fauna
noun
fau·na ˈfȯ-nə 
ˈfä-
plural faunas also faunae ˈfȯ-ˌnē
-ˌnī,
ˈfä-
: animal life
especially : the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment
the diverse fauna of the island
compare flora faunal
ˈfȯ-nᵊl
adjective ˈfä-
faunally adverb
Did you know?
Faunus and Fauna were the Roman woodland god and goddess for whom animals were a particular concern. Faunus was the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Pan, and like Pan, he had goats' legs. Their goat-legged helpers, called fauns, were known for their love of pleasure and mischief. The fauna of a continent are often very similar across a broad east-west band; from north to south, however, they may vary greatly.
Example Sentences
studying the diverse fauna of the island studying the faunas of different islands
Recent Examples on the Web Some land would remain in its natural state to preserve flora and fauna, historic sites or scientific interests, according to the documents. 
Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 14 Sep. 2022 Homes captures the flora and fauna of America’s aristocracy with exquisite precision. Ron Charles, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2022 Stop at the interactive Nature Discovery Center to learn more about Houston's native flora and fauna. Gabi De La Rosa, Chron, 9 Sep. 2022 Hike past fauna such as bison, elk, burrowing owls, and river otters, and go fishing for largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish. Alison Van Houten, Outside Online, 6 June 2019 None of the coffee at Janson is grown using pesticides or herbicides; the different plots are separated by steps of forest that both control pests and allow natural flora and fauna to flourish. Jennifer Billock, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Sep. 2022 Would that really be so much to ask of the Boeddekers, and of the local flora and fauna? Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2022 The parks not only protect flora and fauna but also act as natural carbon sinks – storing carbon dioxide emitted into the air and reducing the effects of global warming. Wanjohi Kabukuru, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2022 The foliage and fauna that have offered many peace have been in development for decades. Vincent T. Davis, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Aug. 2022 See More
Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 14 Sep. 2022 Homes captures the flora and fauna of America’s aristocracy with exquisite precision. Ron Charles, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2022 Stop at the interactive Nature Discovery Center to learn more about Houston's native flora and fauna. Gabi De La Rosa, Chron, 9 Sep. 2022 Hike past fauna such as bison, elk, burrowing owls, and river otters, and go fishing for largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish. Alison Van Houten, Outside Online, 6 June 2019 None of the coffee at Janson is grown using pesticides or herbicides; the different plots are separated by steps of forest that both control pests and allow natural flora and fauna to flourish. Jennifer Billock, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Sep. 2022 Would that really be so much to ask of the Boeddekers, and of the local flora and fauna? Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2022 The parks not only protect flora and fauna but also act as natural carbon sinks – storing carbon dioxide emitted into the air and reducing the effects of global warming. Wanjohi Kabukuru, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2022 The foliage and fauna that have offered many peace have been in development for decades. Vincent T. Davis, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Latin Fauna, sister of Faunus
First Known Use
1771, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
fauna
noun
fau·na ˈfȯ-nə
: the animal life typical of a region, period, or special environment
the island's fauna
Medical Definition
fauna
noun
fau·na ˈfȯn-ə, ˈfän-
plural faunas also faunae -ˌē -ˌī
-ˌī : animal life
especially : the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment compare flora sense 1