bioregions

Bioregion is a geographically distinct area defined by a combination of natural features and ecological processes that shape its living communities. Bioregions are typically delineated by patterns of climate, geology, soils, hydrology, and the distribution of plant and animal life, often incorporating historical and current ecological dynamics such as fire regimes, hydrological connectivity, and species interactions. Boundaries are often aligned with watershed or ecological boundaries, but can be nested within larger regional classifications and may vary with the purpose of the study. The concept emphasizes the link between environment and organisms and is used to inform conservation, land management, and restoration planning.

In practice, bioregions are used as planning units in many systems. For example, in Australia the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) provides a framework of bioregions to guide biodiversity conservation and land use. In other regions, bioregional or ecoregional classifications (such as those developed by international conservation organizations) serve similar functions, guiding protected areas, ecological corridors, and climate adaptation strategies. Bioregions can be terrestrial or marine, and they may range from individual watersheds to continental-scale domains.

Limitations include the subjectivity in delimitation, reliance on data availability, and the fact that boundaries are fluid and may shift with climate change and human alteration. Despite these caveats, bioregions remain a practical concept for understanding ecological patterns, guiding sustainable management, and connecting cultural knowledge with natural landscapes.