EDGE species

EDGE Species

File:EDGE species logo.png

The EDGE species logo

EDGE species are species that are both Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered. The term is used by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to identify species that have few close relatives and are at a high risk of extinction. The EDGE of Existence programme, initiated by ZSL, aims to focus conservation efforts on these unique and irreplaceable species.

Criteria for EDGE Species

EDGE species are identified based on two main criteria:

• Evolutionary Distinctiveness (ED): This measures the uniqueness of a species' evolutionary history. Species with high ED scores have few or no close relatives and represent a significant amount of unique evolutionary history.
• Global Endangerment (GE): This assesses the risk of extinction based on criteria set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

Importance of EDGE Species

EDGE species are crucial for maintaining the biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Their unique evolutionary history means they often have distinct traits and ecological roles that are not found in other species. The loss of an EDGE species can lead to a significant reduction in the genetic diversity and resilience of ecosystems.

EDGE of Existence Programme

The EDGE of Existence programme was launched by the Zoological Society of London in 2007. The programme aims to:

• Identify and prioritize EDGE species for conservation.
• Implement targeted conservation actions to protect these species.
• Raise awareness and support for EDGE species conservation.
• Build capacity in countries where EDGE species are found.

Notable EDGE Species

Some notable EDGE species include:

• Yangtze River dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer)
• Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)
• Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)
• Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica)
• Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Conservation Challenges

Conserving EDGE species presents several challenges, including:

• Habitat destruction and fragmentation
• Climate change
• Poaching and illegal trade
• Lack of awareness and funding for conservation efforts

See Also

• Biodiversity
• Conservation biology
• Endangered species
• Evolutionary biology
• Zoological Society of London

External Links

0