Geography and Environment
Ecuador is considered a biodiversity hotspot. That means it has the highest level of genetic diversity and exceedingly fast rates of habitat loss. Ecuador’s small size makes the magnificent biodiversity even more impressive.
Eastern Ecuador's Amazon region has a spectacular variety of flora and fauna. In a single square mile of tropical forest in Ecuador there may be 1,500 or more species of butterflies - twice the total number found in the United States and Canada combined.
On Ecuador's coast, mangroves grow in salt water. They have stilt roots and are the home to many species. Mangroves protect the coast from erosion. Many mangroves have been destroyed in order to make artificial ponds to grow shrimp for export.
Preserving Ecuador's environment has been challenging. Deforestation and oil extraction are serious environmental issues in Ecuador.
