Ecological Region

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.

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 within the towering peaks of the Cordillera de Talamanca, a mountain range that straddles the border between Costa Rica and western Panama, lies the Costa Rican páramo ecoregion. This unique and ethereal landscape stands as a testament to the incredible diversity of Central America's natural wonders. This moist montane grassland and shrubland ecosystem is a world unto itself, where the boundaries between alpine tundra and cloud forest blur, creating a delicate and resilient tapestry of life.

The Trinidad and Tobago moist forests ecoregion covers most of the two-island nation located off the northeastern coast of South America. While small portions of the islands are home to other habitat types, such as mangroves and dry forests, the moist forests dominate the landscape and support an exceptionally diverse flora and fauna.

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 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 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.

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.