90 GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 



Anomalurus, recalling the flying-squirrels ; and the edentates a 

 distinct species or variety of aard-vark (Orycteropus Senegalensis). 



In the Saharan Desert tracts, where the necessary conditions for 

 existence are largely wanting, there is a marked impoverishment 

 of the fauna. The more formidable carnivores, such as the lion 

 and leopard, are absent from most districts, leaving their places to 

 be filled by some minor cats, the hyena, jackal, fox, and fennec. 

 The hoofed annuals are represented (in some parts) by the buffalo, 

 and a limited number of antelopes (Gazella, Oryx, Addax). Among 

 rodents the families of rats and jumping-mice (Dipus, Scirtetes) 

 are fairly represented, in addition to which we have the porcupine 

 and hare (Lepus Mediterraneus). The ostrich is sufficiently abun- 

 dant throughout most of the region. Among the desert reptilian 

 forms may be mentioned the monitors (Varanidge), scinks, sand- 

 lizards (Sepidee), and agamas. 



The deficiencies in the Madagascar mammalian-fauna have al- 

 ready been indicated. As representative types we have, in addition 

 to the lemurs and aye-aye, several civets (Galidia, Galictis), the 

 singular cat-like carnivore known as Cryptoprocta (C. ferox), a 

 water-hog (Potamochrerus), a sub-fossil species of hippopotamus, 

 and the native hedgehogs (CentetidaB). The bird-fauna is made up 

 largely of Asiatic and African types, although peculiar forms are 

 abundant. Many of the reptilian forms, as the ophidian genera 

 Heterodon, Herpetodryas, Philodryas, have American representa- 

 tives. 



ORIENTAL REALM. 



This region comprises all that portion of the Asiatic continent 

 which is not included in the Holarctic and Tyrrhenian tracts (ex- 

 cepting the southern portion of the Peninsula of Arabia, which is 

 Ethiopian), the Island of Ceylon, Formosa, the Philippines, Suma- 

 tra, Java, and Borneo, besides some minor island groups. "Within 

 its limits are, therefore, included the whole of extra-Himalayan 

 Hindostan, Farther India, the Malay Peninsula, and that portion of 

 China lying south of the ISTanling range. A very considerable part 

 of this region is covered with the most luxuriant forest growth, 

 which extends even to an elevation of from eight to ten thousand 

 feet along the slopes of the Himalaya. This forest character more 

 particularly distinguishes the Indo-Chinese and Indo-Malayan sub- 



