Ecoregions of Colombia

A natural wonder of unparalleled beauty and ecological significance lies along the border between Colombia and Venezuela—the Catatumbo moist forests ecoregion. This enchanting landscape, spanning lush valleys, towering mountains, and winding rivers, captivates the imagination with its rich biodiversity and breathtaking vistas. From its dense rainforests to its mist-shrouded cloud forests, this diverse ecoregion offers a glimpse into a world teeming with life and wonder.

The Eastern Cordillera Real Montane Forests in Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia are a unique and vital ecoregion in the Andes Mountains known for its high biodiversity and diverse microclimates. It is part of the larger Tropical Andes biodiversity hotspot and faces conservation challenges due to human activities and climate change, making it a focal point for preservation efforts.

The Cauca Valley dry forests in Colombia are part of the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot, one of Earth's most biologically diverse regions. This ecoregion is characterized by its distinct dry climate, varied topography, and a remarkable array of flora and fauna. Despite its ecological importance, the Cauca Valley dry forests face significant threats from human activities and environmental changes.

The Northwestern Andean Montane Forests ecoregion is a breathtaking display of South America's natural aesthetics. It surrounds the western slopes of the Andes Mountains in Colombia and Ecuador. The area consists of numerous habitats that sustain an exceptional range of plants and animals. The region's ecological system is diverse and complex, ranging from misty cloud forests to sun-drenched valleys below.

Perched beyond the treeline in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta on Colombia's Caribbean coast, the Santa Marta páramo emerges as an elevated moorland ecoregion, marking the northernmost extent of páramo in South America. This distinctive "sky island" showcases nature's complexities, thriving within high altitudes.

An ecological treasure trove lies in the Andes Mountains of southwestern Colombia: the Cauca Valley montane forests. This magnificent ecoregion, marked by its dramatic topography and diverse array of habitats, is a living testament to the incredible natural wealth of the Andean region. It supports a remarkable concentration of plant and animal life found nowhere else on Earth.

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 along the Caribbean coastlines of northern Venezuela and Colombia, the Guajira-Barranquilla xeric scrub ecoregion is a unique and remarkable xerophytic (dry-adapted) enclave within the Neotropics. This arid habitat, proposed as a bird center of endemism, is dominated by thorn scrub and succulent vegetation, starkly contrasting the lush tropical landscapes that characterize much of the region.

The Guianan Highlands moist forests ecoregion is a captivating and unique landscape in northern South America. This region is a mosaic of rainforests, savannas, and gallery forests covering parts of Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana, and Colombia. Sitting on the ancient Guiana Shield, this ecoregion is a testament to the geological forces that have shaped it over millions of years, creating a remarkable biodiverse ecosystem.

The Magdalena Valley dry forests ecoregion lies between the Eastern and Central cordilleras of the Colombian Andes, a unique and critical landscape defined by its dry climate, rich biodiversity, and significant geological history. Spanning a vast area along the dry inter-Andean valley formed by the Magdalena River, this ecoregion is vital to Colombia's natural heritage.