Northern Andean Montane Forests - A Global Ecoregion

Likely to be the richest tropical montane forests on Earth

About the Area
This Global ecoregion is made up of these terrestrial ecoregions: Magdalena Valley montane forests; Venezuelan Andes montane forests; Northwestern Andean montane forests; Cauca Valley montane forests; Cordillera Oriental montane forests; Santa Marta montane forests; Eastern Cordillera real montane forests.

The complex topography, climate, geology, and biogeographic history of the region have helped create many distinct habitats and biological communities.

In fact, the eastern and western slopes of some of the major valleys in this ecoregion have substantially different plants and animals, and many species are restricted to single mountaintops or ranges. These are likely to be the richest tropical montane forests on Earth, with very high levels of regional and local endemism.

Local Species
In addition to harbouring most of the world's Spectacled bears (Tremarctos ornatus) - the only species of bear to be found in Central and South America, this ecoregion is home to an incredible variety of plants and animals.

They are home to 86 species of palm, including two found nowhere else on Earth - the Feather palm and the endangered wax palm. Other spectacular species of the region include the Sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera), and the Andean tapir (Tapirus pinchaque).

Threats
The region is under intense pressure from a growing human population due to conversion for agriculture and pasture, gathering wood for fuel and timber, mining operations, and logging.

Resources
• NationalGeographic.com