Introduction
No species meet the strict criteria for “Endemic Species of Oregon.”
Note that defining endemics by state lines creates this result. Species live in habitats, not political borders. Most plants and animals that people call “Oregon species” also occur in nearby California, Washington, or small shared ecoregions. Many true endemics happen on islands or in fully isolated mountain systems. Oregon’s landscapes are connected to neighboring states, so no species are found only inside the state border.
Understand that taxonomic and scale rules matter. Authorities like the Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, NatureServe, the Oregon Flora Project, and USFWS record endemism by ecological region or by species versus subspecies. When you raise the bar to “species found only inside Oregon,” records shrink to zero. Close matches remain: subspecies or varieties unique to Oregon (for example some coastal butterflies and Willamette Valley plants), species largely limited to Oregon-centered ecoregions like the Willamette Valley or the Klamath‑Siskiyou, and many rare or threatened species with most of their range inside Oregon.
Consider exploring related lists instead. Look for near‑endemics, endemics of Oregon ecoregions, endemic subspecies and varieties, or Oregon’s rare and threatened species. These categories highlight the state’s unique biodiversity and are the best place to find Oregon‑focused conservation priorities.
