Rare species is an organism which is very uncommon or scarce. This designation may be applied to either a plant or animal taxon, and is distinct from the term "endangered species". Designation of a rare species is usually made by an official body such as the IUCN, national government, state or province. The concept of rarity is established from having a very small number of organisms worldwide, usually a number less than 10,000; however, the concept is also influenced by having a very narrow endemic range.

A species may be endangered, but not considered rare, if the threats to its habitat from human taking pose a considerable risk to the viability of the species. It is unusual, but theroetically possible for a species to be rare, but not considered endangered. Such a circumstance might arise for a small colony of organisms that is remote from human intervention and in a stable ecosystem. the circumstance could also arise merely by dent of no agency acting on a classification of "endangered".

Examples of rare species

• Giant Panda,mammal
• Qinling Panda,mammal
• Red Panda,mammal
• Acarospora admissa, lichen
• Golden lion tamarin, mammal
• Hickman's potentilla, wildflower
• Mason's Lilaeopsis
• San Bruno elfin butterfly
• San Francisco garter snake
• Soft bird's beak, plant

Biology stubs