An endemic species is a taxonomic unit whose natural distribution is restricted to a defined geographic area, such as a specific island, mountain range, ecoregion, or political region, and does not occur naturally elsewhere. In biogeography and conservation biology, endemism is used to quantify spatial patterns of biodiversity, identify centers of diversification, and prioritize regions for protection. Endemic species often exhibit high levels of local adaptation and evolutionary distinctiveness but are also disproportionately vulnerable to habitat alteration, invasive species, climate change, and other anthropogenic pressures due to their limited range and frequently small, fragmented populations.
A rare bee species native to New York state was discovered in Syracuse at a SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) research station in July.
Plants & Animals
Sep 10, 2025
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For decades, scientists, policymakers, graziers and land managers have been locked in a surprisingly high-stakes debate over what defines a dingo. Are these wild canids their own species? Or are they simply feral dogs?
Plants & Animals
Aug 21, 2025
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The discovery of yet another unique animal species from Rēkohu Chatham Islands illustrates how the physical qualities of an animal are influenced by its surroundings.
Plants & Animals
Aug 14, 2025
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Australia is home to a unique bunch of native land mammals, such as koalas, wombats and wallabies. These furballs evolved in isolation on this island continent and have become Australian symbols.
Paleontology & Fossils
Aug 13, 2025
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What do volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tropical storms have in common? More than it seems—especially when they occur on fragile volcanic islands like the Galápagos. This iconic archipelago, world-renowned for its unique ...
Environment
Aug 7, 2025
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Because their relative isolation encourages speciation, oceanic islands are hotspots of biodiversity. Yet their relatively small size, atypically defenseless animals and plants, and ecological vulnerability to the effects ...
Plants & Animals
Aug 5, 2025
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32
Animal populations on small islands are often thought to be unlikely to survive in the long term. Continued exploitation of small islands—such as mining in Raja Ampat, West Papua—poses a serious threat to local wildlife.
Plants & Animals
Aug 4, 2025
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Oceanic islands are biologically unique and irreplaceable because they have never been connected to continental mainlands and often host endemic species. Human activities have considerably altered these ecosystems. Predator ...
Ecology
Jul 31, 2025
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22
Australia is home to some of the most remarkable species on Earth and importantly, many of these species don't exist anywhere else.
Plants & Animals
Jul 28, 2025
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22
A new gecko species, Paragehyra tsaranoro, has been discovered in Madagascar's Tsaranoro valley. As a microendemic species, it is restricted to only three small forest fragments in the region. This small species is under ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 24, 2025
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