The Bio Brief

When the children entered the deep forest, they saw a big fluffy squirrel. Madhavji told them it was the Indian giant squirrel, which is endemic to that area.

 What are Endemic Species?

Endemic species are plants or animals that are found only in one particular area and nowhere else naturally.

 Simple meaning:
Endemic = Found only here

 Simple Diagram

Species found everywhere → Not endemic
Species found only in one area → Endemic

 Key Points

• Live only in a specific region
• Cannot be naturally found elsewhere
• Very sensitive to habitat changes
• Need strong protection

 Examples from Pachmarhi Area

 Endemic Flora (Plants)

• Sal tree
• Wild mango

 Endemic Fauna (Animals)

• Indian giant squirrel
• Flying squirrel
• Bison

Can Endemic Species Vanish?

Yes, it is true.

Endemic species are at high risk of extinction because they live in limited areas.

 Causes of Endangerment

•  Destruction of habitat
•  Increasing human population
•  Introduction of new (invasive) species
•  Deforestation
•  Climate change
•  Hunting and poaching

Flow Chart — How Endemic Species Become Endangered

Habitat destruction / Human pressure
                ↓
Living area shrinks
                ↓
Population decreases
                ↓
Species becomes endangered
                ↓
Possible extinction

What is a Species?

A species is a group of organisms that:

• Can interbreed with each other
• Produce fertile offspring
• Share common characteristics

 Example:
All cows can breed with cows → same species
Cow and horse cannot produce fertile young → different species

 Endemic Species of Andhra Pradesh Region (Examples)

You can write a few of these in your notebook.

 Endemic Plants

• Red sanders (very famous in Andhra Pradesh)
• Certain Eastern Ghats medicinal plants
• Some wild mango varieties

Endemic Animals

• Indian giant squirrel (in some forest regions)
• Jerdon’s courser (critically endangered bird of Andhra Pradesh)
• Slender loris (Southern India)
• Some Eastern Ghats reptiles and amphibians

 Activity — How to Find Endemic Species of Your Area

Steps:

1. Ask your teacher or elders
2.Check local forest or wildlife lists
3.Look for species found only in your region
4.Write separate lists for plants and animals

  Revision

• Endemic species = found only in one area
• Very sensitive to habitat loss
• Can easily become endangered
• Species = group that can interbreed
• Protection of habitat is very important