Llanos

NT0709 Neotropic Tropical & Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas & Shrublands 375787 km²

The Llanos is a tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands ecoregion located in the Neotropic biogeographic realm, covering Central and South America, the Caribbean, and southern portions of Mexico, spanning approximately 375,787 km². Classified under the WWF ecoregion code NT0709, this region represents a distinct ecological community shaped by its unique combination of climate, geography, and evolutionary history.

Climate and Vegetation

This ecoregion experiences warm year-round with seasonal rainfall and a distinct dry period. The dominant vegetation consists of grasses interspersed with scattered trees and shrubs. These conditions create the foundation for the ecological communities found within the Llanos.

Ecological Significance

Savannas support some of the most iconic large mammal assemblages on Earth, including herds of grazers and their predators. Fire and herbivory maintain the open grassland structure. The Llanos contributes to the broader biodiversity patterns of the Neotropic realm.

Geographic Distribution

The Llanos extends across Colombia and Venezuela. This geographic range places it within the Neotropic realm, one of the eight major biogeographic divisions of the world.

Notable Species

The Llanos supports a range of wildlife, including (Chaenothecopsis pusilla), Alocasia Quilted Dreams (Alocasia sinuata), Antioquia Brushfinch (Atlapetes blancae), Apparition Masdevallia (Masdevallia apparitio), Aragua Poison Frog (Mannophryne neblina), Aragua Robber Frog (Pristimantis anotis), Arnold'S Parmotrema Lichen (Parmotrema arnoldii), Arp's Rocket Frog (Aromobates walterarpi), and 42 more species. Among these, 20 species are classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List, underscoring the conservation importance of this ecoregion.

Conservation

Like many tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands ecosystems, the Llanos faces threats from overgrazing, agricultural conversion, fire suppression, and desertification. Conservation efforts in this ecoregion focus on habitat preservation, sustainable land management, and protecting corridors that connect fragmented habitat patches.