Essential Atlantic Forest

Tropical forest

The Atlantic Forest of tropical South America is the most endangered tropical forest ecosystem after the Madagascar’s forest.

About 93% percent of the forest has disappeared. Beginning with sugarcane plantations and, later, coffee plantations, this region that stretches along the coast of Brazil and its inland territories from Sao Paulo to northeastern region of Bahia has been losing habitat for hundreds of years.

Now, with the increased expansion of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, with the booming of industry and agriculture, the Atlantic Forest is facing severe pressure from the issues tied to urbanization and industrialization.

Atlantic forests were thriving for 20 million years before the Amazon River started flowing and the Andes rose from the plains.

Isolated from other wet forests by the Chaco to the west, Cerrado grasslands to the north and Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, the flora and fauna of these forests have evolved to make the region a world leader in endemics.

Of the 21 primate species and subspecies found in the Atlantic forest, 19 are endemic.

Of the 934 bird species, close to 160 are endemic to the Atlantic forests and edge habitats.

The Atlantic Forest boasts 20,000 plant species, 40 percent of which are endemic.

Around 1,000 of Brazil's 2,305 known orchid species are found here, although a thorough inventory has yet to be completed. More than 450 tree species have been recorded in a single hectare of forest in southern Bahia.

In terms of endemics, the forests of southeastern Brazil are often likened to Madagascar.

On our tours we will have excellent chances of seeing such spectacular primates as the Muriqui, Brown Howler, Buffy-headed Marmoset and Masked Titi Monkey as well as the Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Red Brocket Deer, South American Coati and many others.

Regions with Atlantic forests are Iguaçu Falls, several areas in Minas Gerais, several forests along the coast from Sao Paulo to North of Salvador.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for our tour information!