Chaparral Yuccas (Hesperoyucca whipplei)

If you have been hitting the trails recently, it is likely you have come across a plant with a towering white stalk of flowers, reaching twice your height or more. These impressive inflorescences belong to the Chaparral Yucca, more nobly known as “Our Lord’s Candle”, or Hesperoyucca whipplei in the scientific sense. Classified as an agave in the asparagus family, this sharp-leaved, unusual looking plant hardly resembles something that you would steam and eat with your dinner. Although the asparagus family contains thousands of species, many of which are not edible, the Chaparral yucca does in fact have edible parts. Although it is rarely eaten in the present day, several Native American tribes consumed the rosettes, immature pods, flowering stalks, and flowers. The roots are hardly if not ever consumed, but often mistaken for the “yuca”, or cassava root, a completely unrelated plant that serves as a staple in the diet of many tropical nations.

Chaparral Yucca can be found as far North as Monterey and Fresno Counties, south into Mexico, and east into Arizona. It favors habitats on the warmer side, and is one of the most common species in coastal sage scrub and Chaparral. Additionally it can be found in lower densities in deserts, creosote bush scrub, dry woodlands, and yellow pine forest. This hardy plant is highly tolerant of dry, rocky soils, and can even be spotted springing out of some very craggy, inhospitable looking rock formations. The way in which it juts out from the surrounding vegetation creates a striking contrast that can make for some intriguing hiking scenery. A similar species, the Century Plant, is often confused with the Chaparral Yucca. This relative of the Chaparral Yucca does not live nearly as long as its name suggests, rather only a meager 10-30 years. It can be distinguished from the Chaparral Yucca most easily by its height, as it grows to be much taller: up to twenty-six feet high.

Although the Chaparral Yucca can establish itself on very dry soils, its bloom is dependent upon the amount of rainfall received that season. In particularly dry years, no Chaparral Yuccas may flower at all. Most Chaparral Yuccas are “monocarpic”, meaning that they flower for one season and then die. However, there are a handful of subspecies of Chaparral Yucca recognized, and some of these subspecies appear to be “polycarpic”, or flowering many seasons before dying. It takes a Chaparral Yucca at least four years to reach maturity and flower. Flowering occurs most often from April through June, although it may occur as early as February and as late as July. This season, although dryer than average, has provided enough precipitation for a modest display of Chaparral Yucca flowers. For those nature-inclined individuals and outdoor enthusiasts, now is the time to see these impressive plants in the height of their bloom.

Curiously, there has only been one animal reported to pollinate Chaparral Yuccas: the California Yucca Moth (Tegeticula maculata). This tiny moth has a mutualistic relationship with these plants, in which the moth facilitates the reproduction of the plant, and in return the plant provides a source of food for the moth’s young. At nighttime, an adult female Yucca Moth will collect pollen from the flower of one Chaparral Yucca, fly to a flower of another, and lay a handful of eggs in the flower’s ovary. After carefully depositing her eggs, she deposits pollen on the stigma of the same flower in which she laid her eggs, ensuring fertilization. Her eggs will soon hatch and the voracious larvae will now have a plentiful food source to sustain them until pupation: the seeds produced by the pollinated yucca flower. The moth takes care to lay just enough eggs so as to not deplete the plant’s seed supply. In a few short weeks, the larvae will drop to the ground, bury themselves, and form cocoons. They will remain underground in the pupal stage until the following spring, when they will emerge in their fully-grown moth form and start the cycle all over again. In some years with inadequate rainfall and no flowering yuccas, the moths will not emerge from underground and remain dormant until a following season.

Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

In addition to sustaining the California Yucca Moth, Chaparral Yuccas provide a source of food to various birds and mammals of Southern California. The Dusky-Footed Woodrat, a nocturnal “packrat” known for making large, domed nests out of sticks, twigs, and leaves, often feeds on the fruit of Chaparral Yuccas. Mule deer may feast upon the flowers and flower stalks in some areas. If you are feeling particularly adventurous and have an urge to taste the flowers on this plant, be warned; they are quite bitter. The Native Americans boiled the flowers to remove the bitterness and make them more palatable.

Works Cited:

Agave Americana. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www.calflora.org/cgi- bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=9006. Accessed 5/14/12.

Gucker, Corey L. 2012. Hesperoyucca whipplei, H. newberyyi. Fire Effects Information System. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/hesspp/all.html

Hesperoyucca whipplei. Calflora Taxon Report. http://www. calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=9995. Accessed 5/9/12.

Moisset, Beatriz. 2010. Yucca Moths (Tegeticula Sp.) U.S. Forest Service: Celebrating Wildflowers. http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of- the-month/yucca_moths.shtml

Plant Guide: Chaparral Yucca. United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and UC Davis Arboretum. http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_yuwh.pdf. Accessed 5/9/12

Tirmenstein, D. A. 1989. Yucca Whipplei. All Refer. http://reference.allrefer.com/wildlife-plants- animals/plants/shrub/yucwhi/all.html

Page 1: Quiz        Wildlife Activity Book pg1

PAge 2: Quiz       activity book page2

Page 3: Word Search    Word Search

Page 4: Crossword      Crossword Puzzle

Wildlife Activity Book Answer Key

Page 1

Page 2

Explorer Level

Page 4

Crossword Puzzle

Across:                                                                     Down:

5. Osprey                                                                 1. Crocodile

6. Scorpion                                                              2. Fruit

7. Deer                                                                      3. Migration

8. Pride                                                                    4. Poison Oak

11. Whale                                                                9. Chimpanzee

12. Owl                                                                     10. Rattlesnake

14. Amphibian                                                      11. Wetland

16. Omnivore                                                         13. Venomous

17. Exoskeleton                                                    15. Howl

18. Evergreen

The event will be held from 11am to 4pm at Conejo Creek Park North, 1379 E. Janss Road, behind the Thousand Oaks Library.

We hope to see you there!

http://www.toaks.org/government/depts/public_works/environmental/events/arbor_earth_day_2012.asp

Funds generated from book sales go towards providing schools, youth groups, and camps with opportunities to experience the wilderness firsthand.  Please contact us for more information.

This past Monday, February 27^th the Calabasas Environmental Commission, California Wildlife Center, Project Coyote, and the National Parks Service hosted “Coyote Education Night” in the Founders Hall of the Calabasas Public Library.  The issue of coexistence between coyotes and Calabasas residents has been a hot topic as of late.  Some residents, fearful for their pets and human safety, have been pushing for a thinning of the coyote population in the area.  In October 2011, however, the city banned the trapping of coyotes and focused its efforts on a management plan that promoted education, awareness, and minor lifestyle modifications.  “Coyote Education Night”, served to educate residents about the city’s coyote management plan, and empower them with the knowledge and resources for protection.

The program’s introductory statement that we must learn to live with coyotes since we moved into their territory set the tone for the evening.  A few myths and misconceptions about coyote attacks on people and pets were dispelled with statistics from recent years.  Particularly eye-opening was the comparison between attacks on humans by dogs and by coyotes.  Dog attacks on humans occurred at a drastically higher frequency than coyote attacks, the latter being infinitesimal.  Additionally, pet fatalities due to coyotes were surprisingly low.

Coyote (Canis latrans)

The first guest speaker was Dr. Seth Riley, Assistant Adjunct Professor of UCLA’s Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program and Wildlife Ecologist at the National Parks Service.  Dr. Riley introduced his study on the impacts of fragmentation and urbanization on carnivores in the greater Los Angeles area, and offered some background information on the life history of carnivore species.  Carnivores, being wide-ranging and requiring a large amount of space, are particularly sensitive to habitat fragmentation.  Dr. Riley’s study has been delving into the question of how coyotes and other carnivores are using the landscape.  Drawing on data gathered from 110 radio-collared coyotes, his findings indicate that though coyotes do utilize urbanized areas, two-thirds of their home ranges occur in natural habitat.  Furthermore, coyotes utilizing developed areas are most active during nighttime hours.  Particularly interesting was the finding that fruit comprised a fairly large component of a coyote’s diet.

Cindy Reyes, Executive Director of the California Wildlife Center, was second to speak.  Reyes pointed out how many incidents of coyotes venturing onto people’s property are the results of unintentional feeding of the coyotes.  Common coyote attractants include pet food left outdoors, food provided to feral cat colonies, fruit trees, accessible trash and compost, and bird feeders.  Since fruit comprises a significant percent of a coyote’s diet, Reyes recommends picking all ripe fruit and clearing the ground of fallen fruit to prevent attracting coyotes onto one’s property.  Bird feeders, as harmless as they may seem, are potentially problematic, as spilled seed often attracts rats, which in turn attract coyotes.  Additionally, even water sources such as pools, hot tubs, and pet water dishes can draw coyotes to one’s property, especially in summer months.  Covering pools and keeping pet dishes indoors often ameliorates the problem.

Pets are a major attractant of coyotes to residential properties, however simple steps can be taken to ensure pets’ safety.  Building on Dr. Riley’s findings that coyotes tend to roam developed areas during nighttime hours, Reyes advises limiting pet activity outdoors at these times as well as at dawn and dusk.  If a pet must be left outside, it should be confined in a sturdy, roofed enclosure that is secured at the ground.  Coyotes are great jumpers and can easily clear any fence less than six feet high, so in order to completely exclude coyotes from a property, a fence of a minimum of six feet is recommended. Additionally, it is recommended to extend the fence below ground at least six inches to prevent coyotes from gaining access by digging.

Many residents have expressed concern about being approached by coyotes when walking their dogs or walking alone.  Reyes provided advice on the best approach to take if a coyote encounter occurs.  She recommends keeping all dogs on a leash and picking up small dogs in the presence of a coyote.  Since turning and running may trigger a coyote’s predatory instinct to chase, it is advisable to stand your ground and maintain eye contact with an approaching coyote.  Since coyotes are naturally fearful of humans, making exaggerated and aggressive movements accompanied by loud noises should ward them off.

Camilla H. Fox, Founder and Executive Director of Project Coyote, concluded the program by elaborating on techniques to ward off coyotes.  Coyote hazing, a non-lethal wildlife management tool that aims to teach coyotes that humans are dangerous, was explored in detail.  Hazing works to reinstate the animal’s natural fear of humans, which may be lost in some individuals due to human actions that encourage coyotes to approach human habitation.  Hazing does not involve harming the coyote, but instead involves making noise and creating an unpleasant situation for the animal.  Hazing can involve clanking pots and pans, yelling, clapping, spraying the animal with a garden hose or a squirt gun with vinegar, utilizing noise making devices, and deploying motion-activated lights.  If a coyote is seen in a developed area it is advisable to use hazing to discourage the animal from frequenting the area.  Hazing should not be used on a coyote in its natural environment, however.

Coyote Education Night received a turnout so large that additional chairs had to be gathered from other rooms.  Although attendees represented both sides of the dispute over the management plan, the night proved to be a success, empowering residents with valuable information and advice on how to coexist in “coyote country.”

Please visit Havasi Wilderness Foundation’s website for more wildlife news and information: www.havasiwf.org

For more information on coyotes and the organizations represented at Coyote Education Night, refer to the following links:

http://www.projectcoyote.org/

http://www.cawildlife.org/

http://www.urbancarnivores.com/

http://www.cityofcalabasas.com/pdf/agendas/environmental/090611/item2-attachment-3.pdf

Photograph by Sandor Havasi, Havasi Wilderness Foundation

By Madison Most

It was a mild and clear winter day some two or three years ago. I had set out on a hike with a friend in Malibu’s renowned Escondido Falls trail, just off Pacific Coast Highway near Point Dume. A well-traveled trail, Escondido Falls did not present us with many wildlife species that day other than a couple of squirrels and a few crows. Right as we were nearing the end of the trail and about to re-enter the access road, a cacophony of squawks echoed through the canyon. Overhead, a flock of some ten or fifteen iridescent green birds fluttered about in a rather raucous and ungainly fashion. From their vibrant plumage, brash vocals, and distinctive body shape it was indisputable that they were parrots. But a flock of wild parrots? In Southern California?

I was actually quite excited to catch a glimpse of these infamous birds that I had heard tales of from friends and acquaintances. They had become somewhat of an urban legend in the LA area. No one could tell me however, how they arrived here or how they managed to survive and procreate in a land far from their home.

As a child I had always associated parrots with rainforests and other tropical places. It turns out that parrots, a group of 372 species comprising the order Psittaciformes, are found around the world in tropical and subtropical regions. A few select species, however, occupy alpine and temperate regions including the kea and kakapo of New Zealand. The United States once boasted its own native parrot: the now-extinct Carolina Parakeet. Yet the only parrots that called California home were the ones with clipped wings, complacently perched on large sticks with their cage doors open, playing with toys and mimicking human voices. However in the 1960’s, that changed. Around that time people started reporting sightings of flocks of green parrots in various urban and suburban areas of Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Today there are thirteen different species of parrots living free in Southern California.

Almost anywhere you go, domestic animals will escape or be released from captivity from time to time. If the animal is lucky and resourceful enough, it will manage to live out the rest of its life in the wild. It is not often that it encounters another escaped individual of the same species and is able to reproduce. So now, some fifty years later, how is it that we are still seeing wild parrots in Southern California? Did numerous people keep these birds as pets and coincidentally, enough of them escaped and managed to find each other and procreate? To some degree, yes, but if that were the only source of these wild parrots the flocks would be much smaller and some would not even exist. Many people believe that a few large-scale release incidents contributed to the proliferation of these birds.

The first suspected large-scale release incident was the Bel Air district fire of 1961. Many residents of the area engaged in aviculture, or the practice of keeping and caring for birds, many of them exotic. It was reported that homeowners and firefighters set the birds free in their haste to evacuate the homes. The escapees, being mainly Yellow-Headed Parrots (Amazona oratrix) are suspected to have formed the local population of that area.

Many residents of the San Fernando Valley attribute the flocks of parrots to the late Busch Gardens theme park at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Van Nuys. This theme park, which drew in patrons with free beer, bumper cars, a lagoon boat ride, live entertainment, and a bird sanctuary amidst its tropical oasis atmosphere, operated from 1966 to 1977. The bird sanctuary, with over 1500 birds of some 180 different species, became very popular among families. Eventually the rides were shut down to cut costs, yet the bird sanctuary prevailed. When the United States government seized a flock of 250 Amazon parrots smuggled from Mexico, the sanctuary was deemed a perfect new home for the birds. However, in 1979 the popularity of the birds dwindled while that of the beer continued to grow. Anheuser-Busch eventually decided to end the bird sanctuary’s stint at the park and use the land to expand the brewing operation. Therefore, the birds had to be shipped off to new homes, including the LA Zoo and several East Coast Busch Garden theme parks. Some thirty years later, however, Amazon parrots can be seen and heard all over the San Fernando Valley, although no one is quite sure how they made their way out of the park. Some speculate that several of the birds, born in the wild and eager to fly free again, departed the sanctuary on their own accord by prying the cage bars with their powerful beaks. Others believe that perhaps there were some leftover birds when the sanctuary shut down who became too burdensome to find new homes for.

How the parrots emerged from captivity and formed wild flocks is less perplexing than the question of how they have been so successful and their populations have continued to grow. To put it simply, how would birds adapted to life in a tropical environment survive and proliferate in a Mediterranean climate? The answer is, they wouldn’t. However, Southern California’s Mediterranean ecosystems are far from pristine. Most have been fragmented and altered by cities, agriculture, and highways, or invaded by foreign plant and animal species. Southern California residents’ affinity for lush landscaping and horticulture have made it possible for these tropical parrots to survive. The parrots are opportunistic feeders, meaning that they utilize a variety of food sources; often ones that they would not encounter in their native habitat. Non-native fruit and nut trees have provided an ample food source for them, while palm trees, American sweetgum, Silver-leaf maple, and Sycamore trees have served as safe nesting sites.

Many Southern California residents are amused and intrigued by the parrots, and enjoy having them around. One of the dangers of a naturalized exotic animal however, is its potential to become invasive. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines an invasive species as “ a species that is non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration, and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” Many people have speculated as to whether these naturalized parrots pose a threat to the native ecosystems. Although these birds are not sufficiently studied, so far it appears that they are a benign addition to the natural habitat. No ill effects on native vegetation and bird species have been reported in response to the introduction and population growth of the wild parrots. This is most likely due to the fact that the birds sustain themselves off introduced plant species, and therefore do not utilize many resources from the native habitat. It so appears that these quirky little critters may be here to stay for years to come. Curiously, two of the species, the Red-crowned Parrot and Yellow-headed Parrot, are endangered in their native habitat. Perhaps they have found a safe haven in which to rescue their species here in the urban jungle of Southern California.

The parrots can be spotted virtually throughout Southern California, however flocks have been known to frequent particular areas. High concentrations have been reported in Pasadena, Arcadia, Redlands, Riverside, San Bernardino, Malibu, Palos Verdes, Van Nuys, Northridge, Bel Air, Brentwood, San Gabriel Valley, Ventura, Redondo Beach, Long Beach, and San Diego. The best time for viewing is around sunset in the winter months when flocks congregate at roosting sites.

Visit Havasi Wilderness Foundation’s webpage for more interesting information, images, and news about our local wildlife.

www.havasiwf.org

Works Cited

Curtis, Aaron. Question of How Wild Parrots Flew the Coop is up in the Air. LA Times April 9th 1991.  http://articles.latimes.com/1991-04-09/news/mn-205_1_wild-parrots

Duncan, Steve. Wild Parrots of California. Avian Resources. www.avianresources.com/Wild_Parrots.htm

Garrett, K.L. 1997. Population status and distribution of naturalized parrots in southern California. Western Birds 28: 181-195.

Hardy, J.W. 1973. Feral exotic birds in southern California. Wilson Bull 85: 506-512.

What is an Invasive Species? United States Department of Agriculture: National Invasive Species Information Center, September 21st 2011. www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/whatis.shtml

Williams-Ross, Lindsay.  LAistory: Busch Gardens in Van Nuys, July 18th 2009. http://laist.com/2009/07/18/laistory_busch_gardens_in_van_nuys.php

Photograph by Sandor Havasi, Havasi Wilderness Foundation