Patterns of Avifauna Distribution East and West of Wallace’s Line.
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THE SARAWAK MUSEUM JOURNAL |
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Title :
Patterns of Avifauna Distribution East and West of Wallace’s Line. |
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Author :
Mustafa Abdul Rahman |
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Abstract:
The aim of this study was to compare the patterns of avifaunal distribution in the Wallacea, Sunda and Sahul Shelf. The geographical distribution of avifauna species, genera and families were grouped into various regions. The subregions and island included in this study were Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Bali, Lombok, Sulawesi, the Philippines and New Guinea. Jaccard Similarity Index (Cj= j/a+b+j)was used to analyse the avifauna distribution data. The indices were then subjected to a hierarchical cluster analysis using Unweighted Pair-group Method (UPGMA) in Multivariate Statistical Package (MVSP) Ver 3.13n programme to classify the avifauna distribution into discrete groups. The results of this study broadly support the avifaunal distribution predicted by the glacial biogeographic model. Together, the results show gradual diversification of avifauna when the sea levels were lower and continued until the present sea level. However, the classic transition lines, such as Wallace’s Line, proposed that avifaunal divergence tends to occur predominantly at justone stage (Stage Four,or maximum glaciation, in Wallace’s case). Our analyses suggest that avifaunal divergence has occurred in an ongoing fashion across all glacial stages. This could be seen from the differences among families correspond to the late glaciation (Stage Three) and differences among genera to early glaciation (Stage One), while differences among species to the middle glaciation (Stage Two). Presumably this is why the exact position of transition lines has been so controversial. Analyses at different levels inevitably identify different positions.
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| DOI: XXXX |
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How to cite:
Mustafa Abdul Rahman. (2007). Patterns of Avifauna Distribution East and West of Wallace’s Line. The Sarawak Museum Journal, LXIII (84): 245-257 |
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References
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