Ecoregions of South America

The Guianan savanna is a diverse ecoregion in South America, spanning Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and parts of northern Brazil. It is a unique mosaic of upland plains, forests, and sandstone formations embedded within the tropical rainforest landscape of the Guiana Shield. The savanna showcases a rich tapestry of endemic species and is a testament to the incredible diversity of ecosystems within the Neotropics.

Among the rugged contours of the eastern slopes of the Andes in Argentina lies an area of exceptional beauty and ecological significance - the High Monte ecoregion. This expansive montane landscape stretches from the northern reaches near Salta to the southern expanse of Mendoza, blending dramatic topography and diverse ecosystems. Despite the arid embrace of the Andean foothills, life flourishes in unexpected abundance here, defying the harsh environment.

The humid pampas ecoregion in eastern Argentina is characterized by expansive grasslands, xeric woodlands, slow-moving rivers, and numerous lagoons. It occupies the province of Buenos Aires and is known for its high human population density. The region is part of the more extensive Pampas lowland plains and features flat plains with gentle undulations and occasional low peaks that emerge like islands across the landscape.

Nestled along the western slopes of the Andes Mountains in Ecuador lies a captivating ecoregion known as the Western Ecuador Moist Forests. This expansive, verdant landscape stretches from the Colombian border in the north to the Guayas River basin in the south. The ecoregion is part of the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena biodiversity hotspot, one of Earth's most species-rich yet threatened regions.

Nestled along the Caribbean coast of northern Colombia, the Magdalena-Urabá moist forests ecoregion is a remarkable and diverse ecosystem that is part of the more significant Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena biodiversity hotspot. This lush and verdant region, stretching from the Magdalena River valley to the Gulf of Urabá, is a testament to Colombia's incredible natural wealth, offering a glimpse into the country's rich biological heritage.

The Pantepui forests and shrublands ecoregion is located in the Guiana Highlands of northern South America. This region is home to over 50 tabletop mountains, called tepuis, with isolated sandstone plateaus and summits on almost vertical escarpments. This remarkable area has ancient geological formations, stunning waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna.

Soaring high above Colombia and Ecuador's cloud forests and montane landscapes, the Northern Andean páramo is a truly remarkable and unique ecoregion. This vast expanse of high-altitude grasslands, wetlands, and shrublands is a vital component of the Andes ecosystem and a global biodiversity hotspot teeming with an array of specialized plant and animal life found nowhere else on Earth.

Nestled along the northeastern coast of Venezuela and extending into Guyana, the Orinoco Delta Swamp Forests ecoregion is a remarkable tapestry of flooded forests, wetlands, and meandering waterways. This vast expanse of inundated landscapes, stretching from the southern reaches of the Paria Peninsula to the Waini River, is a testament to nature's resilience and adaptability.

The Paraná Flooded Savanna ecoregion is a vast area that spans across the floodplains of the middle and lower Paraná River, along with its tributary, the Paraguay River. This region is home to diverse flora and fauna, crucial for maintaining the ecological balance in Argentina and Paraguay. This region's intricate network of waterways and lush marshlands provides a secure habitat for countless plant and animal species.

The Patagonian Grasslands ecoregion is situated in the southern part of Argentina. It is an example of nature's resilience in challenging conditions. This area falls under the biome of temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands, which spans across the Neotropical realm. The region is a testament to the stunning beauty and biodiversity of the southern landscapes of Argentina.