refugium

A refugium is a geographical area that maintains a relatively stable climate during a period of widespread climatic change, such as a glaciation. These areas serve as havens for plants and animals, allowing them to survive while surrounding regions become inhospitable.1

During glacial periods, vast ice sheets covered much of the Northern Hemisphere, significantly altering climates. However, certain areas, often at lower latitudes or in sheltered locations, retained more moderate conditions. These refugia acted as centers from which species could later disperse and evolve once the climate stabilized. The term "refugium" itself comes from the Latin word for refuge, highlighting its function as a place of shelter and protection.213