Ecoregions of South America

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.

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.

Among the rugged contours of the eastern slopes of the Andes in Argentina lies an area of exceptional beauty and ecological significance - the High Monte ecoregion. This expansive montane landscape stretches from the northern reaches near Salta to the southern expanse of Mendoza, blending dramatic topography and diverse ecosystems. Despite the arid embrace of the Andean foothills, life flourishes in unexpected abundance here, defying the harsh environment.

The humid pampas ecoregion in eastern Argentina is characterized by expansive grasslands, xeric woodlands, slow-moving rivers, and numerous lagoons. It occupies the province of Buenos Aires and is known for its high human population density. The region is part of the more extensive Pampas lowland plains and features flat plains with gentle undulations and occasional low peaks that emerge like islands across the landscape.

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.

Nestled along the Caribbean coast of northern Colombia, the Magdalena-Urabá moist forests ecoregion is a remarkable and diverse ecosystem that is part of the more significant Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena biodiversity hotspot. This lush and verdant region, stretching from the Magdalena River valley to the Gulf of Urabá, is a testament to Colombia's incredible natural wealth, offering a glimpse into the country's rich biological heritage.

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 Paraná Flooded Savanna ecoregion is a vast area that spans across the floodplains of the middle and lower Paraná River, along with its tributary, the Paraguay River. This region is home to diverse flora and fauna, crucial for maintaining the ecological balance in Argentina and Paraguay. This region's intricate network of waterways and lush marshlands provides a secure habitat for countless plant and animal species.

The Patagonian Grasslands ecoregion is situated in the southern part of Argentina. It is an example of nature's resilience in challenging conditions. This area falls under the biome of temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands, which spans across the Neotropical realm. The region is a testament to the stunning beauty and biodiversity of the southern landscapes of Argentina.

Nestled within the rugged Andes Mountains of southwestern Colombia lies a remarkable and often overlooked ecoregion known as the Patía Valley dry forests. In the rain shadow of the towering Andes, this arid landscape stands in stark contrast to the lush, verdant forests that characterize much of the surrounding region. This creates a unique and fragile ecosystem that is home to a diverse array of specialized plant and animal life.