Ecological Region

Hispaniola, a large Caribbean island, is known for its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. In addition to lush tropical rainforests and vibrant coral reefs, it is home to the unique Greater Hispaniolan Dry Forests. These arid forests, found in parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, showcase nature's resilience and support a variety of endemic species thriving in challenging conditions. Despite their ecological importance, these forests face numerous threats from human activity and climate change, making their preservation crucial.

The Bahamas boasts a remarkable array of natural environments. This region's ecological diversity is vividly expressed through three primary ecoregions: the Bahamian dry forests, the Bahamian pine mosaic or Bahamian pineyard, and the Bahamian mangroves. Each of these ecoregions, with its distinctive features and ecological roles, extends beyond the Bahamas into neighboring Caribbean islands such as the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Cayman Islands.

Located in the mountainous regions of Southern Atlantic Brazil and extending into northeastern Argentina, the Araucaria moist forests ecoregion is a remarkable example of the ecological abundance found within the Atlantic Forest biome. This coniferous forest ecoregion boasts diverse landscapes, unique flora, and a rich biodiversity.

The Argentine Espinal Ecoregion is a unique and diverse ecosystem in central Argentina. It is characterized by its dry, thorny, and deciduous shrubland forests. The ecoregion stretches across a vast area, forming a natural transition between the wetland ecosystems along the Paraná River to the east and the mountainous Sierras de Córdoba to the west. Although much of the original landscape has been altered due to extensive cattle ranching and agriculture, remnants of the native flora and fauna persist, making the region ecologically significant.

The Serra do Mar Coastal Forests, an ecoregion nestled along the southeastern coast of Brazil, stand as a bastion of biodiversity and ecological richness within the Atlantic Forest biome. This ecoregion encompasses a mosaic of montane forests, high summits, and lush valleys, creating a haven for many plant and animal species. These forests remain a vital stronghold for conservation efforts, harboring endemic species and a critical center of endemism in South America.

The Central American Atlantic moist forests ecoregion stands as evidence of the natural wonders of Central America, specifically along the Caribbean coastal lowlands of Honduras, extending west into Guatemala and south into eastern Nicaragua. This ecoregion is home to Central America's most significant single fragment of natural forest, making it an invaluable area for biodiversity and environmental conservation.

The Central American dry forests ecoregion, spanning Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, is a crucial transitional zone between the lush tropical rainforests and the arid deserts. This unique region along the Pacific Coast, from southern Chiapas to Guanacaste, exhibits a delicate balance of life in the face of a prolonged dry season.

The Central American montane forests ecoregion is a collection of forest patches scattered across Central America's highest mountains. This region is ecologically significant and exhibits unique adaptations. It stretches from southern Mexico through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua and showcases diverse vegetation and wildlife on the elevated canvas of the region.

Nestled between the highland cloud forests and the lowland rainforests of northern Central America, the Central American pine-oak forests ecoregion unfolds as a diverse tapestry supporting a rich assortment of conifer species. Spanning across the mid-elevations of Mexico's Chiapas, southern Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and small portions of west-central Nicaragua, this region is a vital habitat for various flora and fauna.

The Central Andean Dry Puna, an arid haven in the high southern Andes of Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, captivates with arid landscapes, salt flats, and ancient sea remnants. Unique vegetation adapted to extreme conditions and diverse fauna, from Andean camelids to elusive predators and unique birds, thrive in this high-elevation ecoregion. As a mosaic of arid splendor, the Central Andean Dry Puna unfolds a captivating story of adaptation and conservation.