About Us
The RIDGES Foundation was born out of the importance of insular ecosystems and the unique species that inhabit them. Overlooked by conservation funding due to their often remote and inaccessible situation; we’re determined to change this.
Based in the UK, and created out of a common passion for conservation, we fund and lead expeditions in some of the remotest regions in the world.
Our Aims
The aim of the RIDGES Foundation is to promote the research, reintroduction, and conservation of Insular, Divergent and Globally Endangered Species through the financial support design and execution of research projects and expeditions targeted towards species that warrant RIDGES in locations that are identified as globally significant biodiversity hotspots and darkspots.
1.
Globally significant biodiversity hotspots
Biodiversity hotspots are defined according to Conservation International’s two criteria:
-
Containing at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species.
-
Having lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation.
Taxa-specific biodiversity and endemism hotspots may also be defined as according to BirdLife International etc.
2.
Biodiversity darkspots
Defined as biodiversity hotspots (1.) with a disproportional lack of research and data.
3.
Globally Endangered Species
A species or taxa defined according to the IUCN Classification as Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered and in specific cases Data Deficient.
4.
Divergent Species
Species demonstrating extreme phenotypic adaptive radiation by allopatric or sympatric speciation.
5.
Insular Species
Species endemic to oceanic or habitat islands, displaying the Island Syndrome and thereby studied under the field of insular biogeography.
6.
Lost Species
Defined as according to Re:Wild as species that have not been observed in more than ten years.
1.
Globally significant biodiversity hotspots
Biodiversity hotspots are defined according to Conservation International’s two criteria:
-
Containing at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species.
-
Having lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation.
Taxa-specific biodiversity and endemism hotspots may also be defined as according to BirdLife International etc.
2.
Biodiversity darkspots
Defined as biodiversity hotspots (1.) with a disproportional lack of research and data.
3.
Globally Endangered Species
A species or taxa defined according to the IUCN Classification as Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered and in specific cases Data Deficient.
4.
Divergent Species
Species demonstrating extreme phenotypic adaptive radiation by allopatric or sympatric speciation.
5.
Insular Species
Species endemic to oceanic or habitat islands, displaying the Island Syndrome and thereby studied under the field of insular biogeography.
6.
Lost Species
Defined as according to Re:Wild as species that have not been observed in more than ten years.