Cabrillo National Monument - Animals

Cabrillo National Monument by National Parks Service

Cabrillo National Monument (NM) supports a diversity of animal life. Not only is there life on the peninsula, but also in the adjacent Pacific Ocean. All of these animals have adapted to the changing temperatures and weather conditions of the coastal sage scrub habitat and the ocean habitat. There are temperature changes in the water, some (such as El Niño) which can cause significant changes to ocean life. The temperature differences on land are not extreme from season to season, but the changes in rainfall are and the lack of rain in the summer has led to some amazing adaptations.

The terrestrial animals at Cabrillo NM thrive in a dry environment with cool breezes coming off the cold ocean currents. Reptiles and amphibians can coexist in this habitat because of the mix of hot temperatures and moist air in this habitat. There are both diurnal and nocturnal animals; some prefer the warmth of the day, while others prefer the cool night. Many species of small mammals, and insects, spiders and other invertebrates enjoy scavenging for food during the cool night. Their adaptations to the night environment include large eyes, fur for protection from the cold air, or camouflage to blend in with the night shadows. Other animals are more active during the day, such as many of the birds. The diversity of birds at Cabrillo NM is an attraction for visitors. The bird checklist for both the monument and Point Loma peninsula lists 346 species. The diversity of birds is a result of the peninsula's elevation, 129 meters (422 feet) above the adjacent ocean, and its location along the Pacific Flyway.

The marine animals at Cabrillo NM live in an ocean where cold water currents mix with warm water currents. This increases the diversity of animals found in this part of the Pacific Ocean. From December thru February the Pacific gray whale migration from Alaska to Baja California can be seen from the monument. These large mammals migrate to the warmer waters of Baja California to give birth and rear their young. Other mammals seen in the waters off the peninsula are harbor seals and sea lions. Fish, sea urchins, and sea stars inhabit the kelp forests along the western coast of the peninsula. In the intertidal zone, visitors watch hermit crabs, sea slugs, and fish move around, while the mussels, limpets, and barnacles save themselves from retreating waves by enclosing their body in their hard shells. This prevents them from losing moisture.

All of these animals are part of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems Cabrillo NM preserves. As part of its effort to preserve these resources, the National Park Service also monitors the health of the ecosystems by studying the animal and plant species living in the park. By looking at the numbers of plants and animals, as well as their health, park biologists can make recommendations for further preservation and long-term management of these species and their habitats.