Coastal Venezuela Montane Forests - A Global Ecoregion
Many neotropical migratory songbirds winter in these forests
Snapshot: Ecoregion 41
Size:
14,000 sq. km (5,500 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Geographic Location:
Northern Coast of South America: Venezuela
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Quiz Time!
Are Jays found in this ecoregion as well?
Answer:
The beautiful blue, green, and yellow green jays are also found in these forests in addition to the Rio Grande National Park of the U.S., and Mexico. There is a large gap in their distribution from Colombia to Honduras.
About the Area
The coastal mountains of Venezuela have been long isolated from other lowland and montane moist forests of the region by drier surrounding lowlands.
Here, individual peaks and ranges support their own distinctive and restricted species. Home to a diverse collection of plants and animals, these forests are critical for migratory songbirds coming across the Caribbean in the fall to stop, rest, and feed.Local Species
Palm species include Macanilla (Bactris setulosa), and the narrowly distributed Palmito (Asterogyne spicata). Bird species include the endemic and threatened Helmeted curassow (Pauxi pauxi), the endemic Black-throated spinetail (Synallaxis castanea), and the Fulvous-headed tanager (Thlypopsis fulviceps).
Neo arctic's migrants include Chestnut-sided warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica), and Golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera). Mammals include Wedge-capped or Weeping capuchin monkey (Cebus olivaceus), Oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus), and Red-tailed squirrel (Sciurus granatensis).
Threats
The major pressures on these forests include agricultural expansion, logging, burning, and general pressures from human population growth.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
