Ecoregions of South America

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 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.

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 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.