Flora and Fauna of the Eastern Sierra
The Ecology of the Eastern Sierra is diverse and complex: the plants and animals are a significant part of the scenic beauty of the region. The combination of climate, topography, moisture, and soils influence the distribution of ecological communities across an elevation that ranges 
from 1,000 feet to over 14,000 feet. Biotic zones range from scrub and chaparral communities at lower elevations, to subalpine forests and alpine meadows at the higher elevations.
The Eastern Sierra has substantially different species of plants and animals, because the 
east lies in the rain shadow of the crest. The plants and animals in the east are adapted to much drier conditions. In the Owens Valley foothills exists the Pinyon-Juniper Woodland Zone, characterized by Single-leaf Pinyon Pines, Sierra Junipers. The underbrush contains Big Sagebrush and Black Bush. Jeffrey Pines may occur along streams. Notable animals in this zone include the Pinyon Jay and the Desert Bighorn Sheep. The Pinyon-Juniper Woodland Zone extends down to 5,000 feet elevation.
Below 5,000 feet, there is not enough precipitation to support trees. The zones below this elevation are the Sagebrush Scrub Zone, Saltbush Scrub Zone, and the Alkali Sink Zone. These zones are distinguished by soil salinity.
Interactive Guide to Eastern Sierra Wildflowers
Catalog of Wildflowers in the Eastern Sierra
Mammals
The Eastern Sierra encompasses a wide range of habitats and climates, challenging all local wildlife with extreme environmental conditions. Unlike birds, who can migrate with seasonal conditions, mammals often remain year-round in the same habitat, adopting strategies that enable them to survive changing conditions and seasons. Following are descriptions of mammals common to the Eastern Sierra.
Mamoth Mountain Ski Area has prepared an excellent Mini Guide to mammals in the Eastern Sierra. The pdf document may take a momment to load, but it's well worth the wait! Click HERE to view.