Biodiversity Reserve

Over half of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s 1,800 acres make up the Biodiversity Reserve. This protected landscape has crucial expanses of cactus scrub and oak woodland and sits at the intersection of two critical wildlife corridors. San Diego County is the most biodiverse county in the contiguous United States, and the Biodiversity Reserve alone is home to over 300 plant, 179 bird, 24 mammal, 28 reptile, and 4 amphibian species. Unfortunately, many of these species are threatened or endangered. 

All 1,000 acres of this native landscape are managed by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Natural Lands Program. In addition to caring for the land, they’re developing effective management and monitoring techniques and promoting coexistence with local wildlife. They understand that people are at the heart of conservation, and they team up with conservation partners, community members, and volunteers to support the Biodiversity Reserve and its wildlife through our Southwest Conservation Hub.

Highlighted Wildlife

• Spadefoots 
• Red Diamond Rattlesnakes 
• Coastal Cactus Wrens 
• California Gnatcatchers 
• Mountain Lions 
• Bobcats 
• Prickly Pear Cactus
• Mesa Oaks

Samataguma Ranch Reserve

The Alliance’s Natural Lands Program also manages Samataguma Ranch Reserve (also known as Samagatuma Ranch and Descanso Ranchland). It encompasses nearly 700 acres of undeveloped land and chaparral vegetation located in the Cuyamaca Mountains of southeastern San Diego County. Like the Biodiversity Reserve, this landscape is home to diverse wildlife and helps us gain deeper insights into restoring and preserving native ecosystems. 

30x30 California 

30x30 California is a state- and community-driven initiative with the goal of protecting 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. Through this initiative, both the Biodiversity Reserve and Samataguma Ranch Reserve are designated as protected spaces. 

The 30×30 California initiative encourages conservation organizations, community groups, land trusts, and Indigenous peoples to work together to restore balance in our ecosystems and help mitigate changes to our climate. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance participates in the San Diego Regional Group and works with our conservation partners to promote biodiversity, protect native habitats, and encourage access to nature for all. 

The Biodiversity Reserve and Samataguma Ranch Reserve’s inclusion in 30×30 California strengthens climate resilience in several ways. By keeping these ecosystems from being developed, we’re preserving biodiversity as we safeguard a unique blend of species. And the community benefits too, as these spaces serve as “living laboratories” for scientific research and conservation projects, enriching educational and research opportunities, and fostering deeper community engagement with nature conservation.