ALLEN ON GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF MAMMALS. 369 



contains not less than fifteen to eighteen genera, out of a total num- 

 ber of thirty-four that are restricted to this region, while of the re- 

 mainder much more than one-half have their chief development here. 

 One-third of the whole are represented in Tasmania, and nearly one- 

 fourth range into New Guinea. Two only are peculiar to Tasmania. The 

 distribution of the genera is shown somewhat in detail in the subjoined 

 table. 



In this connection it may be added that the close affinity of the Pap- 

 uan fauna with that of Australia is sufficiently evinced by the fact that 

 of the thirty-four genera represented in South Australia nine range into 

 New Guinea nearly as many as occur in Tasmania! 



Genera of the Australian Province. 



Summary. 



Total number of genera 34 



Restricted to the Australian Region 18 



Occurring also in the Papuan Region '. 16 



Represented in Tasmania 12 



Represented in New Guinea 10 



Restricted to Tasmania 2 



VII. LEMURIAN REALM. 



As was long since claimed by Dr. Sclater,* Madagascar is faunally 

 so distinct from every other ontological division of the globe as to be 

 entitled to the rank of a primary zoogeographical region. With it, a& 

 is generally admitted, should be associated the Mascareue Islands. 

 The very few mammals indigenous to these islands are decidedly Ma- 

 dagascarene in their affinities, as are the birds and other land animals. 

 While the Lemurian fauna shows decided African affinities, it is secoud 

 only to the Australian in its degree of specialization. It departs 

 most strikingly from all other regions in what it lacks, through 

 the absence of all Carnivores save one peculiar family (Cryptoproctidcu), 



* Quarterly Journ. Sci., vol. i, April, 1864, pp. 213-219. 



