fauna
A term used to describe all native animal life within a specific region, habitat, or time. This includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, spiders, and other invertebrates.
In ecological contexts, fauna is often discussed alongside flora, the plant life of an area, to describe the whole community of organisms that shape a local ecosystem.
In the Santa Cruz Mountains, native fauna includes species such as the California Newt, Acorn Woodpecker, Dusky-footed Woodrat, Bobcat, and Mountain Lion, along with a wide diversity of native bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.
Recognizing local fauna helps deepen our connection to the place and supports efforts to restore ecological balance in native habitats.
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