Animal Distribution in the World

Animal distribution is the geographical distribution of animals. It is an important branch of zoology called zoogeography which relates to the distribution of animals, their occurrence in definite areas and the reasons for it, and the dispersal of animals over periods of time. Many physical, biological and historical factors affect the distribution of animals such as climate, vegetation, altitude, soil, water, continental drift, evolution and human activities.

Habitats range from forests to deserts, grasslands to mountains, wetlands to freshwater systems and oceans. Every habitat offers different environmental conditions which favor certain types of animals. Animals may be common in many parts of the world or be endemic and do not exist elsewhere, in other words, their distribution is limited. Animal distribution is significant for biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, ecology, and sustainable utilization of natural resources.

This essay examines the causes of animal distribution, the major zoogeographical regions of the world, the pattern of animal distribution and the significance of animal geography.

Animals can be distributed by various factors:

1. Climate

One of the most significant factors that affect animal survival is climate. The life of animals is directly influenced by temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind and seasonal changes.

Animals in the tropics have warm temperatures and can be adapted to humid environments all year round. Polar animals have thick fur or fat to keep them warm in cold weather. Animals that live in the desert have evolved ways of conserving water and resisting great heat.

2. Food Availability

There is no place where there is no feeding place. An herbivore is a animal which depends on plants, a carnivore is a animal which depends on other animals, and an omnivore is a animal which depends on plants and animals. Birds, mammals and fish may migrate in response to seasonal variations in food availability.

3. Water

Water is the most important element for all living things. Aquatic animals live in fresh and marine water, and terrestrial animals need good water supply. Fewer species are found in water-poor areas than in water-rich areas.

4. Vegetation

Veg. offers food, shelter, nesting and protection from predators. Monkeys, birds, insects, reptiles and many mammals depend on forests for sustenance, and grasslands are inhabited by animals that graze, like zebras, antelopes and bison.

5. Topography

Animals are distributed by mountains, valleys, plains, rivers and oceans. In the case of high mountains the natural barrier effect has resulted in the evolution of unique animal populations.

6. Soil

Plant growth depends on soil characteristics and herbivorous animals depend on plants. Rabbits, moles and earthworms are good examples of animals that need a proper soil environment to dig and hide in.

7. Competition

Competition for food, space and mates among species. More competitive species can drive less competitive species to other habitats, which can affect their geographic distribution.

8. Predators and Diseases

Predators keep prey populations in check and diseases can deplete or wipe out animal populations in parts of an area. Animals have other needs that affect their ability to survive in certain areas, including the need for parasites and pathogens.

9. Evolutionary History

Evolution over millions of years has formed new species that are suited to different environments. Animals have evolved and spread due to the great influence of continental drift and isolation.

10. Human Activities

Deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, pollution, climatic changes, hunting, and invasive species are among the many ways in which humans greatly affect the distribution of animals. Conservation is an effort to minimize such impacts and protect wildlife.

Distribution patterns of animals.

Continuous Distribution

In continuous distribution, the species have large continuous areas, with no significant discontinuities. Many marine fishes, for example, and many common birds are examples of this.

Discontinuous Distribution

A few are found in two or more widely disjunct areas lacking populations in between. This is a pattern that can be caused by changes in history or by the disappearance of intermediate groups.

Endemic Distribution

Endemic animals can only be seen in a particular area. Some examples are animals such as kangaroos in Australia, lemurs in Madagascar and kiwi birds in New Zealand.

Cosmopolitan Distribution

Cosmopolitan species are found throughout the world. These include house sparrows, rats, pigeons and insects.

Zoogeographical Regions of the World

The world is divided into six major animal geographical regions according to their similarity.

1. Palaearctic Region

The Palaearctic Region comprises the whole of Europe, northern Asia, North Africa and parts of the Middle East.

Climate

Climatic conditions vary from Arctic in the northern part to Mediterranean in the southern part.

Characteristic Animals

Brown bear

Wolf

Red fox

Wild boar

Reindeer

Moose

European rabbit

Hedgehog

Snow leopard

Siberian tiger

This area is also a breeding ground for many migratory birds.

2. Nearctic Region

North America and Greenland are included in the Nearctic Region.

Habitats

Tundra

Boreal forests

Temperate forests

Grasslands

Deserts

Characteristic Animals

American bison

Beaver

Black bear

Grizzly bear

Raccoon

Prairie dog

Coyote

Mountain lion

Bald eagle

The area is home to many species of migratory birds and freshwater fishes.

3. Neotropical Region

The Neotropical Region consists of South America, Central America, southern Mexico and the Caribbean.

Climate

Rainforest, with abundant rainfall and mostly tropical.

Characteristic Animals

Jaguar

Sloth

Giant anteater

Capybara

Tapir

Llama

Alpaca

Macaw

Anaconda

Poison dart frog

The Amazon rainforest is the richest region in terms of biodiversity in the world.

4. Ethiopian (Afrotropical) Region

This area covers all nations south of the Sahara desert, in Africa, and Madagascar.

Habitats

Savannas

Tropical rainforests

Deserts

Mountains

Characteristic Animals

African elephant

Lion

Leopard

Cheetah

Zebra

Giraffe

Hippopotamus

Rhinoceros

Gorilla

Chimpanzee

There are numerous endemic species in Madagascar, particularly lemurs.

5. Oriental Region

The Oriental Region encompasses the southern part of China, the islands in the South China Sea, and Southeast and South Asian countries.

Climate

This region is characterized by warm tropical and subtropical climate.

Characteristic Animals

Bengal tiger

Asian elephant

Indian rhinoceros

Leopard

Orangutan

Gibbon

Cobra

Peacock

King cobra

Pangolin

The tropical forest rich in this region is the reason for its rich biodiversity.

6. Australian Region

The Australian Region is comprised of Australia, New Guinea, Tasmania and neighbouring islands.

Unique Features

Long period of isolation has produced extraordinary endemics.

Characteristic Animals

Kangaroo

Koala

Wombat

Platypus

Echidna

Emu

Cassowary

Tasmanian devil

It is the home of marsupials and the place where the monotremes, including platypus, are only found.

The distribution of animals in various habitats.

Forests

The biodiversity of forests is the greatest. Fungi, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals live together in complex ecosystems.

Examples include:

Tigers

Deer

Monkeys

Woodpeckers

Snakes

Butterflies

Grasslands

Grazing animals and their predators are found in grasslands.

Examples include:

Zebra

Antelope

Bison

Lion

Cheetah

Hyena

Deserts

Animals in the desert have adaptations to help them conserve water and stay cool.

Examples include:

Camel

Desert fox

Kangaroo rat

Scorpion

Lizard

Rattlesnake

Mountains

Animals that live in the mountains can withstand cold and altitude.

Examples include:

Snow leopard

Mountain goat

Yak

Golden eagle

Marmot

Freshwater Habitats

Freshwater ecosystems consist of rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands.

Examples include:

Fish

Frogs

Crocodiles

Otters

Turtles

Ducks

Marine Habitats

The oceans cover over 70% of the Earth and have a high degree of biodiversity.

Examples include:

Whales

Dolphins

Sharks

Octopus

Jellyfish

Coral reef fishes

Sea turtles

Animal Migration

Migration: Seasonal movement of animals from one habitat to another.

Examples include:

Migratory birds from breeding to wintering areas and vice versa.

Ocean-going salmon returning for spawning.

Wildebeest traveling through grasslands in Africa.

Migration of whales between feeding and breeding grounds.

Migration can be a way for animals to find food, reproduce or cope with changing conditions in their environment.

Human impact on animal distribution.

The distribution of natural animals has been greatly influenced by human activities.

Major impacts include:

Deforestation

Habitat fragmentation

Urban expansion

Climate change

Pollution

Overhunting

Illegal wildlife trade

Introduction of invasive species

There are a number of measures taken to protect endangered species such as conservation programmes, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, captive breeding, habitat restoration and international agreements.

The significance of studying the distribution of animals.

Scientists can study animal distribution to find out:

Understand biodiversity.

Identify endangered species.

Develop conservation strategies.

Make climate change predictions.

Manage wildlife resources.

Prevent invasive species.

Research the concepts of evolution and adaptation.

Conserve ecological and ecological balance.

Zoogeography also helps the governments to plan protected areas and natural habitat conservation.

Conclusion

Climate, geography, food, vegetation, water, evolution and human activities are the factors that affect animal distribution. The animals found in various regions of the world differ in their characteristics as each region has unique environmental conditions and evolutionary history. The six zoogeographical regions of the world—Palaearctic, Nearctic, Neotropical, Ethiopian, Oriental, Australian—represent the great variety of life on earth.

Many species are being affected by their natural distribution due to habitat loss, pollution and climate change. So it is vital that knowledge about animal distribution has gained greater significance in the conservation of biodiversity and in the survival of wildlife. Science, conservation, sustainable resource use and international collaboration are ways that humans can contribute to the maintenance of the great diversity of animals of the world for future generations.