California's Diverse Lands, Waters, and Wildlife

California's landscape includes deserts, mountain ranges, wetlands, woodlands, and 1,100 miles of coastline. It provides habitat for more than 391 bird species, 222 mammals, 160 reptiles and amphibians, and 116 freshwater fishes.

Clapper Rail
Clapper rail/Jeremy Rowell

California's Planning Approach

The California wildlife action plan was developed as a reference for conservationists and the general public alike. The action plan is based on an ecosystem approach that recognizes the interdependence of multiple species and their habitats. The action plan also considers the needs of select species inhabiting a particular region of the state.

The action plan is organized into nine geographic regions. To complement the plan, a user-friendly web-site was created to provide conservationists with digital maps depicting the regions of the state where various species are found.

Key Issues for California's Fish and Wildlife

San Joaquin Kit fox
San Joaquin kit fox/
Jeremy Rowell

The California action plan identifies five key issues:

  1. Integrating wildlife conservation into local land-use decisions
  2. Restoring and connecting riparian habitats
  3. Providing essential water for wildlife
  4. Controlling invasive species
  5. expanding conservation education
Get In Touch

California Department of Fish & Game

Contact: Kevin Hunting, Chief, Habitat Conservation Planning Branch
1416 Ninth Street
Sacramento, CA 72205
Phone: 916.653.9767

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