por The flora and fauna of the Pacific region of Colombia It is tropical, like its climate. It is located in the west of the country and borders the Pacific Ocean and Panama. It is considered one of the most diverse areas in the world.
The number of plant species in the region is estimated at 35,000, including different variants of the mangrove, given its proximity to the sea.
The fauna does not include many large specimens; on the contrary, it is the habitat of many small reptiles and amphibians, as well as small or medium-sized mammals.
It is an extremely humid area, considered one of the rainiest in the world. In the Lloró municipality, located in the department of Chocó, almost 5,000 millimeters of rain are received annually.
Flora
The enormous number of rivers and streams that cross the ecosystems, together with the proximity to salt water, have encouraged the appearance of up to four species of mangrove: red, black, white and piñuelo, the latter being the most abundant.
Despite its high humidity, the soil is warm and with a high concentration of sediments. Apart from the mangrove, some of the most found plants are the fern, the palm tree, the bromeliad, the large-leaved mahogany, the fresco and the abarco.
The bigleaf mahogany is currently a threatened plant species due to habitat destruction.
piñuelo mangrove
Evergreen trees with a straight trunk supported by roots about one meter high. They have alternate leaves and solitary flowers. This species protects the coasts from erosion and prevents storms.
Palm
The African palm is very important in the Colombian Pacific ecosystem, since it is a tree that provides food for a large number of species that roam it. Unfortunately, logging for its oil and wood has led to very serious deforestation in its environment.
brassavola
Species of orchid with white flowers and a generally short stem. Its most notable feature is its citrus and pleasant fragrance, which it releases when night falls.
bromeliad
A tree with a tropical climate that is highly adaptable to its environment, where it is capable of synthesizing perfectly with other species. Its leaves are really beautiful, being generally confused with flowers.
Fauna
Despite its biodiversity, many of the animal species in the Pacific region are in danger of disappearing.
For decades the fauna of the area has been the food source for nearby populations, which has caused the number of specimens to drop dramatically.
This applies above all to terrestrial animals. In the rivers and the coast the situation is different (with the exception of the case of turtles): fish, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic mammals are very abundant.
Shrimps, crabs, sperm whales, humpback whales, sharks and mojarras constitute the marine ecosystem of things close to the Pacific region of Colombia.
However, one seriously threatened marine species is the hawksbill turtle, actively sought by locals for its meat and eggs.
Among the most important land animals are the jaguar, the freshwater caiman, the ocelot, the sloth, the giant anteater, the wild boar, the marmoset monkey, various species of foxes, the harpy eagle, and many small amphibians and arachnids.
golden poison dart frog
Two species of highly toxic amphibians inhabit the Pacific region of Colombia: the dendrobates frog and the golden poison frog, the latter being the most poisonous vertebrate in the world.
Caquetá marmoset
Endemic monkey of this Colombian Amazon region. It was not classified by science until 2010, due to the difficulty of entering its habitat due to armed conflicts. It is in danger of extinction.
Humpback Whale
Also known as humpback whales, they usually roam the Colombian Pacific coast between the months of July and November. With almost 16 meters in length and about 40 tons, it is one of the largest species on the planet.
Hawksbill turtle
the subspecies Eretmochelys imbricata bissa sIt usually roams the open seas of the Pacific region, where it exhibits its impressive carapace with serrated edges. It is in critical danger.
Alcatraz of Nazca
This peculiar sea bird is distributed throughout some of the Pacific islands, such as the Colombian island of Malpelo. Easily recognized by its yellow iris, pinkish-orange bill, and blackish skin on the face.
National Parks
Due to the large number of species of flora and fauna in danger of disappearing, eight national parks have been set up for the conservation of biodiversity in the Colombian Pacific. These are:
– Ensenada de Utría National Natural Park.
– Gorgona National Natural Park.
– Tatamá National Natural Park.
– Sanquianga National Natural Park.
– Los Katíos National Natural Park.
– Uramba Bahía Málaga National Natural Park.
– Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary.
– La Manigua Botanical Garden.