Mário Xavier National Forest, National forest in Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Mário Xavier National Forest is a woodland reserve within the Atlantic Forest region that contains native plant communities and various animal species. The landscape features trails and open areas that allow visitors to move through different sections of the forest.
The forest was established in 1986 through government action as a protected area to safeguard local biodiversity. This decision aimed to prevent the forest from being cleared for development and to keep it available for future generations.
The forest functions as a place where visitors encounter conservation efforts and learn about Atlantic Forest ecology through direct experience. It shows how communities work to protect the natural world within an urban region.
The forest is located near a main road and is open to visitors who can walk on trails and join environmental activities. It is helpful to check in advance what areas are available and what kinds of activities are being offered.
The forest contains the habitat of a rare frog species that once stopped construction of a major highway planned for the area. This small creature played an unexpected role in decisions to keep the forest protected.
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