2. NEOTROPICAL REGION.
RANGE & EXTENTION.
This region composed of the south and central America, west indies and the southern
part of Mexico. It joined to Nearctic by the central isthmus and separated from all
other regions by the sea.
3. NEOTROPICAL REGION
PHYSICAL FEATURE
• Mostly tropical regions, but the southern region extends into the the south
temperate zones.
• Extensive and luxuriant growth of forests especially in the tropical portion of the
portions of the regions.
• Total absence of deserts.
• Mountain range in the part of south America is covered with treeless grassy plains
such as east of Andes mountain.
4. CLIMATE
Neo" tropical rainforests are those found in the
New World. Ranging from Mexico to Bolivia
and Brazil, the Neotropical rainforest is found
where temperature and precipitation create
conditions for rapid plant growth (water and
warmth) and long growing seasons (no
extended dry or cold periods)
5. NEOTROPICAL REGION
This region includes S. America, Central America, Mexico and West Indies.
This is divided into 4 sub-regions.
1. Chillian sub region
2. Brazilian sub region
3. Mexican sub-region
4. West Indies sub-region
6. Chillian Sub-region
1. Chillian Sub-region: It includes West Coast of South America. It contains
Andes mountain ranges Bolivia, Peru, Argentina.
It includes 3 toed Ostrich called Rhea Americana, Clamas, Oil birds are
common.
7. Brazilian Sub-region
2. Brazilian Sub-region: 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 American Monkey,
Blood sucking bats (Vampire) Armadillos are common
8. Mexican Sub-region
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 Tapirs,
Mud terrapins etc., are common.
9. West Indies or Antilian Sub-region
4. West Indies or Antilian 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
10. Fauna in Neotropical region
In this region many endemic species are present, and 39 families are
recognized.
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.
11. Amphibians
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,
Urodels are very few
12. Reptiles in neotropical regions
Reptiles in neotropical regions:
The reptiles of the sub-region will resemble those of Ethiopian and Oriental
zone.
Crocodiles.
Alligator etc., Crocodiles are common.
Many turtles, and Tortoises are common in this region
13. Reptiles in neotropical regions
15 families of lizards are represented out
of which 5 families are reported in this
region.
1. Helodermidae ( Poison lizard)
2. Crco sauridae etc.
In this region many snakes are present.
Coral snakes, Pit vipers, Typhlops and
many other snakes are present.
14. Birds in Neotropical
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).
Rhea americana ( 3 toed ostrich) - American Ostrich
Tinamus (Flightless bird is Endemic to this region)
Ducks
Pigeons
Parrots
Swifts
Wood peckers
King fishers
Starks are common
Ant thrushers, Tree creepers, Oil birds are endemic to this region only
15. Mammals in Neotropical region
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.
• Tapirs
• Deer
• Squirrels
• Rabbit
• Armadillos are common in this region.
In this region Hyenas (Aye-aye), Hedge-hog and Native Horses are absent