Guajira–Barranquilla xeric scrub facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Guajira–Barranquilla xeric scrub |
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Ecoregion territory (in purple)
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| Ecology | |
| Biome | Deserts and xeric shrublands |
| Geography | |
| Area | 150,000 km2 (58,000 sq mi) |
| Country | Colombia, Venezuela, ABC Islands (Leeward Antilles) |
| Coordinates | 11°N 74°W / 11°N 74°W |
| Geology | Cesar-Ranchería, Cocinetas, Guajira, Maracaibo, Sinú-San Jacinto Basin |
The Guajira–Barranquilla xeric scrub is a special type of dry, shrubby land. It's an ecoregion, which means it's a large area with a unique climate, plants, and animals. You can find it in parts of Colombia, Venezuela, and the ABC Islands (Leeward Antilles).
This ecoregion is huge, covering about 150,000 square kilometers (57,915 square miles). It doesn't get much rain, usually between 125 to 600 millimeters (5 to 24 inches) each year. The average temperature is quite hot, around 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit).
Contents
Where is the Guajira–Barranquilla Xeric Scrub?
This dry land area is mostly found on the Guajira Peninsula. It also covers the valley of the Rancheria river and the Guajira Department. You can find parts of it along the northeastern coast of Venezuela and even on the ABC Islands (Leeward Antilles).
Some parts of this ecoregion are valleys. These valleys are in the "rain shadow" of the Serranía de Macuira mountains. This means the mountains block the rain. The mountains are about 900 meters (2,953 feet) high. They also help trap some of the trade winds, which can cause mist. Popular places to visit in this area include Cabo de la Vela and Klein Curaçao.
What Lives in the Guajira–Barranquilla Xeric Scrub?
Plants of the Xeric Scrub
This ecoregion is mostly covered by thorny trees and succulents. Succulents are plants that store water, like cacti. Many different types of plants grow here.
Some common trees and shrubs include Acacia glomerosa, Bourreria cumanensis, and Bulnesia arborea. You might also see Caesalpinia coriaria (Divi-divi) and different kinds of Croton.
Other plants that thrive in this dry environment are Opuntia caribaea (a type of cactus) and Prosopis juliflora. There are also special forests where one or two plant types are most common. For example, some forests are mostly Lonchocarpus punctatus trees.
Animals of the Xeric Scrub
The Guajira–Barranquilla xeric scrub is home to many interesting animals. It's especially known for a large group of Caribbean flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber). These beautiful pink birds gather here.
Besides flamingos, you can find many other kinds of birds and bats living in this ecoregion. The dry environment supports a wide variety of wildlife adapted to the conditions.
Protecting the Xeric Scrub
A big part of the Serranía de Macuira mountains is protected. It's called the National Natural Park of Macuira. This park helps keep the natural environment safe.
Close by is the Los Flamencos Sanctuary, which is about 80 square kilometers (31 square miles). This sanctuary is very important for plant diversity. It has many unique species of Hechtia, Salvia, and cactus. Out of 2,700 plant species found here, about 30% are endemic. This means they are found nowhere else in the world.
See also
In Spanish: Barrera desértica del Caribe para niños
