Harry Morse, DFG Office of Communications, (916) 651-1173
Tom Lupo, DFG Biogeographic Data Branch, (916) 324-6906

A popular California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) guide to the Golden State's plant and animal life is available again after reprinting. The Atlas of the Biodiversity of California, authored by DFG natural resource scientists, was so popular the first 5,000 printed books sold out and a second printing was required.

"This book is a fantastic representation of the contributions DFG scientists make in gaining a better understanding of the richness in California's biodiversity," said Tom Lupo, branch chief of DFG's Biogeographic Data Branch.

The 112-page bound collection of full-color maps, photographs and written accounts of the state's diverse wildlife species and habitats became one of DFG's most popular publications when it was first published in 2003. The Atlas explores the state's remarkable geography, depicts how biodiversity is measured, and provides samples of the complexity and unique qualities of many California habitats. Illustrations by artist Dugald Stermer are featured in this user-friendly, educational tool.

California's landscape, size, topography, climate and diverse habitats are unparalleled. The state is home to more than 580 bird species, 200 mammal species, 130 reptile and amphibian species, 60 freshwater fish species, and 5,000 native plant species (the highest number in the nation), many of which are found only in California.

Geographic Information System technology was used extensively to create maps that illustrate the vibrancy and rarity of the state's flora and fauna; from Del Norte salamanders in the wet climes of the Klamath basin to steelhead trout in the temperate Central Valley on to desert tortoises in the arid Mojave region.

The Atlas also discusses the threat of nonnative or invasive species and other imminent dangers to biodiversity. It reviews how human activities and population growth can lead to the conversion or fragmentation of wildlife habitats and migration corridors. The Atlas assesses how wildlife policies and collaborative management strategies seek to minimize negative impacts to wildlife and the natural environment.

The Biodiversity Atlas (Stock Order #7540-928-1200-0) can be purchased for $20 (includes tax and shipping), plus $2.50 for shipping. Ordering information and sample pages are available at http://atlas.dfg.ca.gov.