A species is considered endemic if it is native to and only found to breed in a specific geographic location, and nowhere else in the world.

Regional endemics are those species that naturally only occur and breed within a particular region, which is a smaller area within a larger landmass. This would include a region like Otago within Aotearoa New Zealand.

An example of a species only found in specific geographic location in a region is the Cromwell chafer beetle (Prodontria lewisii), which would be a regionally endemic species to the Otago Region.  

A species endemic to a larger region like Aotearoa New Zealand would be the tūī (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae). While the tūī naturally occurs and breeds in the Otago Region, this is not exclusive because it also occurs in other parts of the country, so is endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand. In other words, the tūī would not be endemic to the Otago Region. 

In this context, an Otago regional endemic is a species that naturally occurs and only breeds in the Region. We have over 450 species recorded as endemic to the Otago 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 specialised 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 human-induced 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. 

Over 450 species have been identified as endemic to or occurring only in Otago, so far.  

Of the species groups examined so far, the most species rich group is invertebrates, followed by indigenous vascular plants, freshwater fishes, reptiles, bryophytes (mosses, hornworts and liverworts), and a bird.  

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 Otago shag / matapo.  

Find out more about the regional endemic species here: