Ecoregions of Ecuador

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 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.

Nestled along Ecuador's western coast, the Ecuadorian Dry Forests ecoregion is a unique and remarkable ecosystem characterized by a delicate balance between lush vegetation and arid landscapes. This captivating region harbors a rich tapestry of biodiversity that has adapted to thrive in harsh, semi-arid conditions. From its diverse flora and fauna to its historical and cultural significance, the Ecuadorian Dry Forests offer a compelling glimpse into the resilience and fragility of nature's wonders.

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.

The Napo Moist Forests ecoregion, a lush and diverse expanse of tropical rainforest, is located in the western Amazon Basin, primarily within Ecuador and Peru, extending into southern Colombia. This ecoregion, known for its unparalleled biodiversity, encompasses a variety of habitats, from lowland rainforests to montane forests, supporting an incredible array of flora and fauna. The region's ecological significance and cultural heritage make research and protection vital.

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.

The western edge of South America, where the towering Andes meet the cool embrace of the Pacific Ocean, is etched with a series of arid landscapes. Among these, the Sechura Desert ecoregion stands out not merely as a barren expanse, but as a surprisingly dynamic and ecologically significant zone. Stretching along the northern coast of Peru and a small portion of southern Ecuador, this ecoregion reveals a unique interplay of hyper-arid conditions, unexpected biodiversity, and the intricate influence of the adjacent marine environment.

The Tumbes-Piura dry forests ecoregion is nestled along the Pacific coast of northwestern Peru and southwestern Ecuador. This unique and remarkable ecosystem is part of the larger Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena biodiversity hotspot. This ecoregion, often overshadowed by the more well-known tropical rainforests of the Amazon basin, is a biodiversity hotspot in its own right, harboring an exceptional concentration of endemic species and facing significant conservation challenges.