Ecoregions of South America

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 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.

The Central Andean wet puna ecoregion, a gem in the southern high Andean Mountains of Peru and eastern Bolivia, reveals itself as a high-elevation, moist, montane grassland. Marked by snow-capped peaks, mountain pastures, high lakes, plateaus, and valleys, this region extends beyond the tree line, forming a distinctive composition of landscapes.

The Upper Paraná Atlantic forests, also known as "Selva Paranaense," represent a verdant expanse of tropical moist forests nestled within the South American Atlantic Forest biome. This ecoregion, characterized by its rich biodiversity and ecological significance, stretches across the southern reaches of the Brazilian Highlands, extending through southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina.

A natural wonder of unparalleled beauty and ecological significance lies along the border between Colombia and Venezuela—the Catatumbo moist forests ecoregion. This enchanting landscape, spanning lush valleys, towering mountains, and winding rivers, captivates the imagination with its rich biodiversity and breathtaking vistas. From its dense rainforests to its mist-shrouded cloud forests, this diverse ecoregion offers a glimpse into a world teeming with life and wonder.

The Eastern Cordillera Real Montane Forests in Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia are a unique and vital ecoregion in the Andes Mountains known for its high biodiversity and diverse microclimates. It is part of the larger Tropical Andes biodiversity hotspot and faces conservation challenges due to human activities and climate change, making it a focal point for preservation efforts.

The Cauca Valley dry forests in Colombia are part of the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot, one of Earth's most biologically diverse regions. This ecoregion is characterized by its distinct dry climate, varied topography, and a remarkable array of flora and fauna. Despite its ecological importance, the Cauca Valley dry forests face significant threats from human activities and environmental changes.

The Brazilian state of Pernambuco, located in the northeastern part of the country, is home to two distinct but ecologically significant ecoregions: the Pernambuco Coastal Forests and the Pernambuco Interior Forests. These ecoregions are vital to Brazil's Atlantic Forest, one of the world's most diverse and endangered ecosystems. Characterized by unique flora and fauna, these forests are crucial for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and sustaining local communities.