Big Pine Mountain Research Natural Area Establishment Record
| Published: | November 29, 2004 |
Abstract
A part of the South Coast Ranges of California, and more specifically part of the San Rafael Mountains, Big Pine Mountain has one of the few well-developed examples of Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest in this ecological province. The island-like mixed conifer forest at Big Pine Mountain are separated from similar forest on Madulce Peak and Pine Mountain (also known as Reyes Peak, a part of the Transverse Range) by about 5 and 16 miles (8 and 26 km), respectively. Mixed conifer forests are limited to the elevations above 5100 ft (1555 m) and are diverse and variable topographically and compositionally.
The area is also notable for being adjacent to one of the last regular nesting localities of the California condor. Until 1986, condors were regularly seen in the area. Other sensitive species and species of special concern known from the area include the spotted owl, Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, golden eagle, prairie falcon, purple martin, yellow warbler and the peregrine falcon.