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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 may be distinct from the term "endangered" or "threatened species". Designation of a rare species may be made by an official body such as a national government, state or province. However, the term is used more commonly without reference to a specific criteria. The IUCN does not normally make such designations but may use the term in its scientific discussions.1
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 and/or fragmented habitat.2
A species may be endangered or vulnerable, but not considered rare if, for example, it has a large, dispersed population but its numbers are declining rapidly or predicted to do so. Rare species are generally considered threatened simply because the inability of small population sizes to recover from stochastic events, and the potential for a rapid decline in population.
Examples of rare species
- Acarospora admissa, lichen
- Baker's larkspur
- Giant Panda, mammal
- Golden lion tamarin, mammal
- Hickman's potentilla, wildflower
- Mason's Lilaeopsis
- Oxytropis Campestris var. chartacea, Fassett's Locoweed
- Red Panda, mammal
- San Bruno elfin butterfly
- San Francisco garter snake
- Showy Indian clover, trifolium amoenum
- Soft bird's beak, plant
- Spring vetchling, Lathyrus sphaericus, endemic to Kullaberg Nature Preserve and one other location in Sweden.
- Weeping elm, tree
- Snow leopard, mammal
- Javierus Rivarolus, fish
See also
References
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 4 November 2008, at 17:58.
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