Central American Dry Forests

The Central American dry forests ecoregion spans several countries in Central America, including parts of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. It represents a transitional zone between the more humid tropical rainforests and the arid desert regions.

The Central American Dry forests stretch along the Pacific Coast from southern Chiapas, Mexico, to Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The ecoregion is most prevalent in lowland and premontane areas up to 800 m (2,600 ft) in elevation but can also be found up to 2,000 m (6,500 ft).

Additionally, fragments are scattered in low-altitude areas removed from the coast, including relatively large fragments close to the Caribbean Sea in Honduras.

As the region's climate is tropical, with a prolonged dry season of five to eight months, the most common vegetation type is deciduous forest, where trees shed their leaves during the dry season to reduce water loss through transpiration. Diverse species have adapted to survive prolonged periods of water scarcity.

The tree canopy in the Central American dry forests is approximately 30 m (100 ft) in height and usually has delicate, compound leaves that fall seasonally. The trees in the lower story often include some evergreen species. The understory primarily comprises thorny trees; woody lianas and epiphytes are also common.

Biodiversity

The Central American dry forests harbor significant biodiversity. Many plant and animal species have evolved specific adaptations to cope with the alternating wet and dry seasons. At least 50 plant species are endemic.

The ecoregion is part of the North Central American Pacific Slope Endemic Bird Area and has four restricted-range bird species. The white-bellied chachalaca, blue-tailed hummingbird, and giant wren are endemic. Although not endemic, the Pacific parakeet has part of its restricted range within this ecoregion.

The forests are home to various animals adapted to the environment, including coatis, iguanas, anteaters, various bird species, and some large mammals such as jaguars and pumas. The endangered Geoffrey's spider monkey can also be found within this ecoregion.

Additionally, the Pacific coast is home to as many as five species of marine turtles, numerous fish, amphibians, and some endangered reptiles.

Protection Status

Human activities, such as agriculture and urbanization, have significantly impacted this ecoregion. Much of the dry forests have been cleared for agriculture, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts aim to protect and restore these critical ecosystems.

Agriculture, logging, and urban expansion have resulted in substantial deforestation in the Central American Dry Forests ecoregion. This habitat loss threatens the survival of many plant and animal species.