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Biogeographic regions in Europe

europe_bio_region.pngClick on the map on to view detailed maps and information on biogeographic regions in Europe on the website of the European Environment Agency.
Alpine region
Ranges of mountains, some old, some amongst the youngest in the world. Steep altitudinal gradients and climatic gradients. As a result horizontal vegetation belts. Often rocky soil. Harsh conditions at the higher altitudes. In general, the Alpine biogeographic region exhibits a great variety of ecosystems and habitat types, 90% of which are natural or semi-natural. Forests cover more than 40% of the region and grasslands about 25 %. More than 7,000 species of plants, much of the mountainous areas have a high degree of endemism. The region is of great importance as refuge for plants and animals especially those needing a large area. It further constitutes an in situ gene bank for numerous species.
Arctic region
Wide range of landscapes: bare rock, swamp, glacier, meadow, mountain and lowland plain. Extreme climatic conditions; strong influence of glaciation; permafrost is widespread (tundra and polar desert). Often low precipitation, yet saturation of soil as water cannot drain and does not evaporate. Intense erosion and ever changing topography. Large parts of the region are dominated by coastal habitats. Most ecosystems younger than 10,000 years (last Ice Age). Colonisation still on-going in some areas. Few winter-active species, but very large populations of summer-active plants and animals. Large numbers of migrating birds and fish species. Significant anthropogenic impacts from air pollution, long-term overgrazing (in some areas) and, recently, from tourism.
Black sea region
Small coastal band stretching from Danube delta, through Dobrouja plateau, across low mountains, extending east towards Bosphorus outlet and, further, to Caucasus. A young formation dating from about 6,500 years ago. Danube delta (a maze of marshes, lakes and islands) continues to grow seaward at the rate of approximately 30 m per year. Dobrouja plateau consists of Sarmatian limestone covered by loess deposits. Originally covered by forests. Hence brown forest soils. Now around 29% forested. Large differences between the average summer (21ºC) and winter (-1ºC) temperatures. Annual precipitation low with 370 mm. Danube delta is exceptional rich in species diversity: 300 bird species and about 3,400 species of insects have been recorded.
Boreal region
The largest biogeographical region of Europe (more than 1/4 of the surface). Climate cool and mainly continental. Elevation generally less than 300 m. Geology characterised by old sedimentary rock and bedrock. Glacial, and post-glacial, erosion and associated deposits have formed large undulating plains. Slow uplift of land after disappearing of ice cover. Pod sol and peat soils dominant in most areas. Extensive forests (58% of the surface) and large lakes. 21 out of 24 of Europe's largest lakes in this region. Forests are mainly coniferous in north and deciduous in south. Ecosystems shift north with increasing temperature. This region is home to Europe’s large carnivores, vast populations of migrating birds, and large wild ungulates (elk, deer, reindeer, boar). Large amounts of wild berries and mushrooms.
Pannonian region
Large basin, surrounded by high mountain ranges. Consists of several plains (the Great Hungarian Plain being the largest) and several small mountain ranges. Soils are sedimentary, deposited by rivers and wind and originating from eroded rocks and mountains. Most soils rich in humus and influenced by underground water. Climate semi-arid, with 500 - 800 mm precipitation. Average temperature in January –0.7°C, in July 22°C. Original deciduous forest, now almost entirely destroyed and replaced by extensive steppe ('Puszta'). Tradidional agriculture and forest management was sustainable, and biological diversity remained relatively high. This situation changed dramatically since the 19th century.
Steppic region
A band of steppe landscapes stretching from Bucharest, north of the Black Sea, to the Altai mountains. Low-lying plains and undulating plateaus. Highest elevation 375m, lowest parts -30m. Small river valleys sharply incise into the uplands. Numerous major rivers cross the lowlands in broad, shallow floodplains. Precipitation 150 - 400 mm. Temperatures in January between -3ºC and -14ºC, in July between 20ºC and 23ºC. Substratum is extremely uniform: a thick layer of loess, deposited during the Pleistocene. The layer of loess can be up to 50 m thick, it is calcareous and permeable (though slowly). Generally permeable soil and high evaporation. Distinctive soil, black earth (chernozem) is found in this area. It is characterised by presence of humus, which is the result of the particularly high productivity of the steppic vegetation – especially the roots – and its subsequent decomposition. High activity of the soil fauna, notably earthworms and rodents such as sousliks. Tree-less vegetation dominated by turf grasses. Absence of natural shelter has limited the species of animals: many rodents and birds of the open plains. Large mammals have disappeared.
Atlantic region
A low-lying strip of land along the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, nowhere further than 300 km from the sea. Ocean influence leads to mild winters, cool summers and moderate rainfall throughout the year. Varied and dynamic coastline, rich in habitats, vast river estuaries. The region is known for its abundance of animal life, due to the Gulf stream and the rivers which bring a rich supply of nutrients. The most recent glaciation and the long history of human exploitation have lead to reduced biodiversity and greatly altered environment; forests have been replaced by modern production systems. Almost a third of the EU population lives in this region. Isolated, fragmented patches of natural and semi-natural habitats.
Continental region
A broad band from central France to the Ural Mountains which extends further into Asia. Almost split in two by the Alpine and Pannonian regions. Cold winters and hot summers, which are more pronounced in the east than in the west, have a strong impact on vegetation. Landscapes flat in the north with more hills in the south. Extensive floodplains (Po, Danube). Large scale farming. Some of the most polluted areas of Europe. Despite prolonged and strong human influence this region has a relatively rich biodiversity, due to its situation between several different biogeographic regions. After the most recent glaciation, various species invaded from different directions (Iberia, Balkan, Alpine region, eastern Europe etc.). Woodland and wetland species dominate.
Mediterranean region
The Mediterranean region of Europe is a winter rainfall zone.It is characterized by sclerophyllous plants mainly of the scrubland type known as maquis. It is difficult to define, however, because many of its characteristic plants (about 250 genera) are centred around but not confined to this region. The region extends entirely around the Mediterranean, from Portugal to Syria.