Antarctica divided into 15 regions
Introduced species are identified as one of the biggest threats to the Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in a warming climate. Image: goinyk/iStockphoto New research into the biogeography of Antarctica has identified 15 distinct regions on the continent and near-shore islands.The study, published in Diversity and Distribution Journal, examined the geography, geology, climate, flora and fauna of the ice-free areas of Antarctica and indentified the biologically distinct Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions.The lead author and Australian Antarctic Division terrestrial biologist Dr Aleks Terauds, said this is the first time there has been a continent-wide assessment of the biogeography of Antarctica using all of the available biodiversity data.Dr Terauds presented the new research at the prestigious Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research lecture at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Hobart.“Previously terrestrial Antarctica has been divided into 2 main areas based on aspects like geography geology or specific types of biodiversity,” Dr Terauds said.“The new...