The Chocó
The Chocó region is a unique and endangered bio-geographical area which stretches from Panamá, to the north of Ecuador. The zone is characterised by high biodiversity, populations of endemic species and scenic beauty threatened by colonization and exploitation of the rainforest; an internationally recognised hotspot because of the intense pressure on its natural resources. The Ecuadorain Chocó shelters other valuable bioregions including rainforest, coastal mangrove forests, dry forest, and swamp areas which sustain innumerable species of animals and plants.
The Ecuadorian Chocó is split into 5 protected areas. The most important of these are the Cotocachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve and the Cayapas- Mataje Ecological Reserve. The latter of which is known for the highest mangrove trees in the world: up to 40m in height.
