What landscapes and wildlife are found in Bolivia’s Oriente region?

The Oriente region of Bolivia, which covers more than two-thirds of the country, is characterized by diverse lowland landscapes and a rich variety of wildlife.1

Landscapes

The Oriente is composed of several distinct environments, including:
* Low alluvial plains (llanos): Vast, relatively flat areas that define much of the region.1
* Tropical forests: Expansive areas of forest, particularly in the far north.1
* Wetlands and Savannas: The region features great swamps, flooded bottomlands, and open savannas.1
* Bolivian Chaco: Located in the extreme south, this area is a level, hot semidesert for most of the year but transforms into a swamp during the rainy season.1

Wildlife

The Oriente supports the greatest variety of wildlife in Bolivia. Notable species include:1
* Mammals: Jaguars, pumas, tapirs, sloths, peccaries, armadillos, anteaters, marsh deer, and capybaras. Several species of monkeys also inhabit the region.2
* Birds: The region is home to many brightly colored birds, such as parrots and toucans, as well as rheas, king vultures, and black vultures. The eastern wetlands, including Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, host hundreds of bird species.2
* Reptiles and Fish: The rivers contain abundant fish, including the carnivorous piranha, while reptiles include various snakes—such as the venomous fer-de-lance and bushmaster—and the caiman.2