Brazil Eco Adventure Tours
Rainforest - Hiking & Biking - Wildlife

Atlantic Rainforest
Southeast Reserves

 Southeast Reserves   Reservas del Sudeste   Reservas do Sudeste 
1,7 million hectares of the Mata Atlântica Biosphere Reserve between 24º 10' - 25º 40' S and 46º 50' - 48º 44' W were declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999. The Atlantic Rainforest Southeast Reserves in the states of São Paulo and Paraná contain the best and largest examples of Atlantic Rainforest / (Mata Atlântica) in Brazil.

The 30 protected areas that make up the site are geologically and biologically exceptionally diverse with high numbers of rare and endemic species. With its mountains covered by dense forests, down to wetlands, coastal islands with isolated mountains and dunes, the site also has exceptional scenic values.
 
The nominated World Heritage Site presents a karstic relief that is characteristic of South-eastern Brazil. It comprises the Serra do Mar Mountain Chain, which runs parallel to the Atlantic coast and separates the Brazilian plateau or Planalto from the lower sea plains. The area is characterised by spectacular mountainous landscapes with deep river valleys and isolated hills.

The site also comprises part of the Estuarine Lagoon Complex of Iguape - Cananéia - Peruíbe (Lagamar), which includes a great variety of wetlands, from the flooded plains of the Ribeira de Iguape River to saline waters of the lagoon Complex itself. These lands are separated from the ocean by an archipelago that runs parallel to the shoreline and comprises the islands of Comprida, Cananéia, Ilha do Cardoso, Superagüi , Laranjeiras, Peças and Mel.

Geologically, the region is one of the oldest on Earth and is originated from Tertiary faults and volcanic intrusions. The Serra do Mar Mountain Chain is made up of Precambrian granite porphyries and gneiss magma. There is a series of calcareous massifs that generated a high concentration of karsts, especially on the area of Apiapí, Iporanga and Eldorado Paulista. The Alto Ribeira State Park (PETAR) includes more than 250 horizontal karstic caves and abyssal pits.

The Flora of the Atlantic Rainforest Southeast Reserves is highly diverse and Species composition and structure change with altitude. Mayor vegetation types are Lowland -, Submontane - Montane - and Cloud Rainforest. More than 5.000 vascular plants and 450 tree species/ha can be found in some spots (see biodiversity map). There is a highly diverse fauna with several species of conservation concern. Mammals include 120 species, probably the largest number in Brazil. Among the most popular endemic primates there are the spider monkey (muriqui), the newly discovered black - faced lion tamarin and among the birds the red - tailed amazon.

The Atlantic Rainforest Southeast Reserves are composed of the following protected areas:

    • National Parks: Superagüi and Saint - Hilaire / Lange.

    • State Parks: Carlos Botelho, Graciosa, Intervales, Alto Ribeira (PETAR), Pau - Oco,
                            Pariquera - Abaixo, Ilha do Cardoso, Jacupiranga, Lauraceas and Pico do Marumbi.

    • Ecological Stations: Juréia - Itatins, Chauás, Ilha do Mel, Guaraguaçu, Guaraqueçaba and Xituê.

    • Environmental Protection Areas (EPA): Estuarine Lagoon Complex of Iguape - Cananéia - Peruíbe,
                                                                          Serra do Mar, Ilha Comprida and Guaraqueçaba.

    • Private Reserves of Natural Protection (RPPN): Salto Morato and Sebuí.

Books:  Mar de Dentro / (The Inner Sea) by Araquém Alcântara
 
    Home Brazil Geology Biomes Ecosystems Protected Areas Climate Maps About Contact Site Map