Although California Ground Squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi) are often considered pests, they play an important role in the ecosystem. They disperse the seeds of native plants such as lupines (here - Lupinus nanus) and the acorns of Blue Oaks (Quercus douglasii). They also consume invasive plants like Erodium cicutarium. The ground squirrel is a major source of food for many predators, including Prairie Falcons (Falco mexicanus), a species of special concern in California. One of the threats to Prairie Falcons is the presence of rodenticides in the food web.