| Araya and Paria xeric scrub (NT1301) | |
|---|---|
 Stenocereus heptagonus on the Macanao Peninsula of Margarita Island | |
 Ecoregion territory (in purple) | |
| Ecology | |
| Realm | Neotropical |
| Biome | Deserts and xeric shrublands |
| Geography | |
| Area | 5,180 km2 (2,000 sq mi) |
| Country | Venezuela |
| Coordinates | 10°32′38″N 63°15′29″W / 10.544°N 63.258°W |
The Araya and Paria xeric scrub (NT1301) is an ecoregion in Venezuela that stretches along the Caribbean coast to the west of Trinidad, and that includes Margarita Island and some smaller islands. The ecoregion includes dune herbs, dry thorn scrubs and deciduous forests. The mountains on Margarita Island hold montane forests similar to those in the mainland coastal range. The beaches are used for breeding by sea turtles. Some endemic bird species are threatened with extinction by illegal capture for the pet trade. Deforestation and over-grazing by goats are also problems.