The spans tropical Asia from Pakistan to Indonesia, boasting incredible biodiversity and unique evolutionary history. This vast region encompasses diverse landscapes, from towering to lush rainforests and coastal , shaping distinct ecosystems and species adaptations.
Home to several biodiversity hotspots, the realm faces significant conservation challenges. , , and climate change threaten its rich flora and fauna. Understanding the complex biogeographical patterns and human impacts is crucial for developing effective strategies to protect this biologically important region.
Geographic extent
Indomalayan realm encompasses a vast area of tropical Asia spanning from Pakistan to Indonesia
Biogeographically significant region characterized by high biodiversity and unique evolutionary history
Plays crucial role in understanding global patterns of species distribution and endemism
Boundaries of Indomalayan realm
Top images from around the web for Boundaries of Indomalayan realm
The Malay Archipelago - Wikipedia bahasa Indonesia, ensiklopedia bebas View original
Is this image relevant?
Advent of the Wallace Line – Wallacea and Biogeography View original
Is this image relevant?
Linia Wallace’a – Wikipedia, wolna encyklopedia View original
Is this image relevant?
The Malay Archipelago - Wikipedia bahasa Indonesia, ensiklopedia bebas View original
Is this image relevant?
Advent of the Wallace Line – Wallacea and Biogeography View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Boundaries of Indomalayan realm
The Malay Archipelago - Wikipedia bahasa Indonesia, ensiklopedia bebas View original
Is this image relevant?
Advent of the Wallace Line – Wallacea and Biogeography View original
Is this image relevant?
Linia Wallace’a – Wikipedia, wolna encyklopedia View original
Is this image relevant?
The Malay Archipelago - Wikipedia bahasa Indonesia, ensiklopedia bebas View original
Is this image relevant?
Advent of the Wallace Line – Wallacea and Biogeography View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Extends from the western edge of Pakistan to the in Indonesia
Northern boundary includes southern China, encompassing parts of Yunnan and Guangxi provinces
Southern limit reaches the islands of Java, Bali, and Borneo
Eastern boundary defined by Wallace Line separates Indomalayan from Australasian realm
Major regions and countries
Indian subcontinent includes India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka
Southeast Asian mainland comprises Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam
Malay Peninsula and archipelagic regions include Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and
Southern portions of China fall within the realm's northern extent
Western edge includes parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan
Physical characteristics
Indomalayan realm exhibits diverse physical features shaped by tectonic activity and climate patterns
Landscape ranges from towering mountain ranges to expansive coastal plains and tropical islands
Physical characteristics strongly influence biodiversity patterns and species adaptations
Climate patterns
dominates much of the realm
Distinct wet and dry seasons driven by seasonal wind shifts
Annual rainfall varies greatly, ranging from 2000-5000 mm in many areas
High humidity levels persist throughout the year in most regions
Localized microclimates exist due to variations in elevation and topography
Topography and landforms
Himalayan mountain range forms the northern boundary, reaching elevations over 8000 meters
and Eastern Ghats run along India's coasts, creating unique biodiversity hotspots
Extensive river deltas (Ganges-Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Mekong) form fertile alluvial plains
Volcanic island arcs in Indonesia and Philippines result from tectonic subduction zones
Karst landscapes in Southeast Asia create distinctive habitats (Halong Bay, Gunung Mulu)
Major river systems
drains the northern Indian subcontinent
flows through six Southeast Asian countries, supporting diverse ecosystems
in Myanmar forms a vast delta crucial for agriculture and biodiversity
basin in Thailand supports extensive rice cultivation
in Borneo represents one of the longest island rivers globally
Biodiversity hotspots
Indomalayan realm contains several globally recognized biodiversity hotspots
These areas harbor exceptional concentrations of endemic species facing significant threats
Conservation efforts often focus on these hotspots due to their biological importance
Western Ghats
Mountain range along India's western coast spanning approximately 1,600 km
Recognized for high levels of plant and animal endemism
Harbors over 5000 species of flowering plants, 139 mammal species, and 508 bird species
Threatened by deforestation, mining activities, and hydroelectric projects
Home to iconic species (lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, purple frog)
Indo-Burma region
Encompasses mainland Southeast Asia and northeastern India
Characterized by diverse ecosystems including dry and moist deciduous forests
Supports over 13,500 plant species, 1,330 bird species, and 350 mammal species
Mekong River basin serves as a critical habitat for numerous aquatic species
Faces threats from rapid development, agricultural expansion, and illegal wildlife trade
Sundaland
Includes Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and surrounding islands
Formed by fluctuating sea levels during Pleistocene, creating land bridges between islands
Exhibits high species richness and endemism in both flora and fauna
Home to iconic species (orangutans, proboscis monkeys, Sumatran tigers)
Rapidly losing forest cover due to palm oil plantations and logging activities
Philippines
Archipelago of over 7,000 islands with complex geological history
Exceptionally high rates of endemism across various taxonomic groups
Supports over 6,000 plant species, 170 terrestrial mammal species, and 600 bird species
Many species confined to single islands or island groups (Philippine eagle, tarsiers)
Threatened by habitat loss, mining activities, and climate change impacts
Flora
Indomalayan realm boasts incredibly diverse plant life adapted to various ecosystems
Floral composition reflects complex biogeographical history and environmental gradients
Plant communities play crucial roles in supporting fauna and ecosystem services
Tropical rainforest composition
Dominated by tall, evergreen trees forming multi-layered canopy structure
High species diversity with up to 300 tree species per hectare in some areas
Dipterocarp family (Dipterocarpaceae) particularly prevalent in Southeast Asian forests
Epiphytes abundant, including orchids, ferns, and bromeliads
Lianas and strangler figs contribute to complex forest structure
Understory composed of shade-tolerant plants adapted to low light conditions
Mangrove ecosystems
Occur along coastal areas, river deltas, and estuaries throughout the realm
Adapt to saline conditions with specialized root systems (pneumatophores, prop roots)
Provide crucial ecosystem services (coastal protection, carbon sequestration, nursery habitats)
Dominated by genera (Rhizophora, Avicennia, Sonneratia, Bruguiera)
Face threats from aquaculture expansion, coastal development, and sea-level rise
Sundarbans in Bangladesh and India represents world's largest contiguous mangrove forest
Monsoon forests
Adapted to seasonal rainfall patterns with distinct wet and dry periods
Trees often shed leaves during dry season to conserve water
Characterized by lower species diversity compared to evergreen rainforests
Important timber species (teak, sal) commonly found in these forests
Provide habitat for diverse fauna adapted to seasonal resource availability
Threatened by conversion to agriculture and altered fire regimes
Fauna
Indomalayan realm supports a rich and diverse fauna adapted to various habitats
Faunal assemblages reflect complex evolutionary history and biogeographical patterns
Many species face significant conservation challenges due to human activities
Iconic mammals
represents keystone species in forest ecosystems
Tigers occur across various habitats, with several subspecies endemic to specific regions
Orangutans found only in Borneo and Sumatra, representing unique Asian great apes
Indian rhinoceros confined to small protected areas in India and Nepal
Proboscis monkey endemic to Borneo, adapted to mangrove and riverine habitats
Diverse primate fauna includes gibbons, langurs, and macaques
Reptile diversity
Realm supports high diversity of reptiles adapted to various ecological niches
Komodo dragon, world's largest lizard, endemic to Indonesian islands
Reticulated python represents one of the world's longest snakes
Gharial, a critically endangered crocodilian, confined to river systems in India and Nepal
Flying lizards (genus Draco) showcase unique adaptations for gliding between trees
Many endemic species found on islands (Philippine forest turtle, Sulawesi forest turtle)
Avian species
Over 1,600 bird species recorded within the Indomalayan realm
High endemism rates, particularly on islands and in montane regions
Pheasants and hornbills represent characteristic groups with numerous endemic species
Critically endangered species (Philippine eagle, Bali starling) face severe habitat loss
Wetland areas support diverse waterfowl and migratory species
Adaptive radiations observed in certain groups (flowerpeckers, sunbirds)
Endemic invertebrates
Incredible diversity of invertebrates, many yet to be described scientifically
Wallace's golden birdwing butterfly, one of the world's largest, found in Moluccas
Numerous endemic land snail species on limestone karsts in Southeast Asia
Giant stick insects (Phobaeticus) found in Borneo and other parts of Southeast Asia
Bioluminescent click beetles in Southeast Asian rainforests
Cave-dwelling invertebrates show high endemism in karst ecosystems
Evolutionary history
Indomalayan realm's evolutionary history shaped by complex geological and climatic events
Understanding this history crucial for interpreting current biodiversity patterns
Ongoing research continues to refine our knowledge of the realm's biogeographical development
Geological formation
Indian Plate's collision with Eurasian Plate ~50 million years ago initiated Himalayan orogeny
Uplift of Tibetan Plateau significantly influenced regional climate patterns
Formation of Indonesian archipelago through complex tectonic processes over millions of years
shelf repeatedly exposed and submerged due to sea-level fluctuations
Philippine archipelago formed through combination of volcanic activity and plate movements
Pleistocene land bridges
Sea level fluctuations during glacial periods exposed Sunda Shelf, connecting mainland Asia to Borneo, Java, and Sumatra
Allowed of flora and fauna between islands and mainland, shaping current distributions
Isolated populations during interglacial periods led to speciation events
Repeated connection and isolation cycles contributed to complex patterns of endemism
Some species (orangutans, Sumatran rhinoceros) show evidence of historical wider distributions
Wallacean transition zone
Region between Sunda and Sahul shelves representing biogeographical transition
Named after , who first described faunal discontinuity
Characterized by mix of Asian and Australian elements in flora and fauna
Includes islands of Sulawesi, Moluccas, and Lesser Sunda Islands
Unique species assemblages resulted from long isolation and limited dispersal opportunities
Ongoing research refines understanding of biogeographical boundaries within this zone
Biogeographical patterns
Indomalayan realm exhibits complex patterns of species distribution and diversity
Understanding these patterns crucial for effective conservation planning
Ongoing research continues to uncover new insights into biogeographical processes
Species richness gradients
Generally decreasing species richness from equator towards higher latitudes
Elevational gradients in species richness vary among taxonomic groups
Mid-elevation bulge in diversity observed in some montane regions
Hotspots of species richness often correspond with areas of high habitat heterogeneity
Island biogeography principles influence species richness on different-sized islands
Edge effects at ecosystem boundaries can create localized areas of high species richness
Endemism rates
Highest endemism rates typically found on isolated islands and in montane regions
Philippines recognized for exceptionally high rates of endemism across taxa
Western Ghats-Sri Lanka hotspot exhibits high plant and amphibian endemism
Sulawesi's unique geological history resulted in high endemism rates for various groups
Karst ecosystems often harbor locally endemic invertebrate species
Endemism patterns reflect historical isolation, dispersal barriers, and adaptive radiations
Dispersal barriers
Wallace Line represents major faunal boundary between Asian and Australian realms
Mountainous regions (Himalayas, Annamite Range) act as barriers for lowland species
Deep sea trenches limit dispersal between island groups in archipelagic regions
Rivers can serve as barriers for certain terrestrial species (primates, small mammals)
Habitat specialization limits dispersal for some species across different ecosystem types
Human-made barriers (roads, dams) increasingly fragment populations and limit gene flow
Conservation issues
Indomalayan realm faces numerous conservation challenges threatening its unique biodiversity
Understanding these issues crucial for developing effective conservation strategies
Addressing conservation concerns requires collaborative efforts at local, national, and international levels
Habitat fragmentation
Widespread issue across the realm due to human activities
Reduces habitat connectivity, impacting species movement and gene flow
Increases edge effects, altering microclimates and species compositions
Particularly problematic for large-ranging species (tigers, elephants)
Creates isolated populations more vulnerable to local extinctions
Restoration of habitat corridors represents key conservation strategy
Deforestation impacts
Major driver of biodiversity loss across the Indomalayan realm
Caused by various factors (agricultural expansion, logging, infrastructure development)
Leads to loss of critical habitats for numerous species
Particularly severe in Indonesia and Malaysia due to palm oil industry expansion
Efforts to implement sustainable forest management and reduce deforestation rates ongoing
Wildlife trafficking
Significant threat to many species within the realm
Driven by demand for traditional medicine, exotic pets, and luxury items
Particularly impacts charismatic species (tigers, pangolins, elephants)
International criminal networks often involved in large-scale trafficking operations
Enforcement challenges due to porous borders and limited resources
Efforts to reduce demand and strengthen law enforcement crucial for addressing this issue
Climate change effects
Increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns impact ecosystems
Sea-level rise threatens coastal and island habitats
Altered phenology affects species interactions and ecosystem functioning
Range shifts observed for some species, potentially leading to community disruptions
Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (droughts, floods)
Coral reef ecosystems particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification and warming
Human impact
Human activities significantly shape biodiversity patterns and conservation challenges in the Indomalayan realm
Understanding human-environment interactions crucial for developing sustainable management strategies
Balancing human needs with biodiversity conservation represents ongoing challenge
Population pressures
Indomalayan realm home to over 2 billion people, with population continuing to grow
High population densities in many areas increase demand for natural resources
Encroachment into natural habitats leads to human-wildlife conflicts
Overharvesting of plant and animal species for local use and commercial trade
Pollution from dense urban areas impacts terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
Efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods and family planning ongoing in many regions
Agricultural expansion
Major driver of habitat loss and fragmentation across the realm
Conversion of forests to palm oil plantations particularly significant in Southeast Asia
Rice cultivation dominates many lowland areas, altering natural hydrology
Intensification of agriculture leads to increased pesticide and fertilizer use
Slash-and-burn agriculture in upland areas contributes to soil erosion and habitat loss
Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and land-use planning crucial for conservation
Urbanization trends
Rapid urban growth occurring across much of the Indomalayan realm
Mega-cities (Mumbai, Jakarta, Manila) place immense pressure on surrounding ecosystems
Urban expansion often occurs in biodiversity-rich coastal and lowland areas
Increased demand for construction materials impacts forests and river systems
Urban heat island effect and pollution impact local climate and air quality
Some cities implementing green infrastructure and urban biodiversity initiatives
Protected areas
Protected areas play crucial role in conserving biodiversity within Indomalayan realm
Vary in size, management approaches, and effectiveness across different countries
Ongoing efforts to expand and improve protected area networks throughout the region
National parks
Kaziranga National Park in India protects important populations of Indian rhinoceros and tigers
Gunung Leuser National Park in Indonesia harbors diverse ecosystems and serves as orangutan stronghold
Khao Yai National Park in Thailand represents one of Southeast Asia's largest monsoon forests
Kinabalu Park in Malaysia protects unique montane ecosystems with high plant endemism
Chitwan National Park in Nepal supports important populations of tigers and greater one-horned rhinoceros
Wildlife sanctuaries
Sundarbans Wildlife Sanctuary spans India and Bangladesh, protecting world's largest mangrove forest
Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries in Thailand harbor diverse large mammal assemblages
Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary in Cambodia provides crucial habitat for endangered large mammals
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Malaysia focuses on orangutan conservation and research
Danum Valley Conservation Area in Borneo protects large tract of primary lowland rainforest
Biosphere reserves
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in India encompasses diverse ecosystems across Western Ghats
Cat Tien Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam protects lowland forests and wetlands
Palawan Biosphere Reserve in Philippines recognized for high biodiversity and endemism
Manas Biosphere Reserve in India supports important populations of tigers and Indian elephants
Tasek Bera Biosphere Reserve in Malaysia protects unique peat swamp ecosystem
Biogeographical research
Ongoing research in Indomalayan realm continues to advance our understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes
Interdisciplinary approaches increasingly used to address complex conservation challenges
Research findings inform conservation strategies and policy decisions
Key studies in Indomalayan realm
Wallace's work on biogeographical boundaries between Asian and Australian faunas
MacArthur and Wilson's studies on island biogeography in Indonesian archipelago
Ashton's research on dipterocarp forest ecology and biogeography in Southeast Asia
Corlett's work on ecology and anthropogenic impacts
Sodhi et al.'s comprehensive assessment of Southeast Asian biodiversity crisis
Current research priorities
Refining understanding of species distributions and population trends
Investigating impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
Assessing effectiveness of protected areas and identifying priority areas for conservation
Studying ecosystem services provided by Indomalayan biodiversity
Developing innovative approaches for biodiversity monitoring and conservation
Future conservation strategies
Implementing ecosystem-based approaches to conservation planning
Strengthening transboundary cooperation for managing shared ecosystems
Developing sustainable financing mechanisms for long-term conservation efforts
Integrating traditional ecological knowledge into conservation practices
Promoting nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation
Enhancing capacity building and environmental education programs throughout the realm
Key Terms to Review (31)
Alfred Russel Wallace: Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist and biogeographer who is best known for independently proposing the theory of evolution through natural selection alongside Charles Darwin. His work laid foundational concepts in biogeography, helping to explain species distribution and the role of environmental factors in evolution.
Asian Elephant: The Asian elephant is a subspecies of the Asian species of elephant, known scientifically as Elephas maximus. They are smaller than their African counterparts and are characterized by their smaller ears, more rounded backs, and a distinct trunk shape. Asian elephants play a crucial role in their ecosystems and have deep cultural significance in many regions of the Indomalayan realm.
Chao Phraya River: The Chao Phraya River is the major river in Thailand, flowing south through the heart of Bangkok and eventually emptying into the Gulf of Thailand. This river is crucial for transportation, irrigation, and supports a diverse ecosystem within the Indomalayan realm, influencing both the cultural and economic aspects of the region.
Climate change effects: Climate change effects refer to the various impacts that arise from the gradual alteration of Earth’s climate, primarily driven by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. These changes lead to disruptions in ecosystems, species distributions, and the overall functioning of the environment. As temperatures rise, precipitation patterns shift, and extreme weather events become more frequent, both natural habitats and human communities face significant challenges.
Continental drift: Continental drift is the theory that the Earth's continents have moved over geological time, shifting positions relative to one another. This movement is primarily due to the processes associated with plate tectonics, leading to significant changes in climate, sea levels, and the distribution of species across the globe.
David Quammen: David Quammen is a renowned American author and science writer known for his works on nature, ecology, and biogeography. His writings often explore the relationships between humans and the natural world, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broader audience. Quammen's work connects deeply with themes of dispersal mechanisms, the dynamics of specific biogeographical realms, ancient patterns of species distribution, and the evolutionary processes that shape biodiversity.
Deforestation impacts: Deforestation impacts refer to the various environmental, social, and economic consequences that result from the clearing of forests for agricultural, urban, or industrial purposes. These impacts are especially pronounced in regions like the Indomalayan realm, where biodiversity is rich and many species depend on forest ecosystems for survival. The loss of forests not only threatens wildlife but also affects local communities and contributes to global issues such as climate change and soil degradation.
Dispersal: Dispersal is the movement of organisms from one place to another, which plays a crucial role in shaping biodiversity and influencing species distributions. This process is linked to ecological dynamics, evolutionary patterns, and biogeographical phenomena, as it determines how species spread across landscapes, adapt to new environments, and establish populations in various habitats.
Evolutionary radiations: Evolutionary radiations refer to periods of rapid diversification of species from a common ancestor, often triggered by changes in the environment or the availability of new ecological niches. These events can lead to a burst of speciation, where multiple new species evolve to adapt to various habitats and conditions. In the context of the Indomalayan realm, these radiations can be seen in the diverse flora and fauna that have evolved due to the unique ecological conditions present in this region.
Ganges-Brahmaputra System: The Ganges-Brahmaputra System refers to the extensive network of rivers that includes the Ganges River and the Brahmaputra River, flowing through India, Bangladesh, and parts of Nepal. This river system plays a critical role in the hydrology, ecology, and socio-economic conditions of the Indomalayan realm, supporting millions of people and a diverse range of wildlife.
Habitat loss: Habitat loss refers to the process in which natural habitats become unable to support the species that live there, leading to a decline in biodiversity. This phenomenon is primarily driven by human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, deforestation, and climate change, which can disrupt ecosystems and threaten various plant and animal species.
Himalayas: The Himalayas are a vast mountain range in Asia, separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. Stretching over 1,500 miles across five countries, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan, the Himalayas are home to some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest. This region plays a crucial role in shaping the climate, biodiversity, and cultural practices of the Indomalayan realm.
Indo-Burma Region: The Indo-Burma Region is a biogeographical area that encompasses the northeastern part of India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and parts of southern China. This region is characterized by its rich biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and a complex mixture of tropical forests, mountains, and river systems that contribute to its ecological significance within the Indomalayan realm.
Indomalayan Realm: The Indomalayan Realm is a biogeographic region that encompasses parts of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, characterized by its unique biodiversity and ecological systems. It is known for a rich variety of flora and fauna, influenced by its tropical climate and geographical features, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
Irrawaddy River: The Irrawaddy River is the longest river in Myanmar, stretching approximately 2,170 kilometers from the north to the south of the country. It plays a crucial role in the Indomalayan realm, serving as a vital waterway for transportation, agriculture, and biodiversity in the region, influencing both the environment and human activities along its banks.
Kapuas River: The Kapuas River is the longest river in Indonesia, flowing through the western part of the island of Borneo. It is significant for its biodiversity and its role as a critical waterway for transportation, trade, and agriculture in the Indomalayan realm, which is known for its rich and diverse ecosystems.
Mangroves: Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in coastal intertidal zones, characterized by their unique adaptations to survive in brackish waters. These ecosystems play a crucial role in coastal protection, biodiversity, and carbon storage, making them vital to environmental health and resilience against climate change.
Mekong River: The Mekong River is one of the longest rivers in Southeast Asia, flowing over 4,350 kilometers from the Tibetan Plateau through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam before emptying into the South China Sea. It plays a crucial role in the Indomalayan realm as a vital waterway for agriculture, transportation, and biodiversity, supporting millions of people who rely on its resources for their livelihoods.
Overexploitation: Overexploitation refers to the unsustainable use of natural resources, leading to the depletion of species and ecosystems. It occurs when the rate of resource extraction exceeds the natural replenishment rate, often driven by human demand for food, medicine, or materials. This phenomenon significantly impacts biodiversity, contributing to species decline and habitat degradation, making it a critical concern in environmental conservation.
Philippines: The Philippines is an archipelago consisting of over 7,000 islands located in Southeast Asia, in the western Pacific Ocean. It plays a significant role in the Indomalayan realm due to its unique biodiversity, diverse ecosystems, and cultural influences that result from its geographic positioning and historical interactions.
Pleistocene Glaciation: Pleistocene glaciation refers to a series of glacial and interglacial periods that occurred during the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. This era was marked by significant climate changes that led to the expansion of ice sheets across North America, Europe, and Asia, profoundly impacting the distribution of flora and fauna. The effects of these glaciations can still be observed today in various realms, influencing species diversity, habitat formation, and evolutionary processes.
Pleistocene Land Bridges: Pleistocene land bridges were land connections that emerged during the Pleistocene epoch when sea levels dropped due to glaciation, allowing species to migrate between continents. These land bridges played a crucial role in the dispersal and exchange of flora and fauna, shaping biodiversity patterns and influencing the distribution of species across regions such as the Indomalayan realm.
Sumatran Tiger: The Sumatran tiger is a critically endangered subspecies of tiger native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It is the smallest of all tiger subspecies and is distinguished by its dark orange coat with narrow black stripes, which helps it blend into the dense tropical forests of its habitat. This unique subspecies plays a crucial role in the Indomalayan realm's biodiversity, where it influences the population dynamics of various prey species and contributes to the health of its ecosystem.
Sundaland: Sundaland is a biogeographical region that encompasses the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and surrounding islands. It is significant for its unique biodiversity and geological history, shaped by past sea level changes that created land bridges and separated species. This region plays a crucial role in understanding the processes of vicariance and geodispersal, as well as being part of the Indomalayan realm which is characterized by rich flora and fauna, and is also recognized as a biodiversity hotspot due to its high levels of endemism and threats from human activities.
Tropical monsoon climate: A tropical monsoon climate is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, with a significant amount of rainfall occurring during the monsoon period. This climate type is typically found in regions near the equator, where high temperatures and humidity dominate year-round, but seasonal winds create a marked contrast in precipitation.
Tropical rainforest: A tropical rainforest is a lush, dense forest that thrives in warm, humid climates near the equator, characterized by high rainfall and a rich diversity of plant and animal life. This biome plays a critical role in global ecological processes, influencing climate, carbon storage, and biodiversity across various regions.
Vicariance: Vicariance refers to the process by which a population is split into separate groups due to geographical barriers, leading to the development of distinct lineages. This concept is crucial for understanding how species distributions are affected by historical events such as continental drift and the formation of physical barriers that isolate populations.
Wallace Line: The Wallace Line is an imaginary boundary that separates the ecozones of Asia and Australia, running between Borneo and Sulawesi, and marks a significant biogeographical divide. This line illustrates the historical impact of continental drift and the migration of species, which helps explain the distinct flora and fauna found on either side, contributing to a deeper understanding of historical biogeography and the evolution of species in the Indomalayan and Australasian realms.
Wallacean Transition Zone: The Wallacean Transition Zone is a biogeographic region located between the Asian and Australian realms, characterized by a mix of species from both regions. It serves as a critical point of biodiversity, where unique ecosystems and distinct species from each realm intermingle, often leading to high levels of endemism. This zone highlights the historical biogeographic processes that shaped the distribution of flora and fauna in these areas.
Western Ghats: The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Hills, is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India, spanning approximately 1,600 kilometers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is recognized for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, making it a significant area within the Indomalayan realm, which is known for its diverse flora and fauna, and includes various climatic zones and habitats.
Wildlife trafficking: Wildlife trafficking refers to the illegal trade of animals and plants, including their parts and derivatives, often for commercial gain. This illicit activity threatens biodiversity and contributes to the decline of many species, particularly in regions rich in wildlife like the Indomalayan realm. The connection to this region is critical as it is home to diverse ecosystems and unique species, which are often targeted by traffickers due to their high value on the black market.