Altitudinal Ecosystems of Colombia

This diagram shows the vertical stratification of Colombian ecosystems, from coastal mangroves below 500 m to glaciated peaks such as Nevado del Cocuy at about 6,000 m above sea level. Distinct bands include mangroves, piedemonte, sub-Andean and Andean forests, páramo, and superpáramo, each with characteristic species and climates. The sequence demonstrates how steep altitude gradients help generate Colombia’s exceptional biodiversity.