• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Natural Reserve System

University of California

  • Reserves
  • Research
  • Teaching
  • Public Service
  • Information
  • NRS Giving

Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystems

Lands of Two Seasons, UC Natural Reserve System
Great weather, abundant harvests, and some of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities characterize the five Mediterranean-climate ecosystems. Large human populations plus a profusion of species make these areas critical biodiversity hotspots. This program offers an overview of Mediterranean-climate regions, highlighting their biological uniqueness, economic importance, and factors threatening the health of their ecosystems.

Shaping Life: The Geology of Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystems, UC Natural Reserve System
Mediterranean-climate ecosystems are home to a phenomenal number of unique plant species. The geological history of each region has played a starring role in the evolution of plants and informs modern efforts to conserve floral biodiversity.

Oceans and Mediterranean Climate, UC Natural Reserve System
Interactions between the oceans and the atmosphere produce the dry summers and mild winters enjoyed by all five of the world’s Mediterranean-climate regions.

Drought, Flood, and Fire, UC Natural Reserve System
The world’s Mediterranean-climate regions swing between years of drought and heightened fire risk, and years of catastrophic flooding. This is business as usual for native plants, many of which are built to survive dry times or rely on fires to regenerate natural communities.

Footer

Our work

Reserves
Research
Teaching
Public Service

Our Organization

About Us
History
Land Acknowledgement
News Stories
Information
Jobs
Contact

Give

Donate Now

For Staff

Resources
Login

Find Us on Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

1111 Franklin Street, Oakland CA 94607

© 2023 UCNRS · All Rights Reserved · Contact · Privacy Policy