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List of ecoregions in Australia facts for kids

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Ecoregions in Australia are special areas with unique plants and animals. Think of them like different neighborhoods for nature! The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) helps define these areas. They look at things like the land, soil, climate, and the main types of plants growing there.

The WWF has found 825 land ecoregions across the Earth. Australia and its nearby islands have 40 of these. These ecoregions are grouped by their main type of environment, called a biome. Examples include tropical forests, grasslands, or even tundras. Australia, along with New Zealand and New Guinea, is part of the Australasian realm. This means they share similar types of plants and animals.

The WWF's ecoregions for Australia are based on another system called IBRA (Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia). Both systems help scientists plan how to protect nature. Their main goal is to create special nature reserves. These reserves help keep the amazing variety of life in Australia safe. The WWF even has "Global 200" ecoregions. These are top priority areas for conservation around the world.

Australia's Land Ecoregions

Australia has many different types of land ecoregions. Each one has its own special climate and types of plants.

Tropical and Subtropical Moist Forests

These are warm, wet forests with lots of rain. They are home to many different kinds of trees and animals.

Temperate Forests

These forests are found in areas with milder climates. They have warm summers and cool winters.

Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands

These areas are warm and have lots of grass, with some scattered trees. They are often called savannas.

Temperate Grasslands

These grasslands are found in cooler areas. They have different types of grasses and shrubs.

Mountain Grasslands

These are special grasslands found high up in mountains.

Tundra

Tundra is a very cold, treeless area. It has low-growing plants like mosses and lichens.

Mediterranean Forests and Woodlands

These areas have hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The plants here are adapted to these conditions.

Deserts and Dry Shrublands

These are very dry areas with little rainfall. Plants and animals here are specially adapted to survive with little water.

Australia's Freshwater Ecoregions

The WWF also mapped out freshwater ecoregions. These are areas with unique rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Scientists looked at where different types of freshwater fish live to help define these regions. Australia has ten freshwater ecoregions.

Tropical and Subtropical Coastal Rivers

These rivers are found in warm, wet areas near the coast.

  • Arafura–Carpentaria
  • Kimberley

Temperate Coastal Rivers

These rivers are in cooler coastal areas.

  • Bass Strait Drainages
  • Eastern Coastal Australia
  • Southern Tasmania
  • Southwestern Australia

Temperate Floodplain Rivers and Wetlands

These are rivers and wetlands in milder areas that often flood.

  • Murray–Darling

Dry Freshwaters and Closed Basins

These are very dry areas where rivers and lakes often dry up. Some basins are "closed," meaning water doesn't flow out to the ocean.

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