Diversity and Conservation of Neotropical Mammals

Abstract

The Neotropical Region is one of the major biogeographic divisions for both plants and animals on Earth. It spans from central Mexico and the Caribbean islands to southern South America. The Neotropical Region contains the largest number of mammal species in the New World, and is the region with the largest number of endemic mammal families. This article provides an overview of the current state of our knowledge regarding the mammals of the Neotropical Region, including relevant geological events, evolution, biogeographic patterns, and large-scale assessment of threats, conservation status, and prospects.