Public’s Help Asked in Monitoring Wildlife

Conservation officials are asking local hikers and equestrians to record their wildlife observations for use in scientific research and land preservation efforts.

Volunteers can obtain wildlife observation cards to record animal sightings. The cards, distributed by the Mountains Conservancy Foundation, include a brief questionnaire on the type and number of animals, along with the behavior and location of the wildlife observed.

“We hope people will use the cards so we can document the location and movement of the wildlife,” said Ruth Kilday, executive director of the foundation, a nonprofit group affiliated with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. She said the information may be used in wildlife research and as the basis for requesting open space dedications from private landowners and developers.

The foundation and the conservancy, a state parks agency, are attempting to preserve wildlife corridors that permit movement of animals through the Santa Monicas and nearby mountains and hills. In particular, officials hope to preserve open space connections between these areas and the larger protected areas of Los Padres and Angeles national forests, in order to assure genetic strength and diversity of wildlife populations.

Of particular concern are points where animal movement is already inhibited by roads and land development. Among these areas are lands between the San Diego and the Ventura freeways; the corridor from the Simi Hills to Los Padres National Forest between the Ventura and the Simi Valley freeways, and the corridor between Griffith Park and the Angeles National Forest that crosses the Ventura, Golden State and Foothill freeways.

Those interested in obtaining the cards or more information can call the Mountains Conservancy Foundation at 310-456-7154.