MEDITERRANEAN REGION

The Mediterranean region, surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, is distinguished by its

unique climate, flora, fauna, and cultural diversity. This region includes parts of southern
Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa.

Countries in the Mediterranean Region

Countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea or part of the broader Mediterranean basin
include:

1. Southern Europe: Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece
2. Western Asia: Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel
3. North Africa: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco

Climate

 Hot, dry summers: Temperatures can exceed 30°C (86°F), with minimal rainfall.
 Mild, wet winters: Temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), and the
rainy season usually occurs from October to April.
 Transition seasons: Spring and autumn are short, with warm, pleasant weather.

Fauna

 Mammals: The Iberian lynx, Barbary macaque, Mediterranean monk seal, and wild
boar.
 Birds: Flamingos, Audouin's gull, and peregrine falcon; migratory birds use the region
as a crucial stop.
 Marine life: The Mediterranean Sea is home to endangered species like the
loggerhead sea turtle, bluefin tuna, and various species of dolphins.
 Reptiles and Amphibians: The Hermann’s tortoise and European pond terrapin are
common, as well as some endemic frogs and lizards.
 MANCHURIAN REGION

The Manchurian region is located in Northeast Asia.

Countries in the Manchurian Region

1. China: The northeastern provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning.

2. Russia: Primarily the Russian Far East, particularly the Amur Oblast, Primorsky Krai,
and parts of Siberia.
3. Mongolia: Occasionally, parts of northern and eastern Mongolia are included in
discussions of the broader Manchurian ecosystem.

Climate

 Harsh winters: Long, cold, and dry, with temperatures often below -20°C (-4°F),
especially in northern areas, and significant snow cover.
 Short, warm summers: Brief but humid, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to
30°C (68°F to 86°F).
 Short springs and autumns: Mild but marked by rapid temperature shifts.

Fauna

 Large mammals: The Amur (Siberian) tiger and Amur leopard (both endangered),
brown bears, and wild boar.
 Deer species: Manchurian wapiti, sika deer, and roe deer.
 Birds: The endangered red-crowned crane, Oriental stork, and Blakiston's fish owl,
with wetlands serving as important breeding grounds for migratory birds.
 River species: The Amur sturgeon and salmon species are vital to river ecosystems.
 SIBERIAN REGION

The Siberian region in northern Asia covers much of Russia and parts of Kazakhstan,
stretching from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

Climate

 Harsh winters: Extremely cold, especially in northeastern Siberia, with temperatures

dropping below -50°C (-58°F) in some areas.
 Short summers: Mild to cool, rarely exceeding 20°C (68°F), with brief bursts of
vegetation growth.
 Permafrost: Much of the ground remains frozen year-round, particularly in northern
Siberia.

Fauna

 Large mammals: Siberian tiger (in the Amur region), brown bears, wolves, reindeer,
and moose.
 Birds: Snowy owl, Siberian crane, and ptarmigan, with many migratory species.
 Small mammals and rodents: Arctic fox, lemmings, and Siberian chipmunks, adapted
to harsh winters.
 MALAGASY REGION

The Malagasy region primarily consists of Madagascar and several nearby islands in the
Indian Ocean, including Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Known for its exceptional
biodiversity, Madagascar is especially unique, with a high rate of endemic species.

Climate

 Tropical climate: Hot and humid, particularly along the coast, with a cooler, drier
highland interior.
 Rainy season: November to April, bringing monsoon rains and cyclones.
 Dry season: May to October, with more moderate temperatures and lower humidity.

Fauna

 Lemurs: Over 100 species and subspecies, all endemic to Madagascar.

 Reptiles: Chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos, and the radiated tortoise.
 Birds: Many unique species, including the Madagascar fish eagle and the vangas.
 Invertebrates: High diversity, including the iconic hissing cockroach and many
unique butterflies.
 CEYLON REGION

The Ceylon region, commonly referred to as Sri Lanka, is an island nation located in the
Indian Ocean, southeast of India.

Climate

 Tropical climate: Generally warm and humid year-round.

 Monsoon seasons: The southwest monsoon occurs from May to September, while
the northeast monsoon lasts from December to February.
 Regional variations: Coastal areas are hot and humid, while the central highlands are
cooler and experience more rainfall.

Fauna

 Mammals: Includes Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, and the endangered Sri Lankan
sloth bear.
 Birds: Over 500 species, including endemics like the Sri Lankan jungle fowl and the
red-faced malkoha.
 Reptiles: Home to unique species such as the Sri Lankan krait and various tortoises
and lizards.
 Marine life: Rich biodiversity in coastal waters, including blue whales, dolphins, and
various fish species.
 INDO-MALAYAN REGION

The Indo-Malayan region encompasses a diverse area across Southeast Asia, including parts
of the Indian subcontinent and island nations, characterized by rich biodiversity.

Countries

 Mainland Southeast Asia: Includes countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia,

Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia.
 South Asia: Parts of India and Bangladesh.
 Island nations: Includes Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei, Singapore, Timor-Leste, and
Maldives.

Climate

 Tropical climate: Predominantly warm and humid, with significant rainfall.

 Monsoon seasons: Heavy rains from the southwest monsoon (June to September)
and northeast monsoon (November to March).
 Regional variations: Coastal areas are hot and humid, while mountainous regions
can be cooler and experience diverse weather patterns.

Fauna

 Mammals: Includes species like the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, orangutan, and
various primates.
 Birds: Rich avian diversity, featuring species like the hornbill, sunbird, and many
endemic species in the Philippines.
 Reptiles: Home to various snakes, monitor lizards, and the critically endangered
leatherback turtle.
 AUSTRO-MALAYAN REGION

The Austral-Malayan region includes parts of Southeast Asia and the southwestern Pacific,
particularly focusing on the Malay Peninsula, the Indonesian archipelago, and Papua New
Guinea.

Countries

 Malaysia: Encompasses Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Borneo).

 Indonesia: Includes thousands of islands, with major ones like Sumatra, Java, and
Bali.
 Brunei: A small, oil-rich nation on the island of Borneo.
 Singapore: A city-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.
 Papua New Guinea: Located in the southwestern Pacific, it comprises the eastern
half of New Guinea and numerous islands.

Climate

 Tropical climate: Characterized by high humidity and temperatures averaging 25°C

to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) year-round.
 Rainy season: Heavy rainfall is common, particularly during the monsoon seasons,
which vary by region.
 Dry season: Some areas experience a drier season, but overall, the region receives
abundant precipitation.
 POLYNESIAN REGION

The Polynesian region is a sub region of Oceania, encompassing numerous islands scattered
across the central and southern Pacific Ocean, known for its rich culture and unique
biodiversity.

Countries

 Samoa: An independent nation consisting of two main islands.

 Tonga: An archipelago of over 170 islands, known for its rich cultural heritage.
 Tuvalu: A small island nation consisting of nine islands, known for its low elevation.
 French Polynesia: An overseas collectivity of France, including Tahiti and other
islands.
 American Samoa: An unincorporated territory of the United States.
 Hawaii: A U.S. state, often considered part of Polynesia due to its cultural and
historical connections.

Climate

 Tropical climate: Characterized by warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging

from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
 Wet and dry seasons: Most islands experience distinct wet and dry seasons, with
heavy rainfall during the wet season (November to April).
 Humidity: High humidity levels are common, contributing to a warm, muggy
atmosphere.
 GREENLAND REGION

The Greenland region primarily consists of Greenland, an autonomous territory within the
Kingdom of Denmark.

Countries

 Greenland: The largest island in the world, home to a small population concentrated
mainly along the western coast.
 Denmark: The country that administers Greenland.

Climate

 Arctic climate: Characterized by long, harsh winters and short, cool summers.
 Temperature extremes: Winters can drop below -30°C (-22°F); summers reach up to
10°C (50°F) in coastal areas.
 Low precipitation: Generally low, with more snow in coastal regions.

Fauna

 Mammals: Polar bears, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and seals like the ringed seal.
 Birds: Seabirds such as puffins and migratory species like Arctic terns.
 Marine life: Whales (humpback, minke) and various fish species, including cod.
 Invertebrates: Includes crustaceans and mollusks supporting marine ecosystems.
 ARCHIPELAGO REGION

The archipelago region primarily refers to a collection of islands, with notable examples in
Southeast Asia, particularly the Malay Archipelago.

Countries

 Indonesia: Over 17,000 islands, including Sumatra and Java.

 Philippines: About 7,600 islands, including Luzon and Mindanao.
 Malaysia: Includes both the Malay Peninsula and parts of Borneo.
 Brunei: A small nation on Borneo.
 East Timor (Timor-Leste): Located on the eastern half of Timor Island.

Climate

 Tropical climate: Warm and humid year-round, with temperatures around 25°C to
30°C (77°F to 86°F).
 Monsoon seasons: Characterized by wet and dry seasons, with heavy rainfall during
the wet periods.

Fauna

 Mammals: Unique species like orangutans and tarsiers.

 Birds: High diversity, including endemic species like the Philippine eagle.
 Reptiles: Includes the Komodo dragon and various snakes.
 Marine life: Rich in coral reefs, sea turtles, and diverse fish species.
 NEW GUINEA REGION

The New Guinea region primarily includes the island of New Guinea, shared between Papua
New Guinea and Indonesia.

Countries

 Papua New Guinea: Occupies the eastern half of the island and surrounding islands.
 Indonesia: Controls the western half, known as Papua and West Papua.

Climate

 Tropical climate: Warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C
(68°F to 86°F).
 Rainfall: Significant, especially in highland and coastal areas, with a wet season from
November to March.

Fauna

 Mammals: Unique species like tree kangaroos and various marsupials.

 Birds: Home to many endemic species, including birds of paradise.
 Reptiles: Features species like the New Guinea crocodile and various lizards.
 Marine life: Diverse coral reefs and species such as sea turtles and reef fish.