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Home > Articles > Endemic Species: Definition, Examples, Features, Threats, List of 10 Most Endemic Species of India
Updated on 22nd September, 2023 , 5 min read
Endemic species are those found only in one place and nowhere else on the planet. These species are typical of an environment and are frequently regarded as a biological legacy. According to sources, India has a total of 12 indigenous species.
A species is a collection of closely related creatures that are quite similar to one another and can generally interbreed and produce viable offspring. The species is the first level of taxonomic categorization, following genus and subgenus. A species is an organism's primary unit of categorization, taxonomic rank, and biodiversity unit. It is the largest group of creatures in which any two individuals of the same sexes or mating types may produce viable offspring, usually by sexual reproduction. A species can also be identified by its karyotype, DNA sequence, anatomy, behavior, and ecological niche.
Endemism is the ecological condition in which a species is exclusive to a certain geographical place.
Endemic species are those found only in one place and nowhere else on the planet. Kangaroos, for example, are indigenous to Australia and are found nowhere else on the planet. Humans introduced them when the animal was in captivity, which is why they have been seen beyond their normal environment. As previously said, endemic species are ones that can only be found in a certain region or site and nowhere else on the planet. Endangered species, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to extinction since they are unique to a certain geographical location. As a result, specific measures to conserve them may be necessary.
Endemic species are restricted to a certain location because they are highly suited to a specific climate and soil type. A species may be endemic to a certain continent, a portion of a continent, or a single island. The following are some instances of indigenous species-
Flora is a group of plants found in a certain location. Plants can also be indigenous to certain geographic areas. Some plants grow in deserts or near water, some in hilly locations, while others are native to a certain region. The Redwood Forest of the United States West Coast is endemic, as it is found only in California. Sapria Himalayan is a unique and fascinating root parasitic plant found only in northeastern India. Nepenthes Khasiana is a carnivorous plant found only in Meghalaya's Khasi Hills.
Animals that are native to a given location are referred to as "fauna." Endangered species of fauna are creatures that can only be found in a certain place or region of the world-
Different indigenous species throughout the world have the same characteristics-
Some of the most common dangers to endemic species include overexploitation of natural resources, such as overhunting, overfishing, and forest logging. Other dangers to these animals include-
Scientific Names of Animals and Plants.
India, being a mega biodiversity country, contains several micro centers for indigenous plants and animals. Endangered species may be found in the Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Western Himalayas. Almost 23% of flowering plants in India are indigenous, including a few Cycadaceae members. The Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats are home to over 60% of all endemic species in India. The following is a list of India's 10 most endemic species-
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By - Nikita Parmar 2024-09-06 10:59:22 , 6 min readAns. Nevada primrose, waxflower, Pennell’s whitlow grass, Intermountain wavering, Mt. Wheeler sandwort, and other unique plant species may be found here.
Ans. A native species is not always limited to its natural habitat. It may also be found in other parts of the world. On the contrary, an endemic species is unique to a certain place and cannot be found elsewhere.
Ans. Some of the creatures peculiar to India include the Asiatic Lion in Gir Forest, the Lion-tailed Macaque in India’s Western Ghats, the Nilgiris Tahr, the Malabar big spotted civet, the Nilgiris Blue Robin, Jerdon’s Corser, Nilgai, and the Nicobar megapode.
Ans. Endemic species are those that are native to a certain place, whereas alien species are those that are native to another region but have been brought into foreign territory. Endangered species are geographically constrained, whereas alien species are not.
Ans. The primary threat posed by endemic species is that they are more vulnerable to extinction. Because they are scarce, the loss of their habitats would significantly limit their number.
Ans. Endemic species are plant and animal species found only in a certain geographical location and nowhere else on the planet. Some species are unique to a continent, while others are exclusive to an island. For example, lemurs from Madagascar and Galapagos tortoises.