Toward a terrestrial biogeographical regionalisation of the world: historical notes, characterisation and area nomenclature

Abstract

An interim hierarchical classification (i.e. biogeographical regionalisation or area taxonomy) of the world’s terrestrial regions is provided, following the work of Morrone published in Australian Systematic Botany in 2015. Area names are listed according to the International Code of Area Nomenclature so as to synonymise redundant names. The interim global terrestrial regionalisation to the subregion level recognises 3 kingdoms, 2 subkingdoms, 8 regions, 21 subregions and 5 transition zones. No new names are proposed for the regions; however, Lydekker’s Line is renamed Illiger’s Line. We note that some regions still require area classification at the subregion level, particularly the Palearctic, Ethiopian and Oriental regions. Henceforth, the following interim global regionalisation may be used as a template for further revisions and additions of new areas in the future.