Ecoregions of South America

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.

Peru is a country with diverse landscapes and natural wonders. It has two contrasting yet equally captivating deserts along its western coastline—the Sechura and Nazca Deserts. The relentless forces of nature have shaped these arid expanses and stand as testaments to the resilience of life in extreme environments. They offer a unique blend of geological marvels and biodiversity.

The Semi-arid Pampas ecoregion, nestled in Argentina's heart, spans the Buenos Aires, Pampa, San Luis, and Cordoba Provinces. Forming part of the vast Pampas lowland plains region, this temperate grassland landscape is situated between the Humid Pampas grassland to the east and the drier Argentine Espinal grassland to the west; the Semi-arid Pampas boasts a unique blend of flora and fauna, and geological features.

Nestled within the northwestern reaches of the Colombian Andes lies the Sinú Valley dry forests ecoregion, a true marvel of biodiversity. This unique ecosystem serves as a genetic corridor for diverse flora and fauna, situated as a bridge between the Chocó-Darién moist forests and the Magdalena Valley montane forests. From the lush mangroves at sea level to the towering peaks of the Paramillo, the Sinú Valley is a tapestry of interconnected habitats.

Nestled along the eastern slopes of the Andes mountain range, the Southern Andean Yungas ecoregion stands as a lush and mesic haven amidst the arid surroundings of southwestern Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. This tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregion, part of the larger Yungas ecosystem, offers a unique and biodiverse landscape.

The Southern Cone Mesopotamian savanna, also known as the Argentine Mesopotamian grasslands, is an ecosystem in northeastern Argentina. It combines woodland and grassland, with trees widely spaced apart, allowing for a continuous layer of herbs. Despite its ecological significance, the Southern Cone Mesopotamian savanna is one of the least protected ecoregions in Argentina.

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.

The Uruguayan savanna, also known as the Brazilian-Uruguayan savanna, stretches across the southern region of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, encompasses the entirety of Uruguay, and extends into a small portion of Argentina along the Uruguay River. This ecoregion, characterized by subtropical grasslands and savannas, offers a mosaic of habitats, including medium-tall grasslands, gallery forests, palm savannas, and submontane forests.

Nestled within the northern arm of the Venezuelan Andes, a northeastern branch of the mighty Andes Mountains system, lies the Venezuelan Andes montane forests ecoregion – a verdant tapestry of towering peaks, misty cloud forests, and a staggering array of plant and animal life. This unique ecosystem, separated from the Eastern Andes of Colombia by the Tachira depression, is a true gem, a testament to the incredible biodiversity that thrives in the heart of South America.