Endemism

Endemism refers to a species found in only one specific geographic area and not located in any other region of the world. An isolated area is usually the place where endemism is found. Endemic plants or animals are native to, and exclusive to, that particular area. A further categorization defines the species as endemic to a specific site, country (termed national), or geographic area. The smaller range in which a species is found makes it rarer and thus vulnerable. The US Fish and Wildlife Service states that “endemic species are native species that are confined to a certain region or having a comparatively restricted distribution.” (www.stateconservation.org). The conservation of endemic species is dependent on national legislation; how successful the conservation is will correspond to the efforts exerted to ensure protection. Defining organisms according to endemism requires considerable geographical knowledge in order to ascertain that the species is actually endemic or whether the possibility exists that it may be found elsewhere.

Background

Biodiversity and conservation are concepts closely allied to endemism. Biodiversity encapsulates the idea of the different species of life that exist on planet Earth. The study of this wide range of various species and forms of life forms a significant scientific model of research. The interrelationship between biodiversity, ecological systems, and the balancing of ecosystems is part of the intricate workings of the environment. The fear of extinction of species is a considerable threat to biodiversity. Human activities of the twenty-first century that have posed a danger to the environment and natural habitat have added to the risk of extinction and its concomitant danger to biodiversity. Conservation of wildlife includes steps to avoid extinction through loss of natural habitat, pollution, and the interference arising out of human actions. Given the sensitive nature of endemism and the rarities of species endemic to a contained area, such conservation is essential.

Maintaining the status quo of endemic species is important to ensure that extinction does not occur. The risk is far greater given their restricted distribution as opposed to plant or animal life that has a broader distribution range. The interconnectedness between plant and animal life is profound; when an endemic species is in danger of extinction, it often results in a cumulative effect affecting the endemic plant and the endemic animal species. The concept of biodiversity and the interplay between environment and ecology is connected to endemism. A loss of habitat affecting an endemic species has a direct impact on aspects of biodiversity and conservation efforts.

The Nature Conservancy was founded in 1951 to focus on the conservation of land and water worldwide. The organization consists of nearly 1,000 scientists, located in each of the 50 states of the United States, works in more than 80 countries and territories. Partners of the Nature Conservancy include private people dedicated to the conservation of the diversity of life, as well as governments, nonprofit organizations, and corporations. In 2022, countries adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a global agreement that set targets for biodiversity conservation through 2030.

Overview of Endemism

In 1912, The Bear River was diverted into Bear lake. Bear Lake, as it is known, is located on the border of Utah and Idaho, in the United States. The geographic change created a chemical change that affected the level of endemism. Many species that were endemic to this region became extinct. A further danger to potential extinction is that the lake became inhabited by fish that were not native to this area. These fish prey upon certain endemic species that were able to withstand the different chemistry, causing a high risk of extinction. The Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center reports the names of the endemic fish species that are still present in Bear Lake. These comprise the Bonneville cisco, Bonneville whitefish, Bear Lake whitefish, and the Bear Lake sculpin. There is evidence of endemic ostracods that possibly became extinct during the abovementioned time (esp.cr.usgs.gov).

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service describes the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains as a center of diversity and endemism (www.fs.fed.us). Also known as the “Klamath Knot,” the mountains are situated between southwestern Oregon and northwestern California. This ecoregion, with its range of mountains and valleys, measures approximately 10 million acres. The conifer plant is endemic to this region, with the Klamath-Siskiyou mountains containing thirty-six species. These include the Port-Orford cedar and Brewer’s or Weeping spruce. Further examples of this species of conifer comprise the Engelmann spruce and Alaska yellow cedar. Out of approximately 3,500 vascular plant species located on this mountain range, there are 280 endemic plants. Such endemic plants are by their nature rare. According to the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center (kswild.org) the Cobra lily, Mt. Ashland lupine, Henderson’s horkelia, lavender paintbrush, Yreka phlox, and Gentner’s fritillaria as rare endemic plants of the region.

Ecuador is home to endemic species of orchids. About one-third of Ecuador’s endemic plant species are orchids. While the actual number is dynamic and can fluctuate, orchids make up a large share of Ecuador’s endemic plant species. Valencia et al.’s study of the patterns of endemism of Ecuadorian orchids (cited in www.flmnh.ufl.edu) reveals “that the majority of endemic orchids occur in montane microhabitats between 1500-3000m, especially in the low montane and cloud montane forests.” Further details of the study indicate the high proportion of the endemic orchids being restricted to smaller areas and narrow altitudinal ranges, with 58 percent forming part of one forest type. The purpose of the research was intended to assess the level of conservation and protection required. The result estimated that 85 percent of the endemic orchids of Ecuador are threatened: 2 percent are critically endangered, 11 percent are endangered, and 87 percent are vulnerable.

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