Ecoregions of South America

Nestled in the northern lowlands of Bolivia, the Beni Savanna ecoregion unfolds as a vast expanse of tropical savannas, meandering rivers, and a mosaic of wetlands and forest islands at the convergence of four distinct biogeographic regions. This ecological marvel, also known as the Llanos de Moxos, is the third-largest savanna complex in South America, extending its reach into neighboring Brazil and Peru.

The Bolivian montane dry forests ecoregion is a narrow corridor on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Bolivia. It connects the puna grasslands of the Andean highlands to the Chaco scrublands of the lowlands. The region is known for its diverse microclimates and species assemblages that vary from one valley to the next, creating a tapestry of ecological wonders amidst the steep hillsides and cliffs of the eastern Andean cordillera.

Nestled along the eastern slopes of the Andes in west-central Bolivia and extreme southeastern Peru, the Bolivian Yungas ecoregion stands as a transitional zone of unparalleled ecological significance. This tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest forms a bridge between the lush Southwest Amazon moist forests to the northeast and the rugged Central Andean dry puna and wet puna ecosystems to the southeast, creating a unique and diverse landscape.

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.

The Chilean Matorral ecoregion, nestled along the central Chilean coast, is a unique terrestrial ecosystem, a testament to the region's Mediterranean climate and rich biodiversity. Occupying a strategic position on the continent, bound to the west by the vast Pacific Ocean and to the east by the towering southern Andes mountain range, this long, narrow strip stretching along the western coast of South America is truly a jewel in Chile's ecological crown.

Nestled in the heart of eastern Bolivia and extending into western Brazil, the Chiquitano dry forests ecoregion is a unique and biodiverse haven characterized by its distinct vegetation and remarkable adaptation to a semi-arid climate. This ecoregion is a tapestry of dry forests, savannas, and gallery forests, providing a glimpse into nature's resilience and the intricate interplay between flora and fauna.

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 within the heart of the Andes, straddling the borders of Bolivia and Peru, lies the Cordillera Central páramo ecoregion, a high-altitude expanse that captivates with its rugged beauty and ecological significance. This unique ecosystem, situated between the treeline and the permanent snowline, stands as a living testament to the resilience of nature in the face of extreme conditions.

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.