refugia
Species' last stands
Refugia is the plural of refugium—areas where organisms survive during periods of unfavorable conditions elsewhere.
In ecology, refugia are regions where species persisted through ice ages or other environmental changes, later recolonizing surrounding territories: The Appalachian refugia preserved remarkable biodiversity during glaciation.
The term appears in climate science, conservation biology, and discussions of species survival.
Shelter from danger
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- oasisFertile desert spot
- enclaveSurrounded distinct territory
holdout · stronghold · bastion · pocket · island · remnant · vestige · preserve
Supply kept back
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
- corridorEnclosed connecting walkway
- restorationReturning something to condition
- managementOrganizing and directing resources
stewardship · endangered · preservation · rewilding · connectivity · translocation · ex-situ · ark
Geographic species restriction
- crypticObscure in meaning
- disjunctSeparated or disjoined
- speciationFormation of distinct species
- isolationComplete separation from others
Of frozen rivers
- relictBiological or legal survivor
- postglacialAfter ice ages ended
- interglacialEpoch between major freezes
- climaticConcerning prevailing weather
paleoecology · colonization · dispersal · quaternary · recolonization
Localized atmospheric zone
- microhabitatSmall distinct living area
- canyonDeep river-cut gorge
- ravineDeep, narrow valley
- springsCoils, sources, or leaps
seeps · caves · topographic · sheltered · talus · understory
haven
Shelter from danger
enclave · holdout · stronghold · bastion · pocket · island · remnant · vestige · preserve · asylum
reserve
Supply kept back
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
- corridorEnclosed connecting walkway
- restorationReturning something to condition
management · stewardship · endangered · preservation · rewilding · connectivity · translocation · ex-situ · ark
endemism
Geographic species restriction
- crypticObscure in meaning
- disjunctSeparated or disjoined
- speciationFormation of distinct species
isolation · persistence · fragmentation · connectivity · montane
glacial
Of frozen rivers
- relictBiological or legal survivor
- postglacialAfter ice ages ended
- interglacialEpoch between major freezes
climatic · paleoecology · colonization · dispersal · quaternary · recolonization
microclimate
Localized atmospheric zone
- microhabitatSmall distinct living area
- canyonDeep river-cut gorge
- ravineDeep, narrow valley
springs · seeps · caves · topographic · sheltered · talus · understory
endemic
Native to one area
rare · native · specialist · living-fossil
refugiahostile environment
Surroundings posing active threats
wasteland · dead zone · barren landscape · killing fields · sterile environment
- refugee aidHelp for displaced persons
- take refugeSeek protection from danger
- Afghan refugeesPeople fleeing Afghanistan
- refugee campShelter site for displaced foreigners
- war refugeeOne fleeing armed conflict
- wildlife refugesProtected areas for animals