What organisms are covered?
Only multicellular animals are covered, i.e. Metazoa. Of these, all species that have been recorded from Germany are covered. In many cases, the decision whether the species should be regarded as "recorded from Germany" is difficult to make. There are many alien or imported species and it is sometimes not possible to assess their status in Germany. As a general rule, if there is evidence that single specimens of a species have reached Germany on their own abilities (e.g. a stray sea bird that normally occurs in the Atlantic or Indian Ocean) or by natural events (e.g. an American dragonfly that can be translocated by massive storms and then reaches Germany) then I include the species. If there is evidence that the species is introduced only in single specimens either unintentionally (e.g. single scorpions as stowaways in luggage from the Mediterranean, or single larvae of insects in plants or plant products) or deliberately (e.g. horseshoe crabs, that have been found on the North Sea coast, near marine laboratories), then I tend to exclude these species. However, if the introduction occurs not as single specimens, but as a whole colony or population (e.g. pest insects in wood products), then I am inclined to include the species because in these cases, the species has a "critical mass" right from the beginning and is likely to become established, even if only in houses or buildings. If specimens are released intentionally and repeatedly, but cannot become established, because of climate or ecology (e.g. missing food plants) then I am inclined to exclude these species; however, some species are so frequently released or escape so often, so as to almost appear "the year round". In these cases, I might include the species, just to draw attention to this fact.

Sometimes species are included that very likely occur in Germany, because they have been recorded from adjacent areas, but not yet from Germany itself.

Domestic, pets or zoo animals: Domestic animals are sometimes included, especially if they have a separate scientific name and/or their wild form is exctinct or unknown (in the latter case, the "original native range" is unknown anyway).
If domestic or other species frequently escape from captivity and are then recorded in the field, I might list the more well-known species separately from the "German" species. This includes, for example, parrots or other cage birds.

Extinct or fossil species: Species that inhabited Germany in the past, but are extinct today are included only if they became extinct in Germany after 1500 AD. Thus, to be included in Zoographia Germaniae, a species must have been present in Germany (in its current borders) in 1500 AD or later. Species only known as fossils, or species that are still extant elsewhere, but are documented for Germany only by fossil finds are not covered.
Examples: the Auerochs (Bos primigenius) once lived in Germany, but became extinct in 1627. Thus, this species is included in Zoographia Germaniae. The Western Whip Snake Hierophis viridiflavus once occured in Germany, but this is only based on fossil finds and the species was extinct in Germany long before 1500 AD. Thus, this species is not covered in Zoographia Germaniae.


What geographical area is covered?
Land/freshwater areas covered comprise all of Germany including all islands (including Helgoland), and the exclaves in Belgium (the so-called "Vennbahn-exclaves") and Switzerland (Büsingen). Not included are the functional enclaves of Austria within Germany (Jungholz, Kleinwalsertal). Also excluded are Tägermoos and the Bayerische Saalforste that are officially a part of Switzerland (Tägermoos) and Austria (Bayerische Saalforste), but have a special status due to treaties between Germany and Switzerland/Austria. Lake Geneva (Bodensee) is divided between Austria, Switzerland and Germany, but is covered as a whole.
Marine areas covered include all coastal areas of the German North and Baltic Sea and areas around all islands. All species from the North and Baltic Sea that could be encountered as vagrants or strays along the German coastline are also included.