CNDDB News Blog

Our barred owl datasets have been updated!

Barred Owl Observations by PLSS Section [ds2873] is available to view and to download in the BIOS Viewer. This layer summarizes the information contained in the Barred Owl Observations Database and allows users to see PLSS sections containing barred owl detections as well as the first and last years owls were reported in those sections.

Barred Owl Observations [ds8] is available in the BIOS Viewer for CNDDB subscribers. The barred owl database includes barred owl (Strix varia), Strix hybrid, and unknown Strix detections. This dataset is only available to view and download by CNDDB subscribers because it contains references to sensitive spotted owl locations. For site-specific inquiries, email owlobs@wildlife.ca.gov

Due to the varied nature of barred owl surveys, detections, and reporting in the state, these datasets may not fully represent the historical and current distribution of barred owls in California.

For more information on barred owls in California, check out CDFW’s Barred Owl Threat web page.

Crotalus ruber – red-diamond rattlesnake
Photo credit: © Adam Clause, all rights reserved

July 16 is World Snake Day, which offers no better opportunity to appreciate our scaly friends and the contributions our submitters have made to conserving this group of reptiles through their CNDDB observations. California is home to nearly 50 native snake species, and 16 are tracked through the CNDDB database. This beautiful red-diamond rattlesnake was found by Adam in the Jacumba Wilderness of Imperial County. As its name suggests, this species is identifiable by the color of its scales which can range in hues of pinkish-brown, red-orangey tan, or brick red. This snake can be found slithering in chaparral, woodland, and arid desert habitats through southwestern California to mid Baja. The red-diamond rattlesnake is a CDFW Species of Special Concern with 260 mapped occurrences throughout its California range. Thank you, Adam, for sharing this awesome photo! Happy World Snake Day everyone!

Do you have some great photos of rare plants or wildlife detections? Submit them along with your findings through our Online Field Survey Form and see if your photos get showcased!

The following CNDDB documents have been updated:

• Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List (PDF)
• Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Plants List (PDF)
• Changes to the CNDDB Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List (PDF)
• Special Animals List (PDF)
• Endangered and Threatened Animals List (PDF)

Links to the T&E and Special Plants/Animals lists can be found on the CNDDB Plants and Animals web page. More information about state listing can be found on the California Fish and Game Commission CESA web page and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife CESA web page. If you have any questions about these lists, please email us at CNDDB@wildlife.ca.gov.