There are 140 landbird and 11 land mammal species three amphibian and five reptile species large colonies of nesting seabirds, breeding seals, and sea lions and other diverse marine animals and plants. These varied landforms support more than 600 plant species in 10 different plant communities, from marshes and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. Named because of its colorful rock types, lichens, and algae, Painted Cave is nearly a quarter mile long and 100 feet wide, with an entrance ceiling of 160 feet and a waterfall over the entrance in the spring. One of the largest and deepest sea caves in the world, Painted Cave, is found on the northwest coastline of Santa Cruz. At over 96 square miles in size and the largest island in California, Santa Cruz contains two rugged mountain ranges the highest peaks on the islands (rising above 2,000 feet) a large central valley/fault system deep canyons with year-round springs and streams and 77 miles of craggy coastline cliffs, giant sea caves, pristine tidepools, and expansive beaches. In its vastness and variety of flora, fauna, and geology, Santa Cruz Island resembles a miniature California. The Nature Conservancy owns and manages the western 76 percent of the island, while the eastern 24 percent is owned and managed by the National Park Service. Today the protection and preservation of Santa Cruz Island is divided between The Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service. The Spaniards were so impressed that they called this island of friendly people "La Isla de Santa Cruz," the Island of the Sacred Cross. A Chumash Indian found the cross-tipped stave and returned it to the priest. According to legend, Santa Cruz Island was named for a priest's staff accidentally left on the island during the Portola expedition of 1769.
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