Endemics

Many species and subspecies living in British Columbia are endemic. This means that those animals are found nowhere else in the world.

In a recent review of forest-dwelling endemics of British Columbia, 23 species, and 45 subspecies were identified as being unique to British Columbia . Of course, many species belonging to such large taxonomic groups as the invertebrates, plants, fungi, lichens, and mycorrhizae have potentially hundreds to thousands of more species and subspecies that are as yet unidentified, but probably endemic to British Columbia.

From a global stewardship perspective, British Columbia has the responsibility to ensure the natural survival of all endemic species within its political borders. We believe that this is the highest priority for conservation and management in British Columbia.