Ecological Region

Nestled within the northern reaches of the Baja California Peninsula in northwestern Mexico, the Sierra Juarez and San Pedro Martir Pine-Oak Forests ecoregion is a remarkable temperate coniferous forest biome. This relatively small ecosystem is a unique western counterpart to the "sky islands" found in northern Mexico and southwestern Arizona, rising from the surrounding desert landscapes as an elevational oasis of diverse and endemic species.

Nestled within the northwestern reaches of the Colombian Andes lies the Sinú Valley dry forests ecoregion, a true marvel of biodiversity. This unique ecosystem serves as a genetic corridor for diverse flora and fauna, situated as a bridge between the Chocó-Darién moist forests and the Magdalena Valley montane forests. From the lush mangroves at sea level to the towering peaks of the Paramillo, the Sinú Valley is a tapestry of interconnected habitats.

Nestled along the eastern slopes of the Andes mountain range, the Southern Andean Yungas ecoregion stands as a lush and mesic haven amidst the arid surroundings of southwestern Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. This tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregion, part of the larger Yungas ecosystem, offers a unique and biodiverse landscape.

The Southern Cone Mesopotamian savanna, also known as the Argentine Mesopotamian grasslands, is an ecosystem in northeastern Argentina. It combines woodland and grassland, with trees widely spaced apart, allowing for a continuous layer of herbs. Despite its ecological significance, the Southern Cone Mesopotamian savanna is one of the least protected ecoregions in Argentina.

Nestled within the rugged highlands of northwestern Costa Rica and western Panama, the Talamancan Montane Forests ecoregion is one of Central America's most intact and biologically diverse ecosystems. This discontinuous expanse of montane forests, cloaked in mist and draped across the region's towering mountain ranges, harbors a wealth of endemic species and serves as a vital sanctuary for a multitude of flora and fauna.

The Tumbes-Piura dry forests ecoregion is nestled along the Pacific coast of northwestern Peru and southwestern Ecuador. This unique and remarkable ecosystem is part of the larger Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena biodiversity hotspot. This ecoregion, often overshadowed by the more well-known tropical rainforests of the Amazon basin, is a biodiversity hotspot in its own right, harboring an exceptional concentration of endemic species and facing significant conservation challenges.

The Uruguayan savanna, also known as the Brazilian-Uruguayan savanna, stretches across the southern region of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, encompasses the entirety of Uruguay, and extends into a small portion of Argentina along the Uruguay River. This ecoregion, characterized by subtropical grasslands and savannas, offers a mosaic of habitats, including medium-tall grasslands, gallery forests, palm savannas, and submontane forests.

Nestled within the northern arm of the Venezuelan Andes, a northeastern branch of the mighty Andes Mountains system, lies the Venezuelan Andes montane forests ecoregion – a verdant tapestry of towering peaks, misty cloud forests, and a staggering array of plant and animal life. This unique ecosystem, separated from the Eastern Andes of Colombia by the Tachira depression, is a true gem, a testament to the incredible biodiversity that thrives in the heart of South America.

The Lesser Antilles mangrove ecoregion is a unique and diverse coastal environment at the southeastern edge of the Caribbean Sea. This region encompasses the coastal margins of a chain of islands stretching from Sombrero and Anguilla in the north to Grenada in the south. Despite their smaller size compared to their counterparts in the Greater Antilles, these islands boast a remarkable level of species diversity and endemism.

Spanning the Yucatán Peninsula of southeastern Mexico and extending into northern Guatemala and Belize, the Yucatán moist forests ecoregion stands as a remarkable tropical treasure trove. This ecoregion is part of the tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests biome, offering a unique blend of biodiversity, geological wonders, and cultural heritage.