Fungi Preferred Conduct surveys over a period of five to ten years. An extended timeframe for a study is necessary because of their ephemeral nature and seasonal fruiting patterns. Mycologists should survey fungi, with emphasis on diversity, distribution, biology, and ecology, preferably in that order of priority. At present, there is very little information available about this taxon. Lichens Preferred Devise a standard sampling method to inventory lichen species, abundance, habitat requirements, and geographic distribution.
Monitor lichens to detect reduction in their viability.
Justification Lichens serve as indicators for monitoring regional air quality. Lichens are sensitive to sulfur dioxide and other gases, and are efficient accumulators of heavy metals. Vertebrates Preferred Conduct research for the purpose of collecting population data on all vertebrate species present on the Preserve. In order to evaluate the status of community processes occurring on the Preserve, it is necessary to document species' breeding populations and their relative abundances using appropriate census techniques at regular time intervals. The methods of collecting field data should follow research guidelines of the California Department of Fish and Game or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.