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Sierra de la Laguna pine–oak forests

The Sierra de la Laguna pine–oak forests are a subtropical coniferous forest ecoregion, found in the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico.

Setting
The ecoregion encompasses an area of . The pine–oak forests are found above in elevation, and are surrounded at lower elevations by the Sierra de la Laguna dry forests. The pine–oak forests have a unique and diverse flora and fauna, including 694 plant species, of which approximately 85 are endemic. ==Climate==
Climate
The higher elevation gives the ecoregion a subtropical to temperate climate, in contrast to the dry tropical climate of the lowlands. Rainfall is higher than the lower-elevation dry forests and deserts of the peninsula, averaging 760 mm annually. Rain falls mostly in the summer, with occasional winter rains. ==Flora==
Flora
The composition of the pineoak forests varies with elevation; oak woodlands predominate from in elevation, with oak-pine woodlands between in elevation, transitioning to pine–oak forests above in elevation. Mosses and lichens are abundant throughout. The oak woodlands from in elevation are warmer and drier, with evergreen oaks predominant (principally Quercus devia; Quercus arizonica and Quercus rugosa have a limited distribution), along with lower trees and shrubs such as Dodonaea viscosa, Sideroxylon peninsulare, and Buddleia crotonoides. mixed with oaks, including Quercus devia and Quercus tuberculata, and other broadleaf trees, including Arbutus peninsularis and Nolina beldingii. Lower trees and understory shrubs include Calliandra peninsularis, Mimosa xanti, Heterotoma aurita, Verbesina pustulata and Hypericum peninsulare. Above in elevation, pine predominates, mixed with oaks, and with an understory of grasses (Muhlenbergia spp. and Festuca spp.). ==Fauna==
Fauna
30 mammal species, 77 birds, 27 reptiles, 2 amphibians, and 108 species of arthropods inhabit the ecoregion. Resident birds include the cape pygmy owl (Glaucidium hoskinsii), white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica), acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus), and golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Xantus's hummingbird (Basilinna xantusii), Baird's junco (Junco bairdii), the peninsular yellowthroat (Geothlypis beldingi), and the very distinct American robin subspecies Turdus migratorius confinis, by some authors considered a distinct species Turdus confinis, are endemic to the southern Baja California Peninsula. ==Conservation and threats==
Conservation and threats
WWF has designated the ecoregion as 'vulnerable'. A 2017 assessment found that 670 km2, or 63%, of the ecoregion is in protected areas. ==See also==
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