Ecological Region

The Guianan Highlands Moist Forests: A Tapestry of Rainforests and Savannas on the Ancient Guiana Shield

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.

The Guianan Moist Forests: A Vast and Pristine Rainforest Expanse in Northeastern South America

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.

The Guianan Savanna: A Mosaic of Grasslands and Tepui Wonders

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.

The Heart of the Amazon: Life in the Purus Várzea

The Purus Várzea is one of the Amazon Basin's most extensive and ecologically rich várzea ecosystems. This ecoregion spans parts of Brazil's central Amazon, extending across the floodplains of the Purus River and its tributaries. Located primarily within the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Acre, the Purus Várzea is nestled between the Madeira River to the east and the Juruá River to the west, making it an integral part of the central Amazon's vast aquatic landscape.

The High Monte: Resilience in Arid Argentina

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: Exploring Argentina's Verdant Plains

The humid pampas ecoregion, situated in the eastern plains of Argentina, predominantly occupies the province of Buenos Aires. This area, known for its high human population density, is characterized by expansive grasslands and xeric woodlands. As part of the larger Pampas lowland plains region, the humid pampas feature horizontal plains with gentle undulations and occasional low peaks that emerge like islands across the landscape.

The Juruá-Purus Moist Forests: A Biodiversity Hotspot in Brazil's Amazonian Heart

The Juruá-Purus Moist Forests are in northwestern Brazil, south of the upper Amazon River. The ecoregion covers the valleys between the upper Amazon and the Purus River. It is part of the Amazon Biome and is mainly covered with evergreen tropical rainforests with dense, high canopy. These forests are a botanical wonderland and a haven for a remarkably diverse array of animal life.

The Leeward Islands Dry Forests: Echoes of Resilience

Nestled amidst the azure waters of the eastern Caribbean Sea, the Leeward Islands dry forests ecoregion sprawls across secluded corners of the Leeward Islands. Characterized by gentle relief and moderate rainfall, this ecoregion, though weathered by centuries of deforestation, still retains echoes of its former magnificence, offering glimpses into its enduring beauty.

The Leeward Islands Moist Forests: A Vibrant Tapestry of Island Ecosystems

The Leeward Islands moist forests ecoregion is captivating and diverse. It spans the northern islands of the Lesser Antilles chain in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The ecoregion within this vibrant island arc is characterized by rugged, volcanic mountains cloaked in lush tropical forests—a testament to the resilience and richness of island ecosystems. The ecoregion showcases the remarkable diversity that can thrive within these isolated yet interconnected Caribbean islands.

The Leeward Islands Xeric Scrub: A Resilient Ecosystem

Stretching across the northern reaches of the Lesser Antilles, the Leeward Islands Xeric Scrub Ecoregion encompasses a diverse array of dry, non-forested habitats on the peripheries of these sun-drenched islands. From the sandy shores to the arid savannas, this ecoregion supports a resilient community of plants and animals adapted to the region's semi-arid conditions and the impacts of human land use over centuries.