The Chocó-Darien moist forests ecoregion is one of the most species rich lowland areas in the world, with exceptional abundance and endemism over a broad range of taxa including plants, birds, amphibians and arthropods. The biological distinctiveness is exceptional, with considerable biodiversity. It is classified within the Tropical and Subtropical Broadleaf Forests biome. Due to multiple threats within the ecoregion, its conservation status is vulnerable, although relatively stable due to its remoteness. There are, however threats of habitat destruction and the attendant degradation, in areas with insufficient conservation. In addition, this ecoregion is culturally rich in that certain indigenous communities with strong ties to its ecosystems still persist here.
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The major threat to these species and ecosystem is deforestation.
Road building and other development projects have seen about 1/3 of the area cleared or degraded. WWF is working with local partners, including indigenous communities, throughout the Choco-Darien region on a number of sustainable development and conservation projects, which include supporting community-based forest management and the creation of protected areas. |
One reason for this is that the Choco forest communities were isolated from the Amazon since the Andes Mountains were formed millions of years ago. This event allowed new species to evolve over time.
This ecoregion is full of interesting and unique corners such as the "La Planada crater" in Colombia. Here, the ecosystem inside the crater is different to the one just outside because the species inside benefit from higher temperatures and protection from the wind |