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The Pacific Region of Colombia is considered one of the regions with the highest number of species per square kilometer. Having one of the highest concentrations of species per area of both animals and plants. For this reason, it is considered a megadiverse country, that is, with great biodiversity.
In this interesting article by Ecologist Verde we will talk about the characteristics of the flora and fauna of the Colombian Pacific Region and the natural and national parks found in the region will be mentioned.
Characteristics of the flora and fauna of the Pacific Region
Between the characteristics of the Pacific Region, which make possible the development of your great biodiversity are the following:
- It receives that name because it is located next to the Pacific Ocean, occupying almost the entire west of the country Colombia, and limits to the south with Ecuador, to the west with the Pacific Ocean, to the northwest with the Caribbean region, to the east with the Colombian Andean region and to the northwest the mountainous area of Darién.
- It is one of the five natural regions that are part of the Colombian territory.
- The Colombian Pacific region practically in its entirety is flat, allowing the development of swamps and forests.
- It is a very rich region in terms of its nature, being one of the natural regions with the greatest biodiversity not only in the vicinity of Colombia, but throughout the world.
- The climate of the Pacific Region is of a humid tropical type, or rather intertropical, because it is located between the tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, and it is humid due to the large amount of rainfall that occurs throughout the year.
- We are facing a region of jungle, since it is the vegetation of dense forests that predominates in the landscape.
- Regarding its hydrography, the region has a large number of rivers, most of which have a very abundant flow, due to high rainfall. Its main rivers are; the Atrato river, the San Juan river and the Baud river.
- Regarding the plants of the Pacific Region, approximately 35,000 species are estimated to inhabit the region.
- The animals of the Pacific Region make the fauna of this region very diverse. In fact, let us remember that due to the great variety of flora and fauna of Colombia, this is one of the most important megadiverse countries in the entire world.
Flora of the Pacific Region
Regarding Pacific Region plants, we highlight that due to its proximity to the Colombian coast there are 4 different types of mangrove swamp: red, black, white and piñuelo. Here you can learn more about what is a mangrove and its characteristics.
Other species that can be identified in this region are The palm, the bromeliad, the fern, the fresco, the broccoli and big leaf mahogany, the latter being a species that is in danger of extinction due to the destruction of its habitat.
Palm trees provide a great contribution of food to the species that are close to them, however, these are being cut down to get their oil and wood for the benefit of human beings. The brassavola It is a kind of orchid, which belongs to this region and has a great fragrance.
Fauna of the Pacific Region
Between the animals of the Pacific Region of Colombia, we find aquatic animals such as crustaceans, fish, mollusks, marine mammals, etc .:
- Crabs
- Sperm whales
- Prawns
- Sharks
- Humpback Whale
The latter is one of the largest species that exist on the planet, and they usually appear between July and November along the Colombian Pacific coasts.
On the other hand, among the land animals stand out:
- Wild pig
- Tigrillo
- Jaguar
- Harpy eagle
- Freshwater alligator
- Sloth
- Anteater
- Small arachnids
In addition, you can find small species of reptiles and amphibians. Some species of amphibians that can be identified are the golden poison dart frog and the dendrobates frog. Among the birds stands out a species of seabird characterized with an orange beak, yellow iris and blackish face foot color, this bird is called Nazca gannet located on some islands in the Pacific.
One of the species that are in danger of extinction among animals, as a result of being persecuted by people to get their meat and eggs, is hawksbill turtle. What's more, the Caquetá marmoset it is an endemic species to the region and is also in danger of extinction.
Natural and National Parks of the Pacific Region
The Pacific Region of Colombia contains an enormous diversity of both animal and plant species, that is why it has been necessary for some territories to have been declared as protected areas. Among these areas are:
- The Gorgona National Natural Park.
- The Utría National Natural Park.
- Sanquianga National Natural Park
- The Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary.
- The Uramba Bahía Málaga National Natural Park.
If you want to read more articles similar to Flora and fauna of the Pacific Region, we recommend that you enter our Biodiversity category.
