Distributions and biodiversity of the terrestrial vertebrates of Australia's Wet Tropics: a review of current knowledge

摘要: This paper presents a review and collation of the current knowledge on vertebrate distributions patterns diversity within Wet Tropics biogeographic region. Data are collated from large range published unpublished sources. A summary broad is presented distributional data included. The contained in this will be used as basis for analyses determinants assemblage composition Tropics, means receiving further feedback baseline information to guide management, conservation future research vertebrates Tropics. highest species found sclerophyll habitats (approximately 388 species). Rainforest considerably less species-rich with about 259 species; however, regional endemism much higher rainforest (25%) than combined (4%). Atherton Uplands identified being most rich area richness declining both north south these central uplands. Although there no consistent latitudinal or altitudinal cline between taxonomic groups, turnover vertebrates, altitudinally latitudinally. These all major terrestrial taxa. importance region emphasized by identification 143 (23% total fauna region) which very important biological conservation: that is, those sub-species endemic and/or have recognized rare threatened status. Several areas poorly known due insufficient sampling effort, including Finnegan Uplands, Thornton Malbon-Thompson Range Lee Uplands. latter two zones present significant gaps knowledge, they been sampled interpretation evolutionary Probably ecological gradient need detailed examination altitude, because effect it has subsets fauna.