Historical State of Catalina Island

Millions of years ago, volcanic activity 26 miles off the coast of Southern California created the island of Catalina. Erosion and weathering processes eventually created Catlina’s terrain of rugged mountains and shallow soil. Characterized by a dry climate like the mainland of California, Catalina has little precipitation and relatively warm weather year round. Due to its distance from the mainland, the island initially lacked terrestrial life and was difficult for species to migrate to. Eventually species arrived via wind or drifting across the Pacific and formed an ecosystem with a wide variety of endemic species unique to Catlina island. The isolating nature of an island ecosystem makes endemic species common as they evolve in seclusion from their mainland counterparts. Prior to human disruption, Catalina was an ecosystem with a great diversity of endemic plant and animal species adapted to an isolated environment virtually free of competition and predators.

All information from Catalina Island Conservancy, Catalina Ecology