| Bolivian Yungas | |
|---|---|
Yungas Road through the Bolivian Yungas |
|
| Ecology | |
| Biome | Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest |
| Borders |
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| Geography | |
| Area | 90,500 km2 (34,900 sq mi) |
| Countries | Bolivia and Peru |
The Bolivian Yungas is a tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregion in the Yungas of central Bolivia and eastern Peru.[1]
Contents |
The ecoregion occurs in elevations ranging from 400 to 3,500 metres (1,300 to 11,500 ft) on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Bolivia. It forms a transition zone between the Southwest Amazon moist forests to the northeast and the Central Andean puna and wet puna to the southeast.[1]
The climate in this ecoregion varies from tropical rainforest to tropical monsoon. Fog and rain deposited by northern trade winds contribute to the high humidity and precipitation of the Yungas.[1]
Epiphytes are abundant and include bromeliads, orchids, and tree-ferns (Cyathea). Chusquea bamboo is an indicator species of the ecoregion.[1]
Mammals found in this ecoregion include the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), jaguar (Panthera onca), pacarana (Dinomys branickii), and brocket deer (Mazama chunyi).[1]
Interesting bird species include the diademed tapaculo (Scytalopus schulenbergi), green-capped tanager (Tangara meyerdeschauenseei), and southern helmeted curassow (Pauxi unicornis).[1]
Steep terrain, high precipitation, and difficult access have kept much of this ecoregion in a natural state. Protected areas include: