Biome / Ecosystem

Amazônia, or "The Amazon," is a vast and awe-inspiring region of South America. Often called the "lungs of the Earth," this immense lush green forest, stretching across nine countries, is home to unparalleled plant and animal life, making it one of the Earth's most biodiverse ecosystems. Comprising the Amazon rainforest, the Amazon biome, the Amazon basin, and the Amazon River, Amazônia plays a crucial role in regulating the planet's climate and producing oxygen.

Resting amidst the rugged slopes on both flanks of the Andes Mountains in southern South America, the Andean Patagonian Forest, known as Bosque Andino Patagónico, serves as a testament to the remarkable beauty and ecological abundance present in this distinctive temperate woodland. Spanning areas in southern Chile and Argentina, it claims the title of the southernmost forest on our planet.

The Atacama Desert, one of the driest regions on Earth, stretches across northern Chile and features a varied landscape with significant historical, cultural, and ecological importance. Throughout history, the Atacama Desert has been inhabited by ancient civilizations such as the Chinchorro and Atacameño, who adapted to its challenging conditions. Culturally, the region is abundant with ancient artifacts and sites that showcase the resilience and creativity of its early residents. Despite its extreme aridity, the Atacama Desert Ecoregion surprisingly sustains a diverse range of life, making it a testament to the tenacious spirit of life in harsh environments.

The Atlantic Forest, known as Mata Atlântica, is a verdant treasure trove of biodiversity stretching along Brazil's eastern and southeastern coast and into Argentina and Paraguay. Although reduced from its original expanse, this sprawling natural region remains one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, second only to the Amazon Rainforest. Home to major cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, the Atlantic Forest also provides a habitat for over 148 million people.

The Caatinga is a vast and unique semiarid biome that covers northeast Brazil and is home to various ecosystems, making it the largest dry forest region in South America. This region is characterized by its arid, thorny, and seasonal vegetation, which provides habitats for more than 2,000 species. Recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, the Caatinga faces significant threats, primarily due to land conversion for agriculture and cattle ranching.

The Cerrado, South America's largest savanna region and the most extensive ecoregion in the Americas unfolds across central Brazil, extending its natural wonders into northeastern Paraguay and eastern Bolivia. This savanna, boasting unparalleled biological richness, is a global treasure, home to 5% of the planet's animals and plants and harboring an extraordinary menagerie of life.

The Gran Chaco, or simply Chaco, is a vast and intriguing expanse that stretches across eastern Bolivia, western Paraguay, northern Argentina, and parts of the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, seamlessly connected with the Pantanal region. Located in the rain shadow of the Central Andes, it is primarily an alluvial sedimentary plain, home to South America's second-largest forest after the Amazon rainforest. However, it is also one of the most deforested areas in the world.

The Llanos, also known as Los Llanos, is a vast tropical grassland plain located east of the Andes Mountains in northwestern South America. It spans Colombia and Venezuela and is characterized by flooded grasslands and savannas, showcasing remarkable ecological diversity. Due to its expansive area and unique biodiversity, the region is of significant environmental and economic importance to the nations it covers.

Nestled within the turquoise embrace of the Caribbean Sea lies a natural wonder of unparalleled beauty and ecological significance—the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS), often called the Great Mayan Reef. This marine jewel is the most extensive barrier reef system in the Western Hemisphere, stretching from Isla Contoy at the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula south to Belize, Guatemala, and the Bay Islands of Honduras.

The Pampas, a vast and fertile lowland plain region in South America, unfolds like a natural canvas from the Atlantic Ocean to the Andes Mountains. Encompassing the Argentine provinces of Buenos Aires, La Pampa, Santa Fe, Entre Ríos, and Córdoba, along with all of Uruguay and Brazil's southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul, it is a region of ecological diversity and cultural significance.

The Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, unfolds as a colossal seasonal floodplain predominantly situated within Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil's Center-West Region. However, its expansive reach extends into northeastern Paraguay and southeastern Bolivia, creating an ecological masterpiece that captivates with its diverse landscapes and vibrant ecosystems. This remarkable wetland supports a rich array of wildlife and plant species, making it one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet.

The Páramo, or Andean Moorland, is a distinctive high-mountain biome in the Neotropical region, specifically in the upper Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. This grassland ecosystem, situated above the timberline but below the permanent snowline, is renowned for its unique flora and fauna, making it an essential component of the region's biodiversity. The diverse plant species and the varied animal life adapted to these high-altitude conditions underscore the Páramo's importance as a hub of endemic biodiversity.

The Patagonian Desert is a captivating region nestled in the southern reaches of Argentina and Chile. This arid landscape has a rich history and diverse geography, spanning vast expanses defined by the Andes Mountains to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It is home to many resilient flora and fauna and numerous bird species. The desert's unique climatic conditions and remarkable ability to support life in such a harsh environment make it an area of significant ecological and scientific interest.

The Peruvian Amazon, known locally as "La Selva" (the jungle), unfolds as a vast and awe-inspiring realm stretching from the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains to the borders shared with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Bolivia. It constitutes Peru's extensive portion of the Amazon rainforest, the second-largest after Brazil. La Selva holds a special place in the hearts of Peruvians, encompassing one of the country's three principal geographic regions alongside La Costa (the coast) and La Sierra or Los Montañas (the highlands or mountains).

The Puna, a cold, high-elevation grassland region nestled within the montane grasslands and shrublands biome, shapes the vast expanse of the Central Andes. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Puna stretches from northern Peru through western Bolivia into northern Chile and Argentina. This area is known for its exceptional biodiversity and challenging climates, with unique plant and animal species adapted to its harsh conditions.

The Sonoran Desert, or Desierto de Altar, is a vast, arid region recognized as Mexico's hottest desert. Extending across northwestern Mexico, including Sonora, Baja California, and Baja California Sur, and reaching into southwestern Arizona and southeastern California in the United States, the Sonoran Desert captivates with its expansive and diverse landscape.

The Yungas is a remarkable subtropical forest belt along the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains, spanning Peru, Bolivia, and northern Argentina. This unique natural region is a transitional zone, linking the Andean highlands to the lush eastern forests and creating a haven for biodiversity amidst its humid, subtropical climate. The Yungas are characterized by their dense vegetation and diverse ecosystems, which support a wide range of plant and animal species, making it a critical area for conservation.

The Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena Hotspot, spanning from Panama to Peru, is a biodiverse region threatened by urbanization, hunting, and deforestation. Positioned along the western flank of the Andes Mountains, this hotspot encompasses various ecosystems, hosting an extraordinary range of flora and fauna. With unique ecosystems and species, urgent conservation efforts are needed to protect this hotspot from further decline and preserve its exceptional biodiversity.