Pleistocene Refugia

Pleistocene refugia were areas that provided a stable climate and environment for plants and animals during the Pleistocene epoch, which lasted from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. During this time, large parts of the Earth were covered by ice sheets, causing many species to adapt, migrate, or become extinct. Refugia served as safe havens where species could survive and reproduce despite the harsh conditions outside. After the ice receded, these areas played a crucial role in the re-colonization of habitats, helping biodiversity recover and shape the ecosystems we see today.