Ecuador Cloud Forests & Biodiversity
 Ecuador Cloud Forest |
Ecuador's size is 276,880 square km, a little larger than the Australian state of Victoria. Although relatively small in size, the Ecuador Cloud Forests or low montane humid forest and humid montane forest is considered the single richest hotspot on the planet, containing approximately 15-17% of the world's plant species and nearly 20% of its bird diversity.
While Ecuador covers only 1.6% of South America, it is home to almost 50% of the bird species on the continent (1,515 out of 3,100). The dry and moist forests of western Ecuador are some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. The arid region of south-western Ecuador harbours 55 restricted range bird species - the second highest total of 57 global “Endemic Bird Areas”.
 Cock of the Rock Bird Ecuador |
With over 1,500 species of birds it ranks fourth in avian diversity amongst all countries in the world. By comparison the size of Australia is 7,617,930 sq km and has 800 species of birds.
Ecuador's Cloud Forests are home to the spectacled bear, jaguar, sloth, howler monkey, puma and many other creatures.
Ecuador's rainforests are being cleared at a rate of 200,000 hectares per year including large areas of the Cloud Forests.
More Information
- Choco-Andean Rainforest Corridor
- Community Engagement for Ecuador Rainforest Protection
- Ecuador Save a Hectare Frequently Asked Questions
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