S a n t a   S u s a n a   M t n s.
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S i e r r a   M a d r e

This connection between the Sierra Madre Range and the Santa Susana Mountains is part of a chain of linkages from the coastal Santa Monica Mountains to inland ranges.  The vegetation is dominated by coastal sage scrub and chaparral, with scattered groves of oak woodland and walnut woodland on north facing slopes and in ravines, and riparian communities along drainages.  The Santa Clara River is a prominent feature of the linkage, bisecting these ranges.  Some of the focal species chosen as habitat connectivity indicators include Chalcedon checkerspot butterfly, Western toad, Southern steelhead trout, Mule deer, Badger, and Mountain lion.  A number of listed species have also been recorded in the linkage, such as Arroyo toad, least Bell’s vireo, and yellow-billed cuckoo.