4.3 Endemic species - a neglected biodiversity treasure?!
Endemics are the treasure of biodiversity. They have a narrow distribution. Most of them are rare, stenotopic and cold-adapted. The dramatic change in environmental conditions due to climate warming and habitat loss lead to a high endangerment of endemic species. (1) What do we know about these rarities?, (2) How do we take care of them?, (3) Where are the hot-spots of endemism in the Alps?, (4) What role do they play in environmental checks, in the work of Departments of Nature-Protection and management plans of National Parks?, (5) Are we willed and are we able to protect these last unicorns from becoming extinct?