Tumbesian-Andean Valleys Dry Forests - A Global Ecoregion
Some of the best examples of dry forests in northern South America
Snapshot: Ecoregion 57
Size:
103,000 sq. km (40,000 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Tropical and Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests
103,000 sq. km (40,000 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Tropical and Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests
Geographic Location:
Northwestern South America: Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
Quiz Time!
Is it true that the Pacific parrotlets always move in groups?
Answer:
Pacific parrotlets are small green parrots that usually travel in flocks of four to ten. Inactive during the heat of the day, Pacific parrotlets can be a noisy bunch as they munch on grass seeds and berries in the cooler hours. Crowds of several hundred Pacific parrotlets can sometimes be found feeding in the same area.
About the Area
This Global ecoregion is made up of these terrestrial ecoregions: Tumbes-Piura dry forests; Ecuadorian dry forests; Patía Valley dry forests; Magdalena Valley dry forests; Cauca Valley dry forests; Marañón dry forests.
The Tumbesian-Andean dry forests are known for high levels of both regional and local endemism in plants and animals.Instead of receiving steady rainfall year-round, the forests experience regular dry periods. As a result, many of the trees drop their leaves each year to avoid losing too much moisture.
Local Species
Species include such flowering plants such as ébano (Zizyphus thyrisflora), Charan blanco (Pithecelobium spp.), and Cedrela (Cedrella spp.). Birds include Pacific parrotlet (Forpus coelestis), the endemic Watkins' antpitta (Grallaria watkinsi), and the endemic Velvet-fronted euphonia (Euphonia concinna).
Threats
Logging, agricultural expansion, burning, and overgrazing present severe threats.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
