Endemic Species
A species that lives only in one specific place and nowhere else on Earth.
What is it?
An endemic species is a plant or animal that is found only in a particular area, like an island, a mountain range, or a country. The Madagascar periwinkle is endemic to Madagascar, meaning it grows naturally only on that island. Other examples include the Galapagos tortoise and the Komodo dragon. Endemic species often evolve in isolation, so they are unique. The Tokara habu is endemic to the Tokara Islands in Japan. The Chinese crocodile lizard is endemic to the Daxiangshan mountains of China and Quảng Ninh province of Vietnam.
Why it matters
Endemic species are often rare and can be easily harmed by habitat loss or invasive species. Protecting them is important for preserving global biodiversity.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more endemic species.
