Which parts of the world belong to the Neotropical faunal region?

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The Neotropical faunal region, also referred to as the Neogaean realm, encompasses a vast geographic area defined by its distinctive animal life. It includes the following parts of the world:123

  • South America: The region covers the entire continent, extending from the tropical lowlands into the temperate and subantarctic zones.143
  • Central America: This includes the isthmus and extends north into parts of Mexico (generally described as reaching the tropical lowlands or central Mexico).124
  • The West Indies: These islands are considered part of the Neotropical realm, though they are often characterized as an impoverished faunal region.15
  • Associated Islands: The Galapagos Islands are included as an area with fauna derived from South America, and other locations such as the Juan Fernández Islands exhibit strong Neotropical affinities.15

The region is recognized for its high degree of biological originality and endemic species, which resulted from long periods of geographic isolation during the Paleogene and Neogene periods.6