Ecoregions of Central America

The Central American Atlantic moist forests ecoregion stands as evidence of the natural wonders of Central America, specifically along the Caribbean coastal lowlands of Honduras, extending west into Guatemala and south into eastern Nicaragua. This ecoregion is home to Central America's most significant single fragment of natural forest, making it an invaluable area for biodiversity and environmental conservation.

The Central American dry forests ecoregion, spanning Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, is a crucial transitional zone between the lush tropical rainforests and the arid deserts. This unique region along the Pacific Coast, from southern Chiapas to Guanacaste, exhibits a delicate balance of life in the face of a prolonged dry season.

The Central American montane forests ecoregion is a collection of forest patches scattered across Central America's highest mountains. This region is ecologically significant and exhibits unique adaptations. It stretches from southern Mexico through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua and showcases diverse vegetation and wildlife on the elevated canvas of the region.

Nestled between the highland cloud forests and the lowland rainforests of northern Central America, the Central American pine–oak forests ecoregion unfolds as a diverse tapestry supporting a rich assortment of conifer species. Spanning across the mid-elevations of Mexico's Chiapas, southern Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and small portions of west-central Nicaragua, this region is a vital habitat for various flora and fauna.

Nestled in the heart of Central America, the Belizean Pine Forests ecoregion is a testament to the resilience and beauty of nature. It spans across the rugged landscapes of Belize and captivates with its towering pine trees, vibrant biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage. From the majestic peaks of the Maya Mountains to the tranquil shores of the Caribbean Sea, the Belizean Pine Forests ecoregion invites exploration of its diverse ecosystems.

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 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.

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.

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.