Santa Cruz Island
Ecosystem Overview
The Santa Cruz Island ecosystem supports 100 documented wildlife species across 88 taxonomic genera. Located in santa barbara county, california, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 21 frequently observed species and 19 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. This location ranks #2 for species diversity among 12 santa barbara county County natural areas, placing it in the 83th percentile for biodiversity.
Biodiversity Highlights
Species Distribution
Regional Context
Most Common Species
Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 100 total documented species.
Semicossyphus pulcher
California Sheephead
Halichoeres semicinctus
Rock wrasse
Embiotoca jacksoni
Black Perch
Paralabrax clathratus
Sea bass
Chromis punctipinnis
Blacksmith
Oxyjulis californica
Hypsypops rubicundus
garibaldi
Rhacochilus vacca
Pile Seaperch
Sebastes atrovirens
Kelp rockfish
Aphelocoma insularis
Island Scrub-Jay
Rhus integrifolia
lemonadeberry
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
purple sea urchin
Mesocentrotus franciscanus
red sea urchin
Uta stansburiana
Side-blotched Lizard
Patiria miniata
Ceanothus arboreus
Catalina mountain-lilac
Rhacochilus toxotes
Rubberlip seaperch
Eriogonum arborescens
Island buckwheat
Sebastes serriceps
Treefish
Neobernaya spadicea
chestnut cowrie
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Nearby Wildlife Areas in Santa Barbara County
Discover 8 other wildlife-rich locations near Santa Cruz Island. Each offers unique biodiversity and wildlife viewing opportunities.
🌿 Premier Wildlife Areas (3 nearby)
🌱 Specialized Habitats (1 nearby)
📍 Explore These Areas (4 nearby)
Regional Wildlife Network
These nearby locations complement Santa Cruz Islandwithin Santa Barbara County's wildlife network. Species counts reflect documented observations and help identify the most biodiverse areas for your nature explorations.