Tag: California

Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris)

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Along the picturesque shores of the Bay Area in California lives an endangered population of Southern Sea Otters, a keystone species native to the California coastline. Sea Otters help maintain the balance in the vital kelp forest ecosystems by controlling the population of sea urchins that would otherwise wreak havoc in these forests. They also serve an essential function by being extremely cute and holding hands while they sleep.

Unlike other marine mammals, Sea Otters lack blubber and depend on their thick fur coat to maintain their body temperature. They require an immense amount of energy to regulate their body temperature and thus need to consume 20-30% of their body mass. If you encounter them in while in the ocean, maintain your distance and let them rest so they can be nice and warm!

Chollas (Cylindropuntia)

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Giant Cholla specimen

Cholla with Joshua Trees

Chollas, not to be confused with the Chola dynasty, are a genus of cactus native to northern Mexico and southwestern United States. Known for their barbed spines, they will stick to your clothes/skin. Some species of Chollas form hollow driftwoods with holes along them which are used a lot in aquariums to provide shelter for fishes.

Big and little one

Cholla stands are called Cholla gardens, a particularly famous one can be found in Joshua Tree National Park. I was particularly excited to visit it, but I found the garden flooded by visitors casually walking off trail amongst the plants, destroying young plants and compacting soil, ensuring long-term damage. While I blame the visitors for the bad behaviour, the fact that NPS does not control crowds is a shame.