Places We Protect in Venezuela

Yellow-headed caracara
© Jay Pruett/TNC

When Christopher Columbus arrived on Venezuela's eastern coast in 1498, he was fascinated by the beautiful landscape and called it the "Land of Grace" because of its lush vegetation, unique terrestrial fauna and powerful rivers.

Five centuries later, Venezuela continues to marvel both inhabitants and visitors alike. In just 353,689 square miles, Venezuela comprises several landscapes and seascapes: Caribbean islands and marine habitats, jungles, grasslands, wetlands and Andean mountains. The country also has an ethnic diversity mainly derived from a mix of indigenous groups, Europeans and Africans. About half of Venezuela is forested, and more than 60% of the total area of the country is under protection, including 43 National Parks and 36 Natural Monuments.

The Nature Conservancy is working with partners to preserve Venezuela's remarkable natural treasures in the following places:

Llanos Grasslands
Home to abundant wildlife, including the giant armadillo, giant anteater and giant river otter, the Llanos follow the mighty Orinoco River on its course toward the sea.

Canaima National Park
Canaima National Park is known for its “tepuis,” vast table-top mountains of rock. Reminiscent of the Grand Canyon, their perpendicular walls rise thousands of feet above the jungle to form plateaus in the clouds.

Southern Caribbean Basin
All the coral species found in the entire Caribbean Sea can be found off the shores of Venezuela, as well as neary 450 fish species.