Changing Grasslands

Grasslands have long been impacted and climate change will only further impact these ecosystems over time. Under normal conditions grasslands are diverse in plants and wildlife with forbs, graminoids, and woody plants, in addition to the unique components of the adjoining wetland areas.

Human caused impacts such as agricultural practices (crops and grazing), fire, hunting, and urban development have reduced native species, caused habitat fragmentation, and impacted species. Climate change will only increase these impacts. the warmer temperatures of climate change will bring an increase in evaporation, rainfall patterns will change, and aquifers depleted. Plant and wildlife species of the grasslands will experience shifts in their ecosystems.

The picture above shows shifts and ecosystem changes over the years and as noted this is at least 13 years ago. California grasslands are expected to shift to oak woodlands and desert scrub.