Course: Endemic Vertebrates of the UK and Ireland

Endemic species naturally occur in only one specific geographic area and nowhere else in the world. Endemic subspecies are distinct populations within a species that have evolved unique characteristics in isolation but are not different enough to be classified as separate species. Both endemic species and endemic subspecies typically arise in isolated or specialised environments where populations adapt to local conditions over long periods of time. Because their entire distribution is restricted to a limited area, they are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss, environmental change, and other threats, making their conservation especially important.

In the UK and Ireland, endemism is relatively rare because the archipelago was connected to mainland Europe until comparatively recently. There are, however, a small number of species which have nevertheless evolved endemism. This webinar will provide an introduction to the endemic vertebrates of the UK and Ireland, discuss what makes a species endemic and evaluate how many true endemic vertebrates occur in the British Isles.

James Harding-Morris (author of author of Endemic: Exploring the wildlife unique to Britain) will evaluate the common myths and misconceptions about native fish, before going on to spotlight endemic species and subspecies of birds and mammals, such as:

• Scottish Crossbill (Loxia scotica)
• Red Grouse (Lagopus scotica)
• St Kilda Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes hirtensis)
• Orkney Vole (Microtus arvalis orcadensis)
• Irish Hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus)

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, conservation practitioner, student or land manager, this session will equip you with a clear understanding of the UK and Ireland’s uniquely local vertebrate species and subspecies, explaining how they evolved, why they’re vulnerable, and what makes their conservation so important.