The Value of Oaks to Wildlife

The western grey squirrel lives in mostly open woodlands with open understories. Their diet consists of nuts originating from oaks, pines, and walnuts as well as other seeds. Squirrels hold an important role in Ojai’s ecosystem. One of their biggest contributions to the environment is their ability to shape plant composition. Their habit of storing and burying acorns and other nuts, rehabilitates native plants, making them nature’s gardeners. Just as the western grey squirrel helps oak trees regrow, the oak trees also help the squirrels with giving them shelter and a diet. These squirrels have an important ecological role in shaping plant composition, showing the importance of oak trees to Ojai’s wildlife!

One of Ojai’s many species that tends to come out at night is the Mexican free-tailed bat! This mammal’s colors tend to range from a reddish to dark brown grey color, with black pointing ears, with long narrow wings. During the winter season, these bats migrate towards Mexico and Central America. These bats consume enormous amounts of moths and other insects. Oak trees are important to this mammal because the tree attracts insects and provides shelter sites for bats. These bats like to roost within the tree from leftover woodpecker holes that have been hollowed out. The oak trees are important to the Mexican free-tailed bat because it attracts and provides food and shelter, giving benefits to this animal. The value of oak trees to wildlife!