This broad, fertile valley sustained immense herds of tule elk and pronghorn antelope. California condors circled overhead, and intermittent pools provided food for waterfowl and shorebirds. Native Americans came to hunt the abundant game, and their many encampments dotted the plain. Kit Fox California Jewel Flower Plant Communities range from iodine bush and salt bush scrub to valley grasslands and California Juniper woodland. Tule elk and pronghorn antelope have been reintroduced into the area and can be seen at various locations on the plain.
Winter brings thousands of sandhill cranes to Soda Lake.
Many raptors, including redtail hawks, golden eagles, kites, harriers, owls, and others can be found all year throughout the area. The California Condor has been reintroduced nearby and may someday be seen again over the plain. Below are current lists of the fauna found within the boundaries of the Carrizo Plain National Monument. These are also available in printed form at the Goodwin Education Center . This is a U.S. Government computer system.