Our Endemic Wildlife...

[Jason Green]

Hi WAB'ers,

I know our only endemic bird is the Scottish Crossbill, so what about other endemic wildlife?

I know we have endemic sub-species of common Europe to world-wide species, but what sp. are entirely endemic to the United Kingdom? Insects, plants, fungi, etc.

Take care,

Jason

[ron1863]

There are no endemic mammal species in Britain (that is, there are no mammal species native to only this region).

[Ukwildlifeo]

Im fairly sure other than the scottish crossbill there are no endemic vertebrates in the UK - unless there is fish species i guess

[Dan Salter]

Originally Posted by ron1863

There are no endemic mammal species in Britain (that is, there are no mammal species native to only this region).

Ahem.....Felis Silvestris Grampia....th Scottish Wildcat is a mammal is it not?...and Scotland is part of Great Britian is it not?.....

[Jason Green]

Yes, so that'll be one. What about flowers, insects, fungi?

[ron1863]

I don't think the wildcat is a mammal endemic to Scotland but might be wrong. I think the "Scottish" wildcat is actually the European Wildcat.

[Dan Salter]

Originally Posted by ron1863

I don't think the wildcat is a mammal endemic to Scotland but might be wrong. I think the "Scottish" wildcat is actually the European Wildcat.

Yes it is now. The european version being Felis Silvestris silvestris.

The scottish 'grampia' is larger, stouter with thicker fur.....all 400 of them!

[Ukwildlifeo]

Originally Posted by Dan Salter

Ahem.....Felis Silvestris Grampia....th Scottish Wildcat is a mammal is it not?...and Scotland is part of Great Britian is it not?.....

I think Felis Silvestris Grampia is now an invalid sub species (well it says so on wikipedia so possibly!), as its now part of the european sub species, hence found outside the UK. Mind you there is the rabbit faced cat that may be endemic - if it exists in the first place!

[Dan Salter]

Originally Posted by Ukwildlifeo

I think Felis Silvestris Grampia is now an invalid sub species (well it says so on wikipedia so possibly!), as its now part of the european sub species, hence found outside the UK. Mind you there is the rabbit faced cat that may be endemic - if it exists in the first place!

But its the other way round....Felis Silvestris Grampia has evolved FROM the european species Felis Silvestris Silvestris having been isolated in Scotland and evolved to withstand the harsh weather conditions. Those OUTSIDE the UK are the European version not the Scottish version.

And also....WIKIPEDIA is a big no no in any scientific discussion!. (so our lecturers always tell us)

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by Dan Salter

But its the other way round....Felis Silvestris Grampia has evolved FROM the european species Felis Silvestris Silvestris having been isolated in Scotland and evolved to withstand the harsh weather conditions. Those OUTSIDE the UK are the European version not the Scottish version.

And also....WIKIPEDIA is a big no no in any scientific discussion!. (so our lecturers always tell us)

It can't be endemic if it originated from the European verion. Unique to Britain, they are a sub species of the European wildcat (felis silvestris silvestris)