Middle America
Biodiversity Intelligence Dashboard
Threatened
98
CR + EN + VU
Critically Endangered
98
CR
Endemic Threatened
0
Found only here
Declining
0%
0 species
Distribution of 98 threatened species
Threatened % by group
No threat data available
0 endemic threatened species found only here
Outlook: Deteriorating
Middle America represents one of Earth's most biodiverse regions, encompassing the Central American land bridge that connects North and South America. This narrow corridor contains multiple biodiversity hotspots, including the Mesoamerican forests and portions of the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena region. The region's significance stems from its role as a biological corridor facilitating species exchange between continents, creating exceptional endemism levels across cloud forests, lowland rainforests, and coral reef systems along both Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Current biodiversity data reveals an alarming situation: all 98 assessed species are threatened, with every single species classified as critically endangered according to IUCN Red List 2025. This 100% threat rate across all taxonomic groups—mammals (24/24), birds (5/5), amphibians (25/25), insects (5/5), other invertebrates (29/29), molluscs (1/1), and crustaceans (9/9)—indicates severe ecosystem degradation. Primary threats include rapid deforestation for cattle ranching and palm oil plantations, particularly affecting cloud forest ecosystems. Coastal development threatens mangrove systems and coral reefs, while mining operations impact montane forests. Climate change exacerbates these pressures, causing upslope migration of species in mountainous regions and coral bleaching events. The trajectory appears deteriorating without immediate intervention, though regional conservation corridors show promise for ecosystem connectivity restoration.
Key Biomes & Ecosystems
Conservation Achievements
The Mesoamerican Biological Corridor initiative represents the region's most significant conservation achievement, establishing protected area networks across national boundaries to maintain ecosystem connectivity. Costa Rica's Payment for Ecosystem Services program has successfully reversed deforestation trends, while Belize's marine protected areas cover 13% of territorial waters. Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve demonstrates community-based forest management, and Panama's expansion of national parks has increased protected coverage to over 20% of national territory.
Source: IUCN Red List 2025-2, GBIF, national survey data