ISLA
GUADALUPE |
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Location: |
Nearctic | |||
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Biome: |
Volcanic Islands | |||
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Size: |
Protected Area : 3 030 km2 | |||
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Status: |
Critical/ Endangered | |||
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General: |
Island of volcanic origin 145 miles off shore of Baja California Norte. Island is 35km wide, its highest point 1300 m. Width 5 - 10 km. | |||
| Special: |
The only reproduction zone of Guadalupe fur
seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) in the world. One of the most important
areas of reproduction of many other marine mammals. |
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Climate: |
2 principal types of climate: * very arid semi- hot climate (0 - 800 m) with mean annual temperature in between 18 - 22°C * very arid, temperate climate (above 800 m) with temperatures over 22°C in the hottest month of the year. Most precipitation over the winter months with strong influence of NW winds and cyclones. |
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Fauna: |
Important area of concentration of marine fauna,
especially marine mammals. High level of endemism (birds, mammals,
mollusc.) Important species: Contopus pertinax, Parus gambeli, Mirounga angustirostris, Phoca vitulina, Arctocephalus townsendi, Zalophus californianus, Enhydra lutris, Carcharodon carcharias |
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Flora: |
Of
168 known species of vascular plants more than 50% are endemic! 2 endemic genera Baeriopsis , Hesperaloea |
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Dangers: |
95% of the area has been eroded by goats imported by whalers. Loss of habitat due to this erosion and presence of invasive species have catastrophic impact on the original ecosystem. |
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