The Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves, in the states of Paraná and São Paulo, contain some of the best and most extensive examples of Atlantic forest in Brazil. The 25 protected areas that make up the site (some 470,000 ha in total) display the biological wealth and evolutionary history of the last remaining Atlantic forests. From mountains covered by dense forests, down to wetlands, coastal islands with isolated mountains and dunes, the area comprises a rich natural environment of great scenic beauty.
Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves
© Régis Filho
Justification for Inscription
The Atlantic Forests (Southeast) contain the best and largest remaining examples of Atlantic forest in the southeast region of Brazil. The 25 protected areas that make up the site display the biological richness and evolutionary history of the few remaining areas of Atlantic forest of southeast Brazil. The area is also exceptionally diverse with high numbers of rare and endemic species. With its “mountains to the sea” attitudinal gradient, its estuary, wild rivers, karst and numerous waterfalls, the site also has exceptional scenic values.
The 25 Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves contain some of the best and most extensive examples of remaining Atlantic forest in Brazil displaying the biological wealth and evolutionary history of the one of the world's richest and most endangered habitats. From mountains covered by dense forests, down to wetlands, coastal islands with isolated mountains and dunes, the area comprises a rich natural environment of great scenic beauty.
Partially isolated since the Ice Age, the Atlantic forests have evolved into a complex ecosystem with exceptionally high endemism (70% of the tree species, 85% of the primates and 39% of the mammals) and are considered to be among the world's richest forests for tree species.
The nominated site comprises the Serra do Mar Mountain Chain, which runs parallel to the Atlantic coast and separates the Brazilian high plateau (planalto) from the lower sea plains; part of the Estuarine Lagoon Complex of Iguape-Cananéira-Paranagua, 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. There is also a vast extension of beaches showing a succession of opened ocean-sand dunes.
The nominated World Heritage site contains well-preserved remnant patches of highly diverse and endangered Atlantic rainforest. More than 450 tree species per hectare can be found in some areas, indicating that the diversity of woody plants in the region is larger than in the Amazon rainforest. Major vegetation types in the site are tall mountain and lower mountain Atlantic rainforest. Forest canopy along river valleys is taller, with isolated trees reaching up to 30 m in height. Species composition and structure change with altitude, and transitional stages between forest types are linked to soil depth, fertility and humidity.
There is a highly diverse fauna with several species of conservation concern. Mammals include 120 species, probably the largest number in Brazil. Some noteworthy species are jaguar, ocelot, bush dog, La Plata otter, 20 species of bat and various species of endangered primate, notably muriqui and brown howler monkey. The newly discovered black-faced lion tamarin is endemic to the area. The avifauna is very diverse, with 350 recorded species. The area is an important breeding ground for harpy eagle, red-tailed Amazon and black-fronted piping guan, among many others.
More than 50 archaeological sites were unearthed in the area. These sites contain accumulation of shells, pottery and stone tools. Source: UNESCO/CLT/WHC