Notogaea Realm

faunal region

Also known as: Australian realm

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July 1, 2026

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The Notogaea Realm is one of the major faunal regions of the world, defined by its distinctive animal life. It primarily encompasses Australia, Oceania, and New Zealand. This realm is characterized by unique endemic species, including monotremes like the platypus, various marsupials such as kangaroos, and distinct bird and fish families. The Notogaean realm is considered a distinct realm, separate from others like the Neotropical (Neogea) and Holarctic regions. While the flora of New Guinea aligns with the Paleotropical kingdom, its fauna is classified within the Notogaean realm, highlighting some discrepancies between plant and animal biogeographic classifications.1234

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biogeographic region
Notogaean realm
The Notogaean, or Australian, realm begins east of Lydekker’s Line and extends out into the Pacific Ocean (Figure 2). It consists of four regions: Australian, Oceanic, New Zealand, and Hawaiian. The faunas of many of the Pacific Islands, however, have as much in…
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The Notogaean, or Australian, realm begins east of Lydekker’s Line and extends out into the Pacific Ocean (Figure 2). It consists of four regions: Australian, Oceanic, New Zealand, and Hawaiian. The faunas of many of the Pacific Islands, however, have as much in…
Read More