An endemic and elusive Catalina Island Shrew was spotted by wildlife conservationists for the first time in more than 15 years, it was announced Wednesday.

https://timesofsandiego.com/life/2021/01/06/feared-extinct-catalina-island-shrew-caught-on-camera-by-researchers/amp/

The Zoonomia Project is investigating the genomics of shared and specialized traits in eutherian mammals. Here we provide genome assemblies for 131 species, of which all but 9 are previously uncharacterized, and describe a whole-genome alignment of 240 species of considerable phylogenetic diversity, comprising representatives from more than 80% of mammalian families.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2876-6

Did you know the Bay Area is home to more than 16 species of bats? That makes our slice of Northern California one of the most diverse areas in the country for bat watching.

https://www.7x7.com/amp/where-to-go-bat-watching-in-the-bay-area-2096256783

The National Park Service’s proposed plan for Point Reyes National Seashore would preserve ranching and cull tule elk within the park’s boundaries.

https://api.nationalgeographic.com/distribution/public/amp/animals/2020/09/tule-elk-culled-under-point-reyes-proposal

An Illustrated Guide to Northern California Nature
by Jane Kim!

https://baynature.org/article/bay-nature-almanac-fall-2020/

The National Park Service released a management plan amendment today for Point Reyes National Seashore that would enshrine commercial cattle ranching in the California park at the expense of native wildlife and natural habitat. It also calls for the killing of native tule elk and would authorize new agricultural uses that will put other wildlife at risk.

https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/park-service-finalizes-disastrous-point-reyes-plan-kill-native-wildlife-prioritize-commercial-livestock-grazing-2020-09-18/

Celebrate California’s Natural Beauty!

Join us and our partners for a weeklong celebration of California Biodiversity Day, September 5 – 13.

https://www.sdnhm.org/blog/blog_details/california-biodiversity-week-2020/154/

Celebrate California Biodiversity Day 2020 at a National Wildlife Refuge. Visit a National Wildlife Refuge in California from September 5-13 and record any animals or plants you observe using the iNaturalist app.

Founded by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 and administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Refuge System is a diverse network of lands and waters dedicated to conserving America’s rich fish and wildlife heritage. Within California, 40 refuges across the state provide habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunties for people. To locate a refuge near you, go to https://www.fws.gov/refuges/visit/.

Due to the COVID19 pandemic, this is a self-led bioblitz. Although most refuge and hatchery lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we encourage you to:

Review our state-by-state update page and check local refuge and hatchery conditions before
visiting
Follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups
Wear a cloth face mask/covering over the nose and mouth, especially when social distancing is
difficult
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/california-biodiversity-day-2020-usfws-national-wildlife-refuges

This year, we are excited to have many partners joining us to host California Biodiversity Day events from September 5 to September 13. Please check out the events below to see how you can participate in celebrating California Biodiversity Day 2020!

https://resources.ca.gov/biodiversityday2020

This year is the second celebration of California Biodiversity Day, which takes place every Sept 7th. Check out one of the iNaturalist projects planned for Sept 5-13th to learn more about California's unique biodiversity!

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/california-biodiversity-day-events-2020