Ecoregions of South America

Nestled along the eastern slopes of the Andes in west-central Bolivia and extreme southeastern Peru, the Bolivian Yungas ecoregion stands as a transitional zone of unparalleled ecological significance. This tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest forms a bridge between the lush Southwest Amazon moist forests to the northeast and the rugged Central Andean dry puna and wet puna ecosystems to the southeast, creating a unique and diverse landscape.

An ecological treasure trove lies in the Andes Mountains of southwestern Colombia: the Cauca Valley montane forests. This magnificent ecoregion, marked by its dramatic topography and diverse array of habitats, is a living testament to the incredible natural wealth of the Andean region. It supports a remarkable concentration of plant and animal life found nowhere else on Earth.

Nestled high amidst the jagged, snow-covered peaks of the Southern Andes lies the Central Andean Puna - a land of rugged resilience crafted from pristine pampas and awe-inspiring altiplano plains. This high-altitude montane grassland stretches across the southern regions of Peru, traversing the rugged Bolivian Altiplano and dipping into the northern corners of Argentina.

The Chilean Matorral ecoregion, nestled along the central Chilean coast, is a unique terrestrial ecosystem, a testament to the region's Mediterranean climate and rich biodiversity. Occupying a strategic position on the continent, bound to the west by the vast Pacific Ocean and to the east by the towering southern Andes mountain range, this long, narrow strip stretching along the western coast of South America is truly a jewel in Chile's ecological crown.

Nestled in the heart of eastern Bolivia and extending into western Brazil, the Chiquitano dry forests ecoregion is a unique and biodiverse haven characterized by its distinct vegetation and remarkable adaptation to a semi-arid climate. This ecoregion is a tapestry of dry forests, savannas, and gallery forests, providing a glimpse into nature's resilience and the intricate interplay between flora and fauna.

The Chocó-Darién moist forests ecoregion, spanning western Colombia and eastern Panama, is a true marvel of nature, renowned for its unparalleled species richness and ecological significance. This lowland area, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the western range of the Andes Mountains, is a genuine biodiversity hotspot and is considered one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet.

Nestled within the heart of the Andes, straddling the borders of Bolivia and Peru, lies the Cordillera Central páramo ecoregion, a high-altitude expanse that captivates with its rugged beauty and ecological significance. This unique ecosystem, situated between the treeline and the permanent snowline, stands as a living testament to the resilience of nature in the face of extreme conditions.

Nestled along the Caribbean coastlines of northern Venezuela and Colombia, the Guajira-Barranquilla xeric scrub ecoregion is a unique and remarkable xerophytic (dry-adapted) enclave within the Neotropics. This arid habitat, proposed as a bird center of endemism, is dominated by thorn scrub and succulent vegetation, starkly contrasting the lush tropical landscapes that characterize much of the region.

The Guianan Highlands moist forests ecoregion is a captivating and unique landscape in northern South America. This region is a mosaic of rainforests, savannas, and gallery forests covering parts of Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana, and Colombia. Sitting on the ancient Guiana Shield, this ecoregion is a testament to the geological forces that have shaped it over millions of years, creating a remarkable biodiverse ecosystem.

Stretching across the northeastern coast of South America, the Guianan moist forests ecoregion is one of the world's most extensive tracts of relatively pristine lowland tropical rainforests. This vast expanse of verdant wilderness spans the Guianas—Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana—and parts of eastern Venezuela and northern Brazil. The Guianan moist forests are a biodiversity hotspot, harboring a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to this ecoregion.