Llanos

The Llanos are a vast tropical grassland plain in northern South America, spanning parts of eastern Colombia and western Venezuela. They form a major inland region within the Orinoco River basin and lie between the Western and Eastern ranges of the Andes and the Guiana Shield to the south and east. The landscape is mainly level or gently rolling, cut by rivers and seasonal wetlands that emerge during floods.

Climate is tropical savanna with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season generally runs from December to April, and the wet season from May to November, though rainfall varies locally. Annual floods can cover large areas of the plain, shaping habitats and human activity.

Ecologically, the Llanos are defined by tall grasses and herbaceous plants adapted to flood pulses, along with expansive wetlands, ponds, and riparian forests. The region supports diverse fauna, including capybaras, marsh and caimans, giant otters, anacondas, and jaguars, as well as hundreds of bird species such as storks, herons, and macaws. The seasonal flooding maintains ecological productivity and fish migrations.

Human activity centers on cattle ranching and related ranch culture; the Llanos are one of the world's principal cattle-producing regions. Agriculture such as rice and maize occurs in floodplains where water management allows it. The region also contains oil extraction in Venezuela and has communities that depend on rivers for transport and livelihoods. Environmental pressures include deforestation, overgrazing, fire regimes, and habitat alteration.

Cultural life is closely tied to the llano or llanero cowboy tradition, with music, dance, and poetry known as joropo, featuring harp, cuatro, and maracas. Llanero culture spans both Colombia and Venezuela and contributes to national identities, festivals, and folk art.