Biomes / Ecosystems of Peru

Located on the western coast of South America, Peru is one of the world's most biologically diverse countries, boasting an impressive array of ecosystems and climates. Its biodiversity can be organized into four main biomes. Geographically, Peru is traditionally described in terms of three broad longitudinal regions: the Costa, the Sierra, and the Amazonia.

The Páramo, or Andean Moorland, is a distinctive high-mountain biome in the Neotropical region, specifically in the upper Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. This grassland ecosystem, situated above the timberline but below the permanent snowline, is renowned for its unique flora and fauna, making it an essential component of the region's biodiversity. The diverse plant species and the varied animal life adapted to these high-altitude conditions underscore the Páramo's importance as a hub of endemic biodiversity.

The Peruvian Amazon, known locally as "La Selva" (the jungle), unfolds as a vast and awe-inspiring realm stretching from the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains to the borders shared with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Bolivia. It constitutes Peru's extensive portion of the Amazon rainforest, the second-largest after Brazil. La Selva holds a special place in the hearts of Peruvians, encompassing one of the country's three principal geographic regions alongside La Costa (the coast) and La Sierra or Los Montañas (the highlands or mountains).

The Puna, a cold, high-elevation grassland region nestled within the montane grasslands and shrublands biome, shapes the vast expanse of the Central Andes. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Puna stretches from northern Peru through western Bolivia into northern Chile and Argentina. This area is known for its exceptional biodiversity and challenging climates, with unique plant and animal species adapted to its harsh conditions.

The Yungas is a remarkable subtropical forest belt along the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains, spanning Peru, Bolivia, and northern Argentina. This unique natural region is a transitional zone, linking the Andean highlands to the lush eastern forests and creating a haven for biodiversity amidst its humid, subtropical climate. The Yungas are characterized by their dense vegetation and diverse ecosystems, which support a wide range of plant and animal species, making it a critical area for conservation.

The Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena Hotspot, spanning from Panama to Peru, is a biodiverse region threatened by urbanization, hunting, and deforestation. Positioned along the western flank of the Andes Mountains, this hotspot encompasses various ecosystems, hosting an extraordinary range of flora and fauna. With unique ecosystems and species, urgent conservation efforts are needed to protect this hotspot from further decline and preserve its exceptional biodiversity.