A species is called endemic when it only exists in one specific place and nowhere else in the world.

It’s important to state the level of endemicity clearly, so we can understand how much a species depends on that specific place. This means defining whether a species is found in just one small area, like the Cromwell chafer beetle (Prodontria lewisii), which is only found in a small area of Otago, or if it's found in a larger region or even an entire country, like the tūī (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae), which is only found in Aotearoa New Zealand.

An Otago regional endemic is a species that only breeds in the Otago region.

In Otago, over 350 species have been recorded as endemic to the region.

Some species are only found in very small areas, such as on a single island or mountain, and others are restricted to highly specific habitats, such as inland saline sites. 

They have evolved over time to adapt to local environmental conditions, making them uniquely suited to their habitat. 

These species are often highly specialized and can have extraordinary adaptations, such as unique behaviours, physical characteristics, or physiological processes.

Their distinctive qualities make them stand out among other species and emphasize the importance of preserving them.

Such specialisations, however, often make them susceptible to the effects of environmental change, like climate change. 

Endemic species, although often overlooked, are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems.

They play a significant role in various ecological processes, including pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and predator-prey interactions.

Their disappearance can destabilise entire ecosystems, leading to cascading effects on other species.

Moreover, endemic species often possess unique genetic traits that can hold immense value for scientific research and innovation, such as potential medicinal compounds or genetic resilience to changing environmental conditions.

Otago has a diverse biota (fauna, flora and fungi) reflecting the region’s contemporary landscapes, geological past and climatic history. Alpine areas, river valleys, dryland ecosystems and coastal landscapes are among the many ecosystems that contribute to this biodiversity.

A total of 359 species are identified as endemic to or occurring only in Otago, so far. 

The most species rich group is invertebrates with 301 species, followed by indigenous vascular plants with 40 species, freshwater fish with nine species, reptiles with six species, bryophytes (moss and liverwort) with two species, and birds with one species. 

Iconic regional endemics include the large-bodied and spectacularly coloured Otago and grand skinks, the flightless Cromwell chafer beetle – the only beetle in the world to have its own reserve, and the recently described and strikingly coloured Otago shag / matapo. 

Find out more about the regional endemic species here: