Читать книгу Hiking & Backpacking Big Sur. Your complete guide to the trails of Big Sur, Ventana Wilderness, and Silver Peak Wilderness онлайн

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REPTILES Gopher snake, western rattlesnake, yellow-bellied racer, ringneck snake, alligator lizard, and western fence lizard.

Oak Woodland

Majestic oak woodlands form some of Big Sur’s most picturesque, enchanting forests. The southern region shelters centuries-old blue and valley oaks, while coastal slopes are studded with sprawling coast live oaks draped with lacy lichens. The most common trees are coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), blue oak (Quercus douglasii), California black oak (Quercus kelloggii), valley oak (Quercus lobata), and canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis). Oak woodlands vary from dense forests to grassy savannas, and plants from neighboring communities often occupy the understory.

Unfortunately, tens of thousands of tanoaks, coast live oaks, and black oaks between Big Sur and the Oregon border are dying from sudden oak death. Researchers have isolated a previously unknown fungal species they believe causes the disease. This pathogen is a member of the genus Phytophthora (Latin for plant destroyer) and is related to species blamed for such agricultural plagues as the Irish potato famine. Scientists are conducting far-ranging research to determine how the fungus spreads and how it can be stopped. It’s critical to slow the spread of the fungus by preventing the movement of infected leaves, wood, and soil. Visitors to Big Sur’s oak woodlands should clean their tires, shoes, and animals’ feet thoroughly before leaving the area.