Rare species
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A rare species is an organism which is very uncommon or scarce. This designation may be applied to either a plant or animal taxon, and is distinct from the term "endangered species". Designation of a rare species is usually made by an official body such as the IUCN, national government, state or province. The concept of rarity is established from having a very small number of organisms worldwide, usually a number less than 10,000; however, the concept is also influenced by having a very narrow endemic range.
A species may be endangered, but not considered rare, if the threats to its habitat from human taking pose a considerable risk to the viability of the species. It is unusual, but theroetically possible for a species to be rare, but not considered endangered. Such a circumstance might arise for a small colony of organisms that is remote from human intervention and in a stable ecosystem. The circumstance could also arise merely by dent of no agency acting on a classification of "endangered".
[edit] Examples of rare species
- Acarospora admissa, lichen
- Baker's larkspur
- Giant Panda, mammal
- Golden lion tamarin, mammal
- Hickman's potentilla, wildflower
- Mason's Lilaeopsis
- Qinling Panda, mammal
- Red Panda, mammal
- San Bruno elfin butterfly
- San Francisco garter snake
- Soft bird's beak, plant
- Spring vetchling, Lathyrus sphaericus, endemic to Kullaberg Nature Preserve and one other location in Sweden.
- Weeping elm, tree
