ETHIOPIAN REGION-ZOOGEOGRAPHY

ETHIOPIAN REGION-CHARECTERS

Zoogeographers divided the earth into different zoogeographical regions. Ethiopian region is one among them. In this realm Africa, Sahara desert, Southern part of Arabia, Madagascar Island are included.

This region shows extensive desert on the North side. It is called “Sahara desert”. On its Western side thick forests are present. Rest of Africa shows Greenland. This Ethiopian region was divided into four sub regions.

1. East African sub region,

2. West African sub region,

3. South African sub region,

4. Malagassy sub region.

East African Sub-Region : This region includes Tropical Africa and tropical Arabia are present, because of high temperature desert conditions are available. Sahara desert is included in the region. In this region desert animals are included. Giraffe, Zebra, Camel, Ostrich etc., are common.

West African Sub region : This region shows thick forest. River Congo is included in this region. This region shows heavy rainfall. Because of its rich flora which supports good fauna.

1. Gorilla, Gibbon, Great Apes are present,

2. Pittedae family of Birds are common,

3. Elephants,Panthers, Lions are present.

South African Sub Region : This Southern part of the African continent is included in this region. It shows peculiar fauna.

1. Secretory birds,

2. African moles,

3. Rats,

4. Bandicoots,

5 South African lung fish (Protopterus).

Malagasy Sub Region: Ii includes Madagascar and nearby islands. Darlington separated this Madagascar from Ethiopian region. In this region Chameleons are more popular.

This island was separated from the main land after the development of Lemurs.It has no connection with the main land. African continent Evolution is continued. Many Eutherians has invaded in that place. But in Madagascar there is no fresh Evolution, only old animals are represented. Hence this sub-region shows dissimilarity in Fauna when compared to the main land.

Fauna of Ethiopia:

Mammals in Ethiopian region:

1. Aye aye (Hyaena),

2. Galeopithicus,

3. Gorilla gorilla,

4. Chimpanjee,

5. Gibbon,

6. Equs equs (Horse),

7. Elephant,

8. Panthera tigris (Tiger),

9. Panthera leo ( lion),

10. Assionomyx (Leopard),

11. Camelus (Camel),

12. Deer,

13. Sus (Pig),

14. Equs acinus (Donkey).

Ethiopian region mammals will show resemblances with th mammalian fauna of Oriental region. It is because they have a land connection previously.’

Birds in Ethiopian region : The most important birds of this region are two toed Ostrich- Struthio camelus.

1. Horn bills,

2. Heron,

3. Pigeons,

4. Parrot,

5. Cuckoos,

6. Storks,

. Finches etc.,

In this region some exclusive birds are present. They are.

1. Ostriches,

2. Pittedae,

3. Hammer headed birds, Mouse birds etc.

Reptiles in Ethiopian region : Crocodiles and Reptiles are very numerous.

1. Testudo,

2. Trionyx,

3. Chamaeleon. Itis the char-acteristic of this region.

4. Geck. It is a flying lizard. In this region many Snakes are present.

1. Rattle snakes,

2. Cobras,

3. Vipers,

4. Pythons,

5. Typhiops etc., are common in this region.

Amphibians in Ethiopian regions: This fauna is  distinctive, It is represented by Cicaelians, Anura.

1. Rhacophorus,

2. Hyla,

3. Microhyla,

4. Xenopus (Clawed Toad). It is exclusively in this region.

5. Cicaeans are abudant.

6. Tailed amphibians are absent.

Fishes in Ethiopian region: Fish fauna is diverse.

1. Protopterus African fresh water lung fish is seen in this region,

2. Sharks,

3. Tuna fishes,

4. Cat fishes,

5. Cyprinids,

6. Electric fishes are common in this region.