Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, thanks to its unique geography including the Andes, Amazon rainforest, and Pacific coast. This variety of climates and altitudes has created diverse ecosystems, each with its own flora and fauna. From lush Amazonian forests to high Andean grasslands and fog-fed coastal hills, Peru’s landscapes host unique vegetation types adapted to local conditions.
The following photos showcase the diversity of vegetation types and areas where bryophytes have been observed.
Western Andean montane forests, restricted to northern Peru reaching Ecuador and Colombia. One of the type specimens of Frullania heinrichsii was found here.
Transition zone between eastern montane forests and high-altitude grasslands, approximately 3300 m. Photo: Diego Paredes-Burneo.
Queñual forests, dominated by "queñua" species (Polylepis spp.), appear as patches or relics in high Andean zones, between 3500 and 4900 m.