Ecoregions of South America

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.

The Chocó-Darién moist forests ecoregion, spanning western Colombia and eastern Panama, is a true marvel of nature, renowned for its unparalleled species richness and ecological significance. This lowland area, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the western range of the Andes Mountains, is a genuine biodiversity hotspot and is considered one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet.

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.

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.

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.