Andean region: characteristics, flora and fauna

Before describing the fauna and flora of the Andean region, we will talk about the main characteristics of the Andean region. Some of these characteristics are the following:

• It is the region with greater number of inhabitants of Colombia: exactly with 70% of the population.
• It has the most of the economic activity: For the water resources it has, in addition to the lands so productive that are exploited for agriculture. Another economic sectors come from oil exploitation and mining. You can consult more information on oil pollution: causes, consequences and how to avoid it, here.
• He coffee is your hallmark: In the Andean region we can see that part of the territory is used for coffee cultivation.
• It has three mountain ranges: Within them we find a great wealth of natural geographical formations such as volcanoes, forests, moors, a variety of water sheets (lakes, rivers, hot springs …), mining deposits, among others. If you want to know what a moor is: characteristics, flora and fauna, do not hesitate to read this ecology article that we recommend you.
• It has a mountainous relief: In fact, its outstanding peaks are the snowy of Quindío, the Nevado del Tolima and Ritacuba Blanco.
• Has important hydrographic basins: As are those of the Cauca and Magdalena rivers, they are very caudalos and flow into the Caribbean Sea. In addition to these two, it also has other rivers with abundant flow such as Lebrija, Putumayo, Sinú, Sumapaz and Caquetá. They are sources to obtain drinking water for the population and generates hydroelectric energy.
• His climate is very changing: dependent on altitude, latitude, vegetation and orography, which is why, also, another of the characteristics of the Andean region is that three types of climates can be found: tropical, subtropical and temperate.
• It has Several indigenous settlements: These still maintain their culture and customs that are characterized by nature care.
• It has one Flora and fauna unique: These vary depending on altitude. Next, we are going to talk more in detail about these characteristics of the Andean region that include species of animals and plants.

Once we have already explained the characteristics of the Andean region, now we are going to focus on its flora. Like the fauna, which we will talk about later, the flora of this region It is very varied And it depends on different factors such as climate, soil or light.

Knowing this, we indicate that the vegetation of the most characteristic Andean region is as follows:

• Vegetation destined for crop: Since the region has an adequate climate and a very productive soil to produce food, among these we find corn crops, rice, cocoa, tobacco, coffee, cotton, mango and many more. It should be noted that Colombia coffee is especially famous.
• Jungles with great trees: especially with the presence of vines. These plants form much of the Flora of the Andean region.
• Arboreal vegetation: There are ferns, oaks and red cedars. It also has abundant grass vegetation.

Some of the most representative Andean plants species:

• Orchids (Orchidaceae): 4,200 species of the 25,000 that exist, are very striking and complex flowers grow in the Andean region. Here you can know 12 types of orchids.
• Purse o Venus shoe (HERBEOHYBRIDA CALCEOLARIA): It comes from Argentina, although it is fully adapted in the Andean region.
• Quina (Cinchona officinalis): It is a medicinal tree and the quinine is obtained from it, which is used as a remedy to lower fever.

The fauna of the Andean region is very varied thanks to the ecological variability that exists in the regionThen, the most characteristic Andean animals will be classified depending on the area in which they are:

• In the Magdalena River Valley: In this area the animals of the Andean region that we can find are eagles, owls and stork.
• Throughout the area of ​​the region: We can meet Guacamaya, turkeys, partridges, herons, parrots, ducks, roosters, cows, bulls, mares, horses, rabbits, singing birds with colorful plumages.
• On the edge of the rivers Where is the vegetation of Ribera: it is common to see squirrels, moles, monkeys, snakes, bears, websons and deer.
• In the highest parts Fauna is scarce: Although you can see a type of bird that has been able to resist low temperature, this is the condor (Vultur Gryphus).

In addition, those animals of the Andean region that represent it are:

• Condor (Vultur Gryphus): It is a bird with great wings, in fact, the largest in the world. It has a black plumage throughout your body less on the neck that is white. The head of this animal that is not only part of the Andean region’s fauna has feathers and is red. Their nests make them between 1,000 and 5,000 meters of altitude. Discover why the condor is in danger of extinction, here.
• Colibrí (Trochilidae): It is a small bird, in the region you can see up to 100 different species of hummingbirds. Perhaps this other peculiar species that is the hummingbird sphinx: features, food and habitat may be interested.
• Colorado fox (Lycalopex Culpaeus): Among the largest canids in the territory of South America this is the second largest. He has a reddish fur on his legs and head, his neck and belly is white and the gray spine with black stripes.

Know more about the animals of the Andean region and the rest of the Colombian country with these other posts on 23 endemic animal species of Colombia and 16 animals in danger of extinction in Colombia.

If you want to read more articles similar to Andean region: characteristics, flora and faunawe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.