fauna

American  

[faw-nuh] / ˈfɔ nə /

noun

plural

faunas, faunae

1. the animals of a given region or period considered as a whole.

2. a treatise on the animals of a given region or period.

3. (initial capital letter) Bona Dea.

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fauna British  

/ ˈfɔːnə /

noun

1. all the animal life of a given place or time, esp when distinguished from the plant life (flora)

2. a descriptive list of such animals

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fauna Scientific  

/ fô′nə /

plural

faunas

1. The animals of a particular region or time period.

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fauna Cultural  

1. Animals, especially the animals of a particular place and time.

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Other Word Forms

• faunal adjective
• faunally adverb

Etymology

Origin of fauna

1765–75; < New Latin, special use of Latin Fauna, a feminine counterpart to Faunus; Flora

Example Sentences

"We believe this was a major driver for the evolutionary diversification of birds and other fauna in the North Island."

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

But the fauna turn out not to be as cuddly as they appear.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

“I hope my work can reflect the times we’re in through a lens of color,” he said, “and the flora and fauna of L.A.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

"These habitats are exceptionally rare, rich in biodiversity, support unique flora and fauna, and are impossible to recreate or replace," he said.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Pages from Roosevelt’s field notes of the flora and fauna of New York, New Jersey, and Vermont, plus his hand-drawn map.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple