Big Sur Vegetation and Wildlife

The Big Sur coastline offers a wide range of vegetation and wildlife. Learn about Elephant Seals, Sea Lions, Condors, Monarks, Whales, Redwoods, Oak, Chaparral and more.

Vegetation

Six major vegetation types (chaparral, oak and pine woodlands, riparian woodlands, redwood and tanbark-oak woodlands, and coast brush) can be distinguished in the Big Sur area, with different plants and animals specializing in each habitat.

Living relatively undisturbed by man, a plethora of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians call the area home. Consult a good field guide for a complete listing.

Big Sur Wildlife

MAMMALS Several bats, myotis, rabbits, ground squirrels, mice, coyotes, ringtails, badgers, spotted and striped skunks, mountain lions, bobcats, mule deer, gray fox, wild boar (introduced from Europe), shrews, woodrats, raccoons, gophers, weasels.

BIRDS Many hawks, eagles, condors, kestrels, pigeons, mourning doves, owls, flickers, woodpeckers, swallows, jays, ravens, bluebirds, warblers, grosbeaks, kingfishers, flycatchers, nuthatches, dippers, thrushes, viereos, orioles, goldfinches.

REPTILES Lizards, whiptails and snakes, including gopher snakes, common kingsnakes, western rattlesnakes, garter snakes, rubber boas.

AMPHIBIANS Arboreal salamander, California newt, western toad.

MARINE LIFE The ocean off the coast of Big Sur is designated a Marine Sanctuary and Sea Otter Refuge. The kelp beds, offshore rockes and waters are home to an abundant marine ecosystem that is nourished by the cool and nutrient-filled California current. Sea lions, harbor seals, elephant seals, whales, sea otters, and sharks can be spotted off the rocky coastline. Many varieties of sea birds and waterfowl also call it home, including seagulls, cormorants, willets, sandpipers, oystercatchers, guillemots and many others.

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