Coastal Bluff Ecosystem
Coastal bluff ecosystems have soils that are are thin, restricted
to pocks and crevices in the bedrock, and are prone to erosion.
Because they are discontinuous they tend to form microhabitats
that often host a unique suite of species. The coastal bluff
ecosystem is the most poorly represented in the Gulf Islands,
totaling only 0.3 percent of all ecosystems in the region.1
They are highly fragile and susceptible to destruction by
development and recreational activities such as hiking.
A large number of plant and animal species have evolved specialized
adaptations to this harsh environment. Some of the red and
blue listed species in these ecosystem include snake-root
(Sanicula arctopoides), dune bentgrass (Agrostis
pallens), and Macoun's meadowfoam (Limnanthes macounii).
These ecosystems are are also important nesting sites for
birds, including some rare species such as Brandt's and Double-crested
cormorants (Phalacrocorax penicillatus and P. auritus,
respectively), Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens),
Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba) and Black Oystercatcher
(Haematopus bachmani).1
1. McPhee, M., Ward,
P., Kirkby, J., Wolfe, L., Page, N., Dunster, K., Dawe, N.,
and I. Nykwist. Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory: East Vancouver
Island and Gulf Islands 1993-1997. Volume 2 Conservation Manual.
Technical report Series Number 345. Canadian Wildlife Service,
Pacific and Yukon region, British Columbia.
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