The Palearctic, or Palaearctic, is the largest of the eight biogeographic realms and is mainly located in the Eastern Hemisphere. It spans all of Eurasia north of the Himalayan foothills and includes North Africa.
This realm encompasses several bioregions, including the Euro-Siberian region, the Mediterranean Basin, North Africa, North Arabia, and parts of Asia. It also features various rivers and lakes that create freshwater ecoregions.
Notably, the easternmost edge is Cape Dezhnyov in Chukotka, while the westernmost is Iceland, both extending into the Western Hemisphere. The term “Palearctic” was first used in the 19th century and remains relevant in zoogeographic classification today.
