Ecoregions of Bolivia

Central Andean Dry Puna: An Arid Haven in the High Andes

The Central Andean Dry Puna, an arid haven in the high southern Andes of Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, captivates with arid landscapes, salt flats, and ancient sea remnants. Unique vegetation adapted to extreme conditions and diverse fauna, from Andean camelids to elusive predators and unique birds, thrive in this high-elevation ecoregion. As a mosaic of arid splendor, the Central Andean Dry Puna unfolds a captivating story of adaptation and conservation.

Central Andean Wet Puna: Where Mountains and Wetlands Converge

The Central Andean wet puna ecoregion, a gem in the southern high Andean Mountains of Peru and eastern Bolivia, reveals itself as a high-elevation, moist, montane grassland. Marked by snow-capped peaks, mountain pastures, high lakes, plateaus, and valleys, this region extends beyond the tree line, forming a distinctive composition of landscapes.

Iquitos Várzea: A Flooded Wonderland

The Iquitos várzea is a remarkable floodplain ecosystem in the upper Amazon Basin. It extends across the Amazon, Ucayali, Marañon, and Madre de Dios rivers in northeastern Peru and into northern Bolivia and northwestern Brazil. This vast region is an iconic example of the várzea ecosystem, where seasonal flooding is crucial in shaping the landscape and sustaining its diverse plant and animal life.

Southwest Amazon Moist Forests: A Biodiversity Haven in the Upper Amazon Basin

The Southwest Amazon moist forests represent one of the world's most biologically rich and ecologically significant regions. Encompassing vast tracts of intact tropical rainforest in the upper Amazon Basin, this ecoregion spans parts of Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. Known for its exceptional biodiversity and relatively undisturbed landscapes, the Southwest Amazon moist forests are crucial for the conservation of numerous species and ecosystems.

The Beni Savanna: Bolivia's Wetland Wonderland

Nestled in the northern lowlands of Bolivia, the Beni Savanna ecoregion unfolds as a vast expanse of tropical savannas, meandering rivers, and a mosaic of wetlands and forest islands at the convergence of four distinct biogeographic regions. This ecological marvel, also known as the Llanos de Moxos, is the third-largest savanna complex in South America, extending its reach into neighboring Brazil and Peru.

The Bolivian Montane Dry Forests: A Transitional Tapestry Along the Eastern Andean Slopes

The Bolivian montane dry forests ecoregion is a narrow corridor on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Bolivia. It connects the puna grasslands of the Andean highlands to the Chaco scrublands of the lowlands. The region is known for its diverse microclimates and species assemblages that vary from one valley to the next, creating a tapestry of ecological wonders amidst the steep hillsides and cliffs of the eastern Andean cordillera.

The Bolivian Yungas: A Transitional Treasure Trove of Biodiversity

Nestled along the eastern slopes of the Andes in west-central Bolivia and extreme southeastern Peru, the Bolivian Yungas ecoregion stands as a transitional zone of unparalleled ecological significance. This tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest forms a bridge between the lush Southwest Amazon moist forests to the northeast and the rugged Central Andean dry puna and wet puna ecosystems to the southeast, creating a unique and diverse landscape.

The Central Andean Puna: Unveiling the High-Elevation Wonders

Nestled high amidst the jagged, snow-covered peaks of the Southern Andes lies the Central Andean Puna - a land of rugged resilience crafted from pristine pampas and awe-inspiring altiplano plains. This high-altitude montane grassland stretches across the southern regions of Peru, traversing the rugged Bolivian Altiplano and dipping into the northern corners of Argentina.

The Chiquitano Dry Forests: A Biodiverse Haven

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 Cordillera Central Páramo: A High-Altitude Oasis of Andean Biodiversity

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.