Animals
Birds
Although only 72-acres in size, Younger Lagoon Reserve provides habitat for many bird species.
Some of these birds reside at the reserve, while others pass through, finding food and temporaty shelter as they make their way to other natural areas. Many species stop at the lagoon while on migration from north to south along the coastal flyway. Many shorebirds feed in the lagoon throughout the year. Approximately 25 species of water and land birds are known to breed at Younger Lagoon Reserve, and over 100 species of birds have been sighted at the reserve.
Download the Younger Lagoon Reserve Bird Species List
View the Younger Lagoon Reserve Bird Species List
Fish
Although only 72-acres in size, Younger Lagoon Reserve provides habitat for at least three fish species, including the Federally Endangered Tidewater goby.
Younger Lagoon Reserve Fish Species List
| Family | Genius and Species | Common Name | Status |
| Gasterosteidae | Gasterosteus aculeatus | Three-spined sticleback | |
| Gobiidae | Eucyclogobius newberryi | Tidewater goby | Threatened |
Mammals
Although only 72-acres in size, Younger Lagoon Reserve provides habitat for many mammal species. Some of these mammals reside at the reserve, while others pass through, finding food and temporary shelter as they make their way to other natural areas.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Although only 72-acres in size, Younger Lagoon Reserve provides habitat for many reptile and amphibian species. When considered together, reptiles and amphibians are referred to as herps. Although both reptiles and amphibians are ectotherms (cold blooded), they are not closely genetically related, and have some distinct life-history traits.
Reptiles include snakes, lizards, and turtles. They can survive without living in the water, although turtles typically live around water. A variety of snakes, lizards, and turtles can be found at Younger Lagoon Reserve.
Amphibians include frogs and salamanders. They are dependant on water because they must keep their skin wet in order to breathe and they enshroud their eggs in moisture in order for them to grow. It is during the winter that amphibians, including the Pacific treefrog, and the endangered California Red-Legged Frog are able to live near the Lagoon and in the Terrace Lands’ freshwater wetlands. During the rest of the year, they live at nearby year-round freshwater locations.