B2 verb Neutral

fauna

/ˈfɔːnə/

Fauna refers to the animals of a particular region, habitat, or geological period. It is a collective noun used to describe the entire animal life existing in a specific environment.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The local fauna includes several species of deer and a variety of migratory birds.

The local fauna includes several species of deer and a variety of migratory birds.

2

The environmental impact assessment must account for the protection of indigenous fauna.

The environmental impact assessment must account for the protection of indigenous fauna.

3

The woods are great for spotting some cool local fauna if you stay quiet.

The woods are great for spotting some cool local fauna if you stay quiet.

Word Family

Noun
fauna
Adjective
faunal
Related
faunist
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Memory Tip

Think of 'fauna' starting with 'F' like a 'fawn' (a baby deer). Fawn = Animal = Fauna. (Contrast with Flora = Flower = Plant).

Quick Quiz

The island is famous for its unique _____, including several species of flightless birds.

Correct!

The correct answer is: fauna

Examples

1

The local fauna includes several species of deer and a variety of migratory birds.

everyday

The local fauna includes several species of deer and a variety of migratory birds.

2

The environmental impact assessment must account for the protection of indigenous fauna.

formal

The environmental impact assessment must account for the protection of indigenous fauna.

3

The woods are great for spotting some cool local fauna if you stay quiet.

informal

The woods are great for spotting some cool local fauna if you stay quiet.

4

Paleontologists study the fossilized remains to understand the prehistoric fauna of the region.

academic

Paleontologists study the fossilized remains to understand the prehistoric fauna of the region.

5

Our eco-resort's primary marketing strategy focuses on the preservation of unique island fauna.

business

Our eco-resort's primary marketing strategy focuses on the preservation of unique island fauna.

Word Family

Noun
fauna
Adjective
faunal
Related
faunist

Common Collocations

native fauna native fauna
marine fauna marine fauna
diverse fauna diverse fauna
indigenous fauna indigenous fauna
endangered fauna endangered fauna

Common Phrases

flora and fauna

plants and animals

avian fauna

bird life

terrestrial fauna

land-dwelling animals

Often Confused With

fauna vs flora

Flora refers specifically to plant life, while fauna refers to animal life.

fauna vs faun

A faun is a mythological creature (half-man, half-goat), whereas fauna is a collective term for animals.

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Usage Notes

Fauna is almost always used alongside 'flora' to describe the natural life of a place. It is a collective noun and is generally treated as singular, though it refers to many animals.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often swap fauna (animals) with flora (plants). Remember that 'fauna' is a collective noun and does not usually take a plural 's' (faunas is rare and only used when comparing different sets of animal populations).

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'fauna' starting with 'F' like a 'fawn' (a baby deer). Fawn = Animal = Fauna. (Contrast with Flora = Flower = Plant).

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the name 'Fauna', a Roman goddess of earth and fertility, associated with the woods and animals.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable collective noun Often used in the binomial pair 'flora and fauna' The adjective form 'faunal' is used in scientific contexts (e.g., faunal analysis)
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Cultural Context

The term is frequently used in Australian and African tourism to highlight unique wildlife like kangaroos or lions.

Quick Quiz

The island is famous for its unique _____, including several species of flightless birds.

Correct!

The correct answer is: fauna

Related Words

ready

A2

To be fully prepared for an action or an event. It describes a state where everything is set so that something can happen immediately without delay.

simple

A2

Something that is easy to understand, do, or use because it is not complicated. It can also describe something that is plain and basic in style, without extra decoration.

physical

A2

Relating to the body rather than the mind or feelings. It also describes things that exist in the real world and can be seen or touched.

general

A2

Describing something that affects most people or things rather than being specific to one. It is also used to describe a broad understanding of a topic without focusing on small details.

environmental

A2

Relating to the natural world of land, sea, air, plants, and animals. It is often used to describe things that involve protecting nature from damage caused by humans.

medical

A2

Relating to the science of medicine and the treatment of injuries or diseases. It is used to describe things connected to doctors, nurses, and the healthcare system.

traditional

A2

Following or belonging to the customs and beliefs that have been part of a group of people or a society for a long time. It describes practices that are done in the same way they have been done in the past rather than using new or modern methods.

private

A2

Describes something that belongs to a specific person or group and is not for public use. It also refers to a place or conversation where others are not allowed to listen or watch.

difficult

A2

Something that is hard to do, understand, or deal with because it requires a lot of effort or skill. It can also describe a person who is not easy to please or work with.

religious

A2

Describes someone who has a strong belief in a god or a group of gods and follows the practices of a religion. It can also refer to things that are connected with or related to a particular religion.

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