the lifecycle of this species as they are utilized for brumation, nesting, and shelter from predators and extreme temperature. Individuals have been known to create their own burrows, but the old burrows of small mammals are primarily used.</p> <p>Blunt-nosed leopard lizards are endemic to California and can be found in the San Joaquin Valley as well as in the foothills of the Coast Range. Unfortunately, this species’ current range has been restricted to 15% of its historical range due to habitat fragmentation and urban development. The blunt-nosed leopard lizard is listed as Federally Endangered under the Endangered Species Act, State Endangered under the California Endangered Species Act, and Fully Protected under the Fish and Game Code. Thank you, Kai, for sharing such a great photo!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><img alt="A healthy plant with dark green leaves and pink flowers on a desert dune" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Photo_of_the_Month/202104_Penstemonalbomarginatus.jpg" style="max-width: 600px; width: 100%" /></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Penstemon albomarginatus</strong></em> – white-margined beardtongue<br /> Submitted by Alice L. Miller</p> <p>Alice L. Miller found this rare desert plant while doing surveys in San Bernardino County. <em>Penstemon albomarginatus</em> is a perennial herb that is often found in desert dunes and Mojavean desert scrub habitats where it blooms from March to May. When in bloom, this plant displays purple to pink tubular flowers that are surrounded at the base by pointed, white-edged sepals and attract several species of bees, butterflies, and beetles. <em>P</em>. <em>albomarginatus</em> is known to inhabit the Mojave and Sonoran deserts in eastern California, southern Nevada, and western Arizona, but it is very rare in California with a California Rare Plant Rank of 1B.1 (rare or endangered in California and elsewhere; seriously threatened in California). This species is primarily threatened by the development of solar energy farms on desert lands, as well as other urbanization projects. A huge thank you to Alice for submitting data on this rare species!</p> <p>Do you have some great photos of rare plants or wildlife detections? Submit them along with your findings through our <a href="/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data">Online Field Survey Form</a> and see if your photos get showcased!</p> Photo of the Month: Marchhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/News/photo-of-the-month-march-2021Contributor SpotlightMon, 19 Apr 2021 10:17:36 GMTThe CNDDB showcases selected photo submissions received through the Online Field Survey Form each month. This is the March 2021 edition.<p style="text-align: center;"><em><img alt="A scrub jay and long eared owl face off on a tree" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Photo_of_the_Month/202103_LEOW.jpg" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /></em></p> <p><strong><em>Asio otus</em></strong> – long-eared owl<br /> Submitted by Zachary Cava</p> <p>This amazing photo was taken by Zachary Cava when a long-eared owl was spotted being mobbed by several scrub jays in Butte County. This mobbing behavior often occurs when smaller birds try to protect themselves, their nests, or their territory from larger predatory birds. The targeted bird may sit and tolerate the attack for a little while, but if it continues on it will fly away from the area.</p> <p>Long-eared owls have an extensive range across many states and are a Bird Species of Special Concern in California. They utilize densely wooded areas for nesting and roosting and are known to nest in the old nests of crows and hawks. Long-eared owls primarily hunt at night by flying low over fields, meadows, and other open areas. These animals have remarkable hearing due to their asymmetrical ear openings and large facial disks that help catch sound, making them extremely precise hunters even in pitch black. Due to its nocturnal nature and camouflaged coloration, this species is tough to find for many birders and researchers. With that being said, a huge thank you to Zachary for capturing such a beautiful picture of this interesting species interaction!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><img alt="A closeup of the redwood lily which features six white petals with red freckled spotting" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Photo_of_the_Month/202103_RedwoodLily.jpg" style="max-width: 600px; width: 100%" /></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Lilium rubescens</em></strong> – redwood lily<br /> Submitted by Miles Hartnett</p> <p>This great find was photographed by Miles Hartnett in Mendocino County. The redwood lily is an uncommon species found in northwestern California and is currently a California Rare Plant Rank 4.2 species (plants of limited distribution; fairly threatened in California). Historically, this species was also known to be found in southern Oregon but has since been thought to be extirpated from that state. It is most threatened by development, logging, and competition from invasive species.</p> <p>The redwood lily is a perennial that showcases six white to pale-purple petals with red freckled spotting. It originates from a bulb and has a waxy stem that can grow up to two meters in height with oval shaped leaves arranged in whorls. It generally grows in forest understories or chaparral habitats, making it both shade and low-water tolerant. This lily’s beautiful blooms can be found from April through August. Much thanks to Miles for sharing this photo of such a beautiful and rare species!</p> <p>Do you have some great photos of rare plants or wildlife detections? Submit them along with your findings through our <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data">Online Field Survey Form</a> and see if your photos get showcased!</p> Contributor Spotlight: Brent Helmhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/News/contributor-spotlight-brent-helmContributor SpotlightTue, 16 Feb 2021 16:30:08 GMTThe CNDDB would like to feature Brent Helm on our Contributor Spotlight, where we take time to thank data submitters for all their work in helping the CNDDB better represent the rare species we track.<p>Dr. Brent Helm is a wildlife biologist, botanist, and ecologist who specializes in wetland ecology.  He is a leading expert in the ecology of California’s seasonally inundated wetlands, with over 30 years of vernal pool research experience.</p> <p>Brent’s professional career in biological consulting began straight out of university, conducting rare plant surveys for EIP Associates on the Lincoln-Highway 65 Bypass Project in the spring and summer of 1989. His journey progressed with ground-breaking vernal pool branchiopod research at Jones and Stokes Associates, completion of his master’s and doctorate degrees in ecology at UC Davis, growing a startup consulting firm (May & Associates, Inc.), and teaching at San Joaquin Delta College and Sacramento State University.</p> <p>In 2001, Dr. Helm founded his own firm, Helm Biological Consulting (HBC). He started a second company, Wetland Development Team (WET), in 2009 to meet the growing need for wetland restoration, enhancement and construction work. He incorporated the two companies under the name <a href="https://www.tansleyteam.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="link opens in new window" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/Shared/new-window-icon.gif" />Tansley Team, Inc.</a> in honor of Sir Arthur George Tansley, an English botanist and pioneer in the science of ecology who introduced the concept of the ecosystem.</p> <blockquote> <p>“Though the organisms may claim our prime interest, when we are trying to think fundamentally, we cannot separate them from their special environments, with which they form one physical system.”</p> <p style="text-align: right;">­Arthur George Tansley (1871-1955)</p> </blockquote> <p>Inspired by the legacy of Sir Tansley, Dr. Helm regards ecosystems as the basic units of nature in which communities of living organisms and the nonliving components of their environment interact as a system. His ecosystem-centered approach has produced many successful restoration projects. These include flagship vernal pool restoration projects on SMUD’s Rancho Seco property in Sacramento County, and Stillwater Plains in Shasta County.</p> <p>CNDDB is grateful for the plethora of branchiopod data Dr. Helm has submitted over the years: over 600 reports and field survey forms! If you feel you’ve got some catching up to do, <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data">report your rare species detections on CNDDB’s website today</a>!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="An adult and a child walking across a wetland wearing boots and holding dipnets on their shoulders." src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Contributor_spotlight/BrentHelm.jpg" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /></p> The Art of Biodiversityhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/News/the-art-of-biodiversityContributor SpotlightThu, 21 Jan 2021 10:58:50 GMTCNDDB recently contacted LJ Moore to submit rare species detections to our project on iNaturalist. We learned that LJ is an artist and poet who draws inspiration from California’s unique wildlife. She agreed to share some of her artwork with our blog. We hope it motivates you to continue your explorations of our state’s remarkable biodiversity!<p>CNDDB recently contacted LJ Moore to submit rare species detections to our project on iNaturalist. We learned that LJ is an artist and poet who draws inspiration from California’s unique wildlife. She agreed to share some of her artwork with our blog. We hope it motivates you to continue your explorations of our state’s remarkable biodiversity!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Painting of a California newt looking to the right with its tail coiled beside it." src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Contributor_spotlight/LJMoore_NewtArt.jpg" style="width: 800px; max-width: 100%;" /><br /> <em><strong>A California newt emerging during the first rain of 2020 at China Camp State Park: a welcome sight during a very difficult year.</strong></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Painting of a baby turkey vulture" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Contributor_spotlight/LJMoore_TurkeyVultureArt.jpg" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /><br /> <em><strong>Portrait of Lethe, a turkey vulture hatched in California in 2000 and now part of the Education Team at the Cascades Raptor Center in Oregon.</strong></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="painting of a Mojave green rattlesnake coiled in front of a Mojave fishhook cactus" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Contributor_spotlight/LJMoore_GreenRattlesnakeArt.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: 800px; height: 725px;" /><br /> <em><strong>Mojave green rattlesnake and Mojave fishhook cactus: both seen near Rainbow Basin Natural Area, Barstow, California.</strong></em></p> <p>About the artist: LJ Moore-McClelland was born in Southern California and used to ditch school to go boogie boarding. Introduced to the Mojave Desert at a young age, she gained a deep love and respect for organisms able to thrive in extreme environments. Her adventures include sailing the arctic circle with a group of artists in 2013, and a 2010 residency at Marin Headlands Center for the Arts. She now lives in Marin County and is an avid naturalist and illustrator committed to documenting, celebrating, and preserving biodiversity.</p> <p>Many thanks to LJ for the beautiful artwork. Check out more of her content on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/xenofiles/" target="_blank"><img alt="link opens in new window" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/Shared/new-window-icon.gif" />@xenofiles</a>.</p> <p>If you, too are active on iNaturalist, we encourage you to share rare plant and animal observations with <a href="http://www.inaturalist.org/projects/california-natural-diversity-database" target="_blank"><img alt="link opens in new window" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/Shared/new-window-icon.gif" />CNDDB’s project</a>. And, as always, you can submit detection data directly to CNDDB via our <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data">Online Field Survey Form</a>.</p> Photo of the Month: Decemberhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/News/photo-of-the-month-december-2020Contributor SpotlightThu, 07 Jan 2021 13:06:25 GMTThe CNDDB showcases selected photo submissions received through the Online Field Survey Form each month. This is the December 2020 edition.<p><em><strong><img alt="Santa cruz long toed salamander on damp leaf litter" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Photo_of_the_Month/202012_Ambystoma_macrodactylum_croceum_Noah_Morales.jpg" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /><br /> Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum</strong></em> – Santa Cruz long-toed salamander<br /> Submitted by Noah Morales</p> <p>Noah spotted this juvenile Santa Cruz long-toed salamander crossing a road and some train tracks northwest of Watsonville in Santa Cruz county. This salamander sub-species is endemic to California and can be found under rocks, logs, or wood around the Monterey Bay coast in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. It is listed as endangered under both the federal Endangered Species Act and California Endangered Species Act, due to loss of habitat to land development. Adults spend most of their lives underground, using tunnels created by burrowing mammals to get around, only coming out during breeding season. These creatures may be tiny, but they are completely carnivorous! Their diet consists of small crustaceans, worms, spiders, and other invertebrates. Larger Santa Cruz long-toed salamander larvae have also been known to cannibalize smaller larvae. Currently, CNDDB has 26 occurrences across their native range. Many thanks to Noah for snapping a picture of such a rare and incredible species!</p> <p><em><strong><img alt="Veratrum fimbriatum flower stalk with buds and white lacy flowers " src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Photo_of_the_Month/202012_Veratrum_fimbriatum_Ayla_Mills.jpg" style="max-width: 600px; width: 100%" /><br /> Veratrum fimbriatum </strong></em>– fringed false-hellebore<br /> Submitted by Ayla Mills</p> <p>This month’s amazing find was discovered by Ayla Mills in Mendocino County. Ayla is an ecologist working for Prunuske Chatham, Inc. on natural resource assessment, vegetation monitoring, and reporting for parks and preserves throughout the North Bay. She shows her passion for California’s native plants through her experience in invasive plant research, native plant propagation, and her participation in California Native Plant Society conferences as well as Jepson Herbarium workshops.</p> <p><em>Veratrum fimbriatum</em> was first listed in the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants in 1974 and is currently considered a California Rare Plant Rank 4.3 species (plants of limited distribution; not very threatened in California). It is found growing in mesic bogs and fens, coastal scrub, meadows and seeps, as well as North Coast coniferous forests. The flowering structure is known as a panicle, meaning it has several branching points with flowers off each branching point. In <em>V. fimbriatum</em> the flowers are deeply fringed which is one of the defining characters for this species. These fringed blooms can be found in late summer from July through September. Thank you, Ayla, for sharing your amazing photo and the passion and experience you contribute to rare plant conservation!</p> Photo Of The Month: Novemberhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/News/photo-of-the-month-november-2020Contributor SpotlightTue, 08 Dec 2020 16:36:29 GMTThe CNDDB showcases selected photo submissions received through the Online Field Survey Form each month. This is the November 2020 edition.<p><em><strong><img alt="Newt standing among leaf litter on trail" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Photo_of_the_Month/202011_Taricha_rivularis_Sheila-McCarthy.JPG" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /><br /> Taricha rivularis</strong></em> – red-bellied newt<br /> Submitted by Sheila McCarthy</p> <p>Sheila was in eastern Sonoma county when she came across this critter crossing a trail. Red-bellied newts are a California Species of Special Concern and are endemic to California. You can find them in redwood and coastal forests from southern Humboldt county to Lake and Sonoma counties. There has also been an isolated population confirmed in Santa Clara county. They are mainly terrestrial but will breed in streams. When rain starts in the fall, adults will start to move around, find food, and eventually head to streams to reproduce. Red-bellied newts have poisonous secretions that come out of their skin to protect them from predation. If they are eaten in large quantities, they can kill most animals and even humans! However, their main predator, the common gartersnake, has a high resistance to tetrodotoxin and can consume them without harm. This newt species has an impressive longevity too – estimated between 20 and 30 years! Their diet consists of many types of invertebrates and they are usually active at night and late afternoon. Agriculture and urban development pose a threat because of the alteration and degradation of streams these processes require. The development of natural areas can also bring more vehicle traffic which poses a serious threat to this small species, especially during migrations to breeding areas. Currently, the CNDDB has 136 red-bellied newt occurrences throughout its range. Many thanks to Sheila for snapping a great shot of this tiny but mighty species!</p> <p><img alt="California sawgrass flowering in rocky ravine" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Photo_of_the_Month/202011_Cladium_californicum_Joy-England.jpeg" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /><br /> <em><strong>Cladium californicum </strong></em>– California sawgrass<br /> Submitted by Joy England</p> <p>This fascinating grass was discovered by Joy England and Duncan Bell in Inyo County. Joy and Duncan went out looking for this grass as part of California Botanic Garden’s effort, working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to conduct status assessments of native species considered at risk of decline. For any questions on the status assessment effort, please contact the principal investigator: Naomi Fraga, Director of Conservation Programs, California Botanic Garden at <a href="mailto:nfraga@calbg.org">nfraga@calbg.org</a>. <em>Cladium californicum</em> was first listed in the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants in 2006 and is currently on California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2 (plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere; moderately threatened in California). In California it is found growing in meadows, seeps and alkaline or freshwater marshes and swamps throughout the central coast and southern California. Outside of California it can be found across Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and as far east as Texas. Blooms of <em>C. californicum</em> can be found throughout the summer from June to September. Thank you Joy for your work checking on the status of this amazing grass and thanks to both Naomi and Joy for their continued work protecting California’s native plants!</p> <p>Do you have some great photos of rare plants or wildlife detections? Submit them along with your findings through our <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data">Online Field Survey Form</a> and see if your photos get showcased!</p> Photo of the Month: Octoberhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/News/photo-of-the-month-october-2020Contributor SpotlightTue, 10 Nov 2020 08:42:02 GMTThe CNDDB showcases selected photo submissions received through the Online Field Survey Form each month. This is the October 2020 edition.<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A closeup of a hand holding a very small western pond turtle that has retracted halfway into its shell." src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Photo_of_the_Month/202010_WPT.jpg" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /></p> <p><em><strong>Emys marmorata</strong></em> – western pond turtle<br /> Submitted by Zachary Abbey of Padre Inc.</p> <p>Zachary came across some juvenile western pond turtles along Santa Monica Creek in Santa Barbara County. This turtle species is endemic to the western United States ranging from the Puget Sound lowlands in Washington to Baja California. Western pond turtles are small to medium sized with brown and green coloring and black spotted pattern on their heads and legs. They spend almost their entire lives in or close to water, but don't be alarmed if you see one roaming on land! Western pond turtles sometimes leave their aquatic habitats to search for food, habitat, or mates. During the winter months, western pond turtles hibernate underwater and breathe underwater using the process of cloacal respiration. Cloacal respiration allows these turtles to pump water through the cloaca (located at the rear of the turtle) to sacs lined with blood vessels that act like gills. There, oxygen diffuses in and carbon dioxide is released. Western pond turtle populations face many threats including historical commercial harvests, wetland drainage projects, and invasive species like the red-eared slider and bullfrog. Currently, the CNDDB has 1398 mapped occurrences. Thank you, Zachary, for submitting this observation!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A split view of the whole Sierra bolandra plant on the left, and a closeup of the tiny bell-shaped flower on the right" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Photo_of_the_Month/202010_Bolandra_californica.jpg" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /></p> <p><em><strong>Bolandra californica</strong></em> – Sierra bolandra<br /> Submitted by Dana York</p> <p>This inconspicuous little flower was discovered by Dana along the Sierra Nevada mountains in Mariposa County. <em>Bolandra californica</em> was first listed in the 1974 first edition of the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants as rare but not endangered and is currently considered a California Rare Plant Rank 4.3 (limited distribution in California; not very threatened in California). It is found growing in rock crevices of montane coniferous forests throughout the central Sierra Nevada mountains. The flower grows in a panicle or branching flowering structure where the lowest or outermost flowers bloom before the highest or central flowers. These flowers can be seen blooming through the summer from May to August. Thank you, Dana, for this amazing find, and for all the work you do helping all the rare and endangered plants in California!</p> <p>Do you have some great photos of rare plants or wildlife detections? Submit them along with your findings through our <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data#lt-44524419-online-field-survey-form">Online Field Survey Form</a> and see if your photos get showcased!</p> Photo of the Month: Septemberhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/News/photo-of-the-month-september-2020Contributor SpotlightMon, 12 Oct 2020 10:36:02 GMTThe CNDDB showcases selected photo submissions received through the Online Field Survey Form each month. This is the September 2020 edition.<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A tiny vernal pool fairy shrimp on a burlap sack" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Photo_of_the_Month/202009_BRLY.jpg" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /></p> <p><em><strong>Branchinecta lynchi</strong> </em>–<em> </em>vernal pool fairy shrimp<br /> Submitted by Sean M. O’Brien of Helm Biological Consulting</p> <p>Sean discovered some vernal pool fairy shrimp in a vernal pool east of the city of Madera. These creatures may be tiny but have a large list of interesting features! They were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1994. They grow to be less than an inch in size and use their many legs to swim on their backs. These legs also aid in their breathing and feeding. They use their legs to free algae and plankton from the water body surfaces. They produce a thick gluey mixture and combine this with their food before eating it. Even with many legs, vernal pool fairy shrimp are defenseless and only live in temporary bodies of water where aquatic predators cannot survive. Vernal pool fairy shrimp are endemic to Oregon and California and have suffered population declines due to the destruction and degradation of vernal pools for the sake of urban and agricultural endeavors. Currently, the CNDDB has 791 vernal pool fairy shrimp occurrences that span from Shasta County to San Diego County. Great job, Sean, for capturing a picture of this tiny but mighty species!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A bright purple Jones' bush-mallow flower with velvety stem and leaves" src="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Photo_of_the_Month/202009_Malacothamnus_jonesii.jpg" style="max-width: 450px; width: 60%" /></p> <p><em><strong>Malacothamnus jonesii</strong></em> – Jones’ bush-mallow<br /> Submitted by Jason Dart and Kristen Anderson</p> <p>This mallow is a favorite of butterflies and pollinators as well as hummingbirds attracted by all the little insects. This, along with its velvety grey color, makes it a sought-after plant in native nurseries but it can also be found in the wild along the southern California coast in chaparral and cismontane woodland. Jason Dart and Kristen Anderson found the plant growing in the wild in San Luis Obispo County and submitted their observation to the CNDDB. <em>Malacothamnus jonesii</em> was originally listed in the 1974 first edition of the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants as rare but not endangered and is currently considered a California Rare Plant Rank 4.3 plant (limited distribution in California; not very threatened in California). These delicate pink flowers can be seen blooming from as early as March through the summer into October, so there is still a little time to see them. A very big thank you to both Jason and Kristen for all the important work you share and this awesome photo!</p> <p>Do you have some great photos of rare plants or wildlife detections? Submit them along with your findings through our <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data#lt-44524419-online-field-survey-form">Online Field Survey Form</a> and see if your photos get showcased!</p> Contributor Spotlight: Douglas Wirtzhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/News/contributor-spotlight-douglas-wirtzContributor SpotlightTue, 22 Sep 2020 12:33:25 GMTThe CNDDB would like to feature Douglas Wirtz on our Contributor Spotlight, where we take time to thank data submitters for all their work in helping the CNDDB better represent the rare species we track.<p>Douglas contributed a great photo for the upcoming second edition of the Atlas of the Biodiversity of California. We wanted to find out more about his connection to nature photography.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A field filled with wildflowers." src="/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Contributor_spotlight/DouglasWirtzField.jpg" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /></p> <p><strong><em>Your CalPhotos bio mentions that you are a volunteer and photographer with the Solano Land Trust. Can you tell us a little bit more about the work you do for them?</em></strong></p> <p>Since joining the Solano Land Trust as a volunteer I’ve hiked and photographed roughly 12,000 acres of nature preserves. I’m also certified as a docent and lead tours at Jepson Prairie Preserve.</p> <p><strong><em>Your wildlife and plant photos are incredible! How did you learn this skill, and come into this line of work?</em></strong></p> <p>I purchased my first digital camera after retirement as we planned a trip to Arizona for spring training. While in Scottsdale I began photographing the Sonoran Desert flora. When we returned home I researched and began photographing the Jepson Prairie Preserve, 1566 acres of remnant vernal pool habitat. From the first visit I found the diminutive yet colorful flora a fascinating subject.</p> <p>After a spring hiking season, shooting only in the public area and remaining on the trail, I approached the land trust with an interest in accessing the complete preserve. Once they met me and saw prints of my photos, they granted access with two provisos. The first was to attend docent training instruction and the second was a request to photograph all their preserves, to which I immediately agreed.</p> <p><strong><em>Do you have any favorite plants or animals you’ve encountered in your explorations?</em></strong></p> <p>The most common species of vernal pool flora, and my favorite, are the <i>Downingia</i>. There are 19 rare flora and invertebrates at Jepson Prairie. The most significant of these is the Delta green ground beetle (<i>Elaphrus viridis</i>) which was first observed in 1878. After ‘disappearing’ it was presumed extinct but was rediscovered in 1974 by a UC Davis student.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A small and shiny green beetle on wet soil." src="/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Contributor_spotlight/DouglasWirtzBeetle.jpg" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /></p> <p><strong><em>What is your most indispensable tool or piece of gear when taking photos out in the field?</em></strong></p> <p>My camera backpack weighs about 16 pounds with just about anything I need. If I had to choose, it would actually be two items: a decent-quality, digital SLR camera body; and a good-quality lens. There are a lot of specialty lenses, some quite expensive, but you can take some remarkable pictures with practically any lens. One of the best bird photos I’ll likely ever record was taken with a 60 mm macro lens when the subject was close at hand, but a more appropriate lens was 100 feet away.</p> <p><strong><i>Can you give any words of advice or encouragement to aspiring nature photographers?</i></strong></p> <p>Becoming a photographer requires a camera and the operator. Most every photographer begins with an inexpensive camera and a desire to take great pictures. Don’t expect to be an expert when you begin. My best advice would be to start shooting a lot of photos. If you see something you find interesting take more than a single photo. The beauty of digital photography is that you can see your shot instantly, adjust, and retake until you get your settings right.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The underside of an egret soaring through the sky with its wings outstretched." src="/Portals/0/Images/BDB/CNDDB/News/Contributor_spotlight/DouglasWirtzEgret.jpg" style="max-width: 800px; width: 100%" /></p> <p>Want to practice your photo skills? Submit your sightings of rare plants and animals on our <a href="/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data#44524419-online-field-survey-form">Online Field Survey Form</a>. Your photos could be featured as our next Photo of the Month!</p>