In 1992, recognizing a growing local and international urgency for conservation, Taiwan established the Endemic Species Research Institute (TESRI). This move was in line with the global push for nature conservation and mirrored the burgeoning awareness within the country. In 1999, as part of the downsizing and reorganization of the Taiwan Provincial Government, ESRI was reassigned to fall under the jurisdiction of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, R.O.C. (Taiwan).

       Since its inception, the TESRI has remained Taiwan's sole governmental unit singularly focused on the research, conservation, and public education of endemic and endangered wildlife and ecosystems.

       On August 1, 2023, in line with a broader reformation of the Executive Yuan, the TESRI will transform to become the Taiwan Biodiversity Research Institute (TBRI), which will operate under the Ministry of Agriculture. The TBRI will continue and expand upon the pioneering work of its predecessor, furthering Taiwan's contribution to biodiversity research, conservation, monitoring, and educational outreach.