Chocó-Darién Rainforest

The region extends along the Pacific coast from eastern Panama through western Colombia, where it receives extremely high levels of annual precipitation. The unique topography forces moisture-laden trade winds to drop massive amounts of rain. In some areas, annual rainfall can exceed 10,000 millimeters.

The Darién Gap is a stretch of dense, roadless jungle within the Chocó-Darién region that breaks up the Pan-American Highway between Panama and Colombia. The extreme environment and presence of armed groups have prevented road construction through the region. It serves as a massive natural barrier between North and South America.

The forest is home to indigenous groups like the Emberá and the Wounaan, who have lived in the region for centuries. They rely heavily on the rivers and the forest for sustenance and traditional medicine. Their territories are increasingly threatened by illegal logging and mining operations.

Because it was isolated from other landmasses during the Pleistocene era, the region exhibits an incredibly high rate of endemism, meaning many species are found nowhere else. It acts as a critical bridge for species migrating between North and South America. The region supports thousands of endemic plant and bird species.