24 Endemic Species You’ll Only Find in One Place on Earth

There are some plants and animals found all over the world in abundance. However, some species only exist in one place on the planet. These are called endemic species and face dangers every day because of their niche habitats.

While most animals and plants face dwindling numbers due to overhunting, habitat loss, and climate change, endemic species are most at risk, as they have nowhere else to go if their habitat no longer suits them.

These animals and plants are usually found in isolated parts of the world, like islands or extreme environments, but there are some exceptions. They’re also often of interest to scientists as they usaully develop unique characteristics to fit their habitat better.

To learn about some of the endemic species scientists have so far discovered, continue reading below. Some of the animals below are ones you’ve likely heard about before, such as pandas and koalas, but some might surprise you.

1. Giant Panda

Scientific Name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca
Where Found: China

2. Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth

Scientific Name: Bradypus pygmaeus
Where Found: Isla Escuado de Veraguas

3. Koala

Scientific Name: Phascolarctos cinereus
Where Found: Australia

4. Kiwi

Scientific Name: Apteryx
Where Found: New Zealand

5. Western Lily

Scientific Name: Lilium occidentale
Where Found: California and Oregon in the United States

6. Platypus

Scientific Name: Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Where Found: Australia

7. American Alligator

Scientific Name: Alligator mississippiensis
Where Found: Eastern United States and parts of Mexico

8. Cobra Lily

Scientific Name: Darlingtonia californica
Where Found: Western United States

9. Hawaiian Honeycreeper

Scientific Name:Carduelinae
Where Found: Hawaii

10. Sri Lankan Birdwing

Scientific Name: Troides darsius
Where Found: Sri Lanka

11. Philippine Crocodile

Scientific Name: Crocodylus mindorensis
Where Found: A few islands in the Philippines

12. Patagonian Mara

Scientific Name: Dolichotis patagonum
Where Found: Argentina

13. Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Scientific Name: Chelonoidis niger
Where Found: Galapagos Island

14. Nosy Hara Leaf Chameleon

Scientific Name: Brookesia Micra
Where Found: Nosy Hara, Madagascar

15. Poison Dart Frog

Scientific Name: Dendrobatidae
Where Found: Central and South America

16. Nilgiri Blue Robin

Scientific Name: Sholicola major
Where Found: Shola forests of India

17. Asiatic Lion

Scientific Name: Panthera leo persica
Where Found: Gir National Park, Gujarat, India

18. Sangai Deer

Scientific Name: Rucervus eldii eldii
Where Found: Manipur, India

19. Tasmanian Devil

Scientific Name: Sarcophilus harrisii
Where Found: Tasmania

20. Utah Prairie Dog

Scientific Name: Cynomys parvidens
Where Found: Utah, United States

21. Purple Frog

Scientific Name: Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis
Where Found: Western Ghats in India

22. Baobab Tree

Scientific Name: Adansonia
Where Found: Madagascar, Africa, Australia

23. Marine Iguana

Scientific Name: Amblyrhynchus cristatus
Where Found: Galapagos Islands

24. Black-Footed Ferret

Scientific Name:Mustela nigripes
Where Found: United States