Ilhas Queimada Pequena e Queimada Grande Area of Relevant Ecological Interest

The ecological area encompasses two Atlantic islands, Queimada Pequena and Queimada Grande, covering 33 hectares of protected marine and terrestrial environments.

Rising sea levels during the last ice age separated these islands from mainland Brazil, creating isolated conditions that led to distinct evolutionary adaptations.

The name Queimada derives from Portuguese settlers' practices of burning vegetation on the islands in early attempts to establish agricultural land.

Access to the islands requires special permission from the Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, which manages the protected area since 1985.

The reserve contains the largest concentration of golden lancehead pit vipers, which evolved to hunt birds after becoming isolated from mainland snake populations.

Operator: Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade

GPS coordinates: -24.48438,-46.67603

Latest update: March 8, 2025 04:26