AUSTRALIAN REGION-ZOOGEOGRAPHY

Australian Region -Charecters

The entire earth shows animal fauna. As per the distribution of the fauna the earth is divided into Zoogeographical regions.

Australian region contains Australia, Newzealand, New Guinea and nearby Islands in the Pacific ocean Walice” includes Celebas islands in Australian region. But now a days it was kept in Oriental region.

Sub Regions of Australian Region : The realm is sub divided into four sub regions.

a) Australian subregion.

b) Austromalayan Subregion.

c) Polynesian Subregion.

d) Newzealand Subregion.

a) Australian Subregion : It includes Australia and Tasmania. This region is located towards Southwest of Pacific ocean. In this region very peculiar fauna is seen. It is because this part is separated from the main land by a big stretch of Ocean. It shows tropical and temperate climate.

In this subregion 34 genera of marsupials included. Hence it is called “Home of Marsupials”.

Tailed Amphibians ar-reported in this region. Flightless birds like Emus are included in this region.

b) Austromalayan Subregion : This region includes Malayan Archepelago islands, New Guinea, Solmon Islands etc.,

1) Crowned Pigeons, Fly river Turtles are common.

2) Dendrolagus, Dayrus etc., Marsupials are present

c) Polynesian Subregion : This region includes Polynesian Islands. In this region fauna is poor. Tooth build Pigeons are common.

d) Newzealand Subregion : In this subregion Newzealand is included.

1) In this subregion snakes are absent

2) Sphenodon a living fossil is confined to this region only.

3) In this region Kiwi flightless birds are present Hence these people are called Kiwis. Kiwi is the National bird of Newzealand.

4) Rats and Bats are common.

Fauna of Australian Region : Many Zoogeography workers thought that Australia and America might have connected by a landmass. This landmass is called “Gondwana landmass”. Because of this landmass the fauna of Australia and America are similar. But after sometime this Gondwana landmass was submerged, Australia as separated. Hence Australian fauna become isolated. In this region Eutherian mammals were not invaded because of the absence of Carnivorous Eutherians. Marsupials have in- creased in their number. Many important Marsupials were developed.

Mammalian Fauna in Australian region:

1) Ornithorhynchus (Duck billed Platypus),

2) Macropus (Kangaroo),

3) Dasous (Tiger Cat),

4) Dendrologous,

5) Pteropus (Flying fox),

6) Paramoles (Marsupial Bandicoot),

7) Echidna(Spiny ant eater), 8) Ratus ratus (Rat),

9) Equs equs (Horse),

1O)Equsacinus (Donkey),

11) Sus (Pig).

Avian Fauna in Australian region : In this region flightless birds are common.

1) Apteryx (Kiwi); It is present only in Newzealand.

2) Dromaeus (Emu)New Guinea.’

3) Casso wails-Present in Australia. ‘

These flightless birds are common in this region. The other birds can be seen in this region are

1) Pigeon (Columba livia),

2) Duck,

3) Crane,

4) Crow,

5) Passer domesticus (Sparrow),

6) Tooth billed Region.

Reptiles in Australian Region:

1) In Newzealand snakes are absent.

2) Sphenodon is seen only in this region.

3) Varanus (Monitor Lizard)

4) Trionyx, 5) Testudo elegans,

6) Caretta caretta, 7) Chamaeleon,

8) Calotes versicolor, 9) Mabuya etc., Reptiles are seen.

Amphibians Tailed Amphibians, Frogs and Apodans are common in Australian region.

1) Rana species,

2) Hyla arbouria ,

3) Micro hyla,

4) Rhachophorus,

5) Alytes etc., Amphibians are common.

Fishes in Australian region : In this region the most important fish is a lung fish.

Ceratodous is seen in this region. It is called “Australian Lung Fish”. In

this region many other fresh water and marine fishes are present.

1) Scoliodon.

2) Macarell.

3) Cynoglosus.

4) Catla catla.

5) Anabas.

6)Saccobranchus.

Invertebrates In the Australian region “Trigonia” a fresh water bivalved Molluscan is seen.

Thus Australian realm is showing faunal Characters.

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.

ORIENTAL REGIONS -CHARECTERS

ORIENTAL REGION

This region includes Indian sub-continent Ceylon Burma Philippines. Formosa and Scathe China, form the North of this region Himalayas are present. On the West of it Arabian sea is present. In the South east corner physical boundary is absent This region includes 4 sub regions. This region shows tropical and temperate zones. In the North East Asia rain forest is present towards the west desert is present The remaining part shows plains and rivers hence this region show different types of conditions. Hence more vegetation is present and more fauna is seen.

The 4 sub regions are

1. Indian sub-region,

2. Ceylon sub-region.

3. Indo-China sub-region,

4. Indo-Malayan sub-region.

Indian Sub-Region: It includes North India and Central part. It starts from the root of Himalaya and extend up to Malabar Coast. This region shows plains and deserts. It shows temperate and tropical conditions.

In this region Antelopes, Peacock, Indian Bison, Black Elephant, Equas and some important snakes are present.

Ceylonian Sub-Region :- It includes Ceylon, Small Indian Peninsula. It shows Loris, Elephants, Equas, Rat, Bandicoots and Snakes.

Indo-China SubRegion :- It includes China south of Palaearctic region. It includes Gibbons, Lemurs, Rhinoceros, Salamanders, Disc tongued frogs are present.

Indo-Malayan Sub Region : It includes Malayan peninsula and surrounding Islands. This region supports 132 families of fauna Gibbon, Rhinoceros, Badger, Broad bills etc. are very common in this region.

Fauna of oriental region :- The fauna of Oriental region shows resemblances that of Ethiopian region. Hence some Zoogeographists have attempted to place Ethiopian and Oriental regions in PalaeoTropical region.

Fishes in oriental region :- Fish fauna of Oriental region will resemble that of Ethiopian region. Oriental fish fauna is dominated by Carps and Cat fishes.

1. Notopteridae,

2. Anabantklae,

3. Syngnathus,

4. Cypsilurusetc.,

Amphibians in oriental region:- Tailed Amphibians are very rare, only one genusis represented Tylptotriton verrucosus. Anura and Apoda Amphibians are more.

1. Rana species,

2. Hyla.

3. Rhacophorus,

4. Bufo,

5. Discoblastidae nembers,

6. lcthyophis,

7. Uraeotyphlus,

8. Gegenophis etc.

Reptiles in oriental region:- Many reptiles are seen in this region. This fauna Is dominated by lizards, snakes, turtles and Crocodiles.

1. Gvialis,

2. Gecko (Flying Lizard),

3. Chameleon

4. Varanus (Indian Monitor Lizard),

5. Python,

6. Typhlops.

8. Testudo,

9. Cobra etc., In this region Xenopeltidae, Uropeltidea forms are exclusive. -

Birds in orintal region:- In this region 66 families of Birds are included.

1. Honey Guides,

2. Wood Pecker,

3. Horn bill,

4. Pea- cock etc.

Mammals in oriental regions:-This region includes 30 mammalian families.

1. Shrews,

2. Rabbit,

3. Canis,

4. Cat,

5. Aye-aye (Hyaena),

6. Sues,

7. Equas

8. Rhinoceros,

9. Great apes like Orangutan, Gibbon Gorilla, Chimpanzee Alirus (Himalayan Pander)

10. Camel etc.,

In this region tree Shrews, flying lemurs, Indian Bisons are exclusive.

NEOTROPICAL REGION-FUNA

ZOOGEOGRAPHY-NEOTROPICAL REGION-BIRDS CONTINENT

This region includes S. America, Central America, Mexico and West Indies.

This is divided into 4 sub- regions.

1 Chillian sub region

2 Brezelian sub region

3: Mexicon sub-region

4. West Indies sub-region.

This region shows tropical conditions. The southern part of South America shows temperate zones, because of these varied environmental conditions Luxuriant forests, Deserts, Plains and Rivers are common. –

1) In the Amazon region thick forests are present. They are all evergreen forests.

2) Grassy plains e present in Argentina. 3) This region shows Andes Mountains. Because of these conditions good vegetation is seen and rich fauna is present.

1) Chillian Sub-region : It includes West Coast of South America. It contains Ands mountain ranges Bolivea, Peru, Argentina. ,.

It includes 3 toed Ostrich called Rhea americana, Clamas, Oil birds are common.

2) Brazelian Subregion : It includes tropical forests of South America. It shows evergreen forests. Plains are also seen Rivers are present hence more vegetation is seen. It supports rich fauna. in this region Amrican Monkey, Blood sucking bats (Vampire) Armadillos are common. ‘

3) Mexican Sub-region : North of isthmus of Panama is called Mexkon sub-region. This region shows rocky mountains. It is showing sub. tropical conditions. in this region Tapiers, Mudterrapins etc., are common

4) West Indies or Antelian Sub-region: The region contains West Indies, islands. Trinidad and Tobago are not included in this region. These islands contain mountains. In this sub-region the Vertebrate fauna is poor.

Fauna in neotropical region : In this region many endemic species are present, and 39 families are recognised.

Fishes in Neotropical region: In this region many fresh water fishes are present. The important features of the regions are the absence of Carps. In this region Cat fishes; Trygonids, Edi fishes are present.

In South American region one Dipnoi fish is present Lepidosiren is called South American Fresh water Lung fish.

 Amphibians in Neotropical region: In this zone 14 families of Amphibians are present 1) Pipa pipa 2) Hyla 3) Bufo 4) Rana etc.

Caecelians are also represented in this region 1) Siphanophis 2) Rainotrema, Urodeles are very few.

Reptiles in neotropical regions : The reptiles of the sub-region will resemble those of Ethiopian and Oriental zone.

1) Crocodiles.

2) Alligator etc., Crocodiles are common.

Many turtles, and Tortoises are common in this region.

15 families of lizards are represented out of which 5 families are reported in this region.

1) Helodermidae ( Poison lizard)

. 2)Andidae,

3) Crcosauridae etc.,

in this region many snakes are present. Coral snakes, Pit vipers, Typhiops and many other snakes are present

Birds in Neotropical: Avian fauna of this region i striking and peculiar. Hence South America is called Bird continent

(Neotropical region is referred as Bird continent)

1) Rhea americana ( 3 toed ostrich) - American Ostrich.

2) Tinamus (Flightless bird is Endemic to this region)

3) Ducks

4) Pigeons

5) Patrots

6) Swifts

7)Wood peckers

8) King fishers

9) Starks are common.

Ant thrushers, Tree creepers, Oil birds are endemic to this region only.

Mammals in neotropical region: 32 families are available. Nearly 10 families are endemic to this region.

Ex : Hapalidae, Cebidae etc. families of New World monkeys.

Armadillos, sloths, Ant eaters, Didelphis etc., are also seen in this region.

1) Tapiers 2) Uamas 3)Deer 4) Squirrels 5) Rabbit 6) Armadios are common in this region.

In this region Hayeans (Aye-aye), Hedge-hog and Native Horses are absent

NEARCTIC REGION

NEARCTIC REGION-FUNA

The region above the tropics of North America is the Nerctic region. Towards north it includes New found land, the Arctic Archipelago and Greenland. This region is known as

‘Head quarters of urodels.

1)Nearctic region shows great variations in climatic conditions and temperatures.

2) In the North Greenland, frozen ice is seen.

3) Range of mountains extended from North to South.

4) In the South west of North America deserts are present.

Sub Regions : Nearctic region is divided into four sub-regions.

1) California Sub-region : A part of North America Nevadaand Cascade ranges and part of British Columbia are included in it Nearly 86 families of vertebrates like Haplodotidae Anielhade Vampires and Free tailed bats are seen in this sub region

2) Rocky mountain sub-region : It includes mountains of East California with nearly 107 families of terrestrial vertebrates. Goats, Haplocerus, Prairie dogs and Lizards are commonly seen.

3) Alleghasy Sub-region : It includes rocky mountain sub- region, Lakes of Eastern parts of U.S.A. Vampire bats, Star nosed moles, Opossums, Turkeys and Carolina parrots are present.

4) Canadian Sub region : It includes remaining parts of North America and Greenland. Bison, Gluttons, Polar bears, arctic fox, Reindeer are commonly seen. ‘

Fauna : Nearctic region includes Fishes, Amphibians, Reptiles,Birds and Mammales.

Fishes : Cat fishes,Garpike, Paddle fishes, and Cyprinidonts are commonly present.

Amphibians : Amphiuma, Salamanders, Bufo, Amblystoma, Hyla, and Rana are seeWin this region.

Reptiles : Rich number of Reptiles like, Musk turtle, Trionyx, Emydines, Alligators ophiosaurs, and vipers like Pituophis couophis and Chilomeniscus are present.

Birds : Nearly 39 families of birds including Pelicans, Heron, Humming birds, Woodpeckers, l9ycatchers, Mocking birds, Larks and Sand- pipers are present.

Mammals : Mammals like Squirrels, Moles, Rabbits, Beavers, Cats, Bats, Deers, Bears, Weasels, Opposum, Porcupine and Armadillo are present. Nearly 24 families are seen in this region.

PALAEARCTIC REGION-ZOOGEOGRAPHY

PALAEARCTIC REGION:

Palaearctic region This is the largest of the Six regions is covering an area of 14,000,000 square miles. In this region Europe, Asia, North of Himalayas and Northern parts of Africa.

1 ) This region shows wide range of temperature fluctuations.

2) It also shows wide range of fluctuation in the amount of rainfall.

3) It includes polar arctic region.

4) On its Northern side it shows temperate conditions

5) Eastern Asia shows deciduous forests.

6) In the Northern region ‘Steppe’ grass lands are present.

 

Hence region shows wide fluctuations in physical and climatic features, so , it supports good fauna.

Sub regions: Palaearctic region has been divided into four sub regions.

1) European Sub-region : Northern and central Europe, Black sea and caucasus rare included in it. It is represented by 85 families of vertebrates. Amphibians and Reptiles are represented with six families each. Myogale, only one genus of mammal is present. Bird like Tits, wagtails, mammals like wolf and moles are common in this sub-region.

2) Mediterranean Sub region : Remaining parts of Europe; Africa and Arabian portions are included in it. 124 families of terrestrial vertebrates are present. Birds like Upupa and Pastor, mammals like elephant scurew, Hyaena and porcupine are seen in this sub-region.

3) Siberian sub region : Northern Asia, Himalayas are included in it. 94 families of vertebrates are included in it. Families of Musk deer and Moles are ccnfined to this sub-region.

4) Manchurian Sub region : Mangolia, Japan, Korea, and Manchuria are included in it. Mammals like, Tibetan Langur, Great Panda, Tufted deer, Chinese water deer are common.

Fauna : This region is supported by good fauna. Fishes, Amphibians, Reptiles, Bijds and Mammals are represented.

Fishes : Most of the fishes show greater affinity to North America. Paddle fishes in China, Cyprinus, Anabas and Sucker fish (Echenis) are present.

Amphibians : Frogs like Discoglossus, Bufo, Hyla, Rhacophorus, Salamanders like Proteus, Megalobatrachus, and a number of tailed am- phibians are seen in palaearctic and Nearctic regions.

Reptiles : Snakes like Natrix, Dasypettis, T,rphlos, lizard like Monitor, tortoise like Testudo are common. True pit vipers, Colubrids are most commonly seen. ‘

Birds : Birds like Hawks, Cukoos, rails, finches, crows are present which are migratory. Nearly 37 species of birds are present. Parrots are absent.

Mammal. : Camel, deer, wolf, horse, pig, hedgehog like mammats are common, Fruit bats, panthera bear are also present. The common mammalian fauna includes Deer, Beavers, Dog, Cat, Squirrels, Rabbits, Mice, Bats and moles.

Therefore, it clearly suggests that vertebrate fauna of palaearctic region is not very rich and shows overlapping nearctic region with New world and old world fauna.

ZOOGEOGRAPHY-INTRODUCTION

Zoogeography:The study of geographical distribution of animals is Zoogeography.

The vertebrates have characteristic patterns of distribution on the land masses. Zoogeography is helpful in understanding the evolution
The increase in number of animals by reproduction makes them distribute in all directions. Dispersal continues until barrier is reached. The reason for such discontinuous distribution of related groups is due to the development of the barriers or due to the extinction of forms In the intermediate area.
The idea of Zoogeography was originally contributed by P.L Sciater. He studied the geographical distribution of birds in his paper
‘Schema distributions avium geographicae’. He divided the continents into six Geographical regions.
Huxley grouped four regions that cover Africa, Eurasia, and North America are called the unit as ‘Arctogaea’. He included South America and Australia under Notogaea’.
Blanford divided the land masses into three main divisions
1,Arctogaea; Eurasia; North America and Africa.
2) South American region
3) Australian region. S
According to Darlington the continents of the whole world can be divided into.
1. Nearctic region
2. Palaearctic region
3. Neotropical region
4. Ethiopian region
5.Oriental region
6. Australian regions.
The accepted system of continental faunal regions.
1 . Realm Megagaea : This includes four zoogeographical regions.
Region - 1 . Nearctic region : This includes North America and Mexico abov tropics.
Region - 2. Palaearctic region : This region comprises Eurasia abo tropics and Northern corner of Africa.
Region - 3. Oriental region : This includes tropical Asia and associated Islands.
Region -4. Ethiopian region : This includes Africa and Southern region of Arabia.
II. Realm Neogaea : Region - 5 . Neotropical region. This includes South America, Central America and Southern part of Mexico.
III. Realm Notogaea: Region -6. Australian region: This region includes Australia, New Guinea, Tasmania, Newzealand and some neighboring islands.

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