Ecoregions

Ecoregions

File:WWF ecoregions map.svg

Map of the world's ecoregions, as defined by the World Wide Fund for Nature.

An ecoregion (ecological region) is a geographical area that is defined by its environmental conditions, particularly climate, landforms, and soil characteristics, which determine the types of flora and fauna that can thrive there. Ecoregions are used in conservation planning to identify areas that share similar ecological features and processes.

Classification

Ecoregions are classified based on various factors, including biogeography, ecology, and climate. The most widely recognized classification system is the one developed by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which divides the world into 867 terrestrial ecoregions, 450 freshwater ecoregions, and 232 marine ecoregions.

Terrestrial Ecoregions

Terrestrial ecoregions are land-based regions that are characterized by distinct vegetation types and ecosystems. Examples include:

• Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests
• Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests
• Boreal forests/taiga
• Deserts and xeric shrublands

Freshwater Ecoregions

Freshwater ecoregions encompass rivers, lakes, and wetlands. They are defined by their hydrology, water chemistry, and the species that inhabit them. Examples include:

• Amazon Basin
• Great Lakes
• Nile River

Marine Ecoregions

Marine ecoregions cover the world's oceans and seas. They are classified based on oceanographic features, such as currents, temperature, and salinity. Examples include:

• Coral Triangle
• Great Barrier Reef
• Gulf of Mexico

Importance of Ecoregions

Ecoregions are crucial for biodiversity conservation because they provide a framework for identifying areas that are ecologically similar. This helps in prioritizing conservation efforts and managing natural resources sustainably. Ecoregions also play a vital role in climate change research, as they help scientists understand how different regions respond to environmental changes.

Conservation Efforts

Various organizations, including the World Wide Fund for Nature and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), use ecoregions to develop conservation strategies. These strategies often involve protecting endangered species, restoring degraded habitats, and promoting sustainable land-use practices.

See Also

• Biome
• Habitat
• Biodiversity
• Conservation biology
• World Wide Fund for Nature
• International Union for Conservation of Nature