The Mediterranean eco-region The Mediterranean eco-region is one
of the 233 eco-regions with outstanding biodiversity at a global
scale. Located in the Northern Hemisphere subtropical zone,
between 28 and 45 degrees, the Mediterranean eco-region extends
from the Atlantic Coast to the Caspian Sea and from the mountain
ranges of the Alps to the Saharan desert. This eco-region covers
the lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, on the three
continents of Africa, Europe and Asia and constitutes a unique
mosaic of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. The
rich natural landscape of the Mediterranean is a result of a
distinct regional climate imprinted on a dynamic topography. The
climate is the main factor that shapes the physical environment
in the Mediterranean. Yearly rainfall varies from 100 to more
than 2500 mm while the average temperature ranges from 5 to 20
°C. The existence of an intense summer drought period is the
prevalent feature of Mediterranean climates at a global scale.
The rich biodiversi