indigenous

Living or growing naturally in a place, or belonging to its original population.

• These plants are indigenous to the region.
• The park protects indigenous animals.
• Several indigenous species have disappeared from the island.

How to use it: indigenous to a place (This tree is indigenous to the island.)

Similar words: native

Opposites: introduced, non-native

Common phrases: indigenous plants, indigenous species, indigenous to something, indigenous people

Relating to a place's original peoples and their languages, traditions, or ways of life.

• The school teaches indigenous languages.
• She studies indigenous traditions and stories.
• The museum worked with indigenous communities to plan the display.

Similar words: native, aboriginal

Common phrases: indigenous culture, indigenous languages, indigenous traditions, indigenous communities