Central Rio de Janeiro Atlantic Forest Mosaic, Protected forest mosaic in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil
This protected mosaic covers roughly 295,000 hectares across 14 municipalities, stretching from coastal areas near Guanabara Bay inland to mountain elevations above 2,300 meters. The network comprises 29 distinct conservation units of varying types and purposes, connected to maintain habitat continuity.
The Ministry of Environment established this network in 2006 to protect the Atlantic Forest within the Serra do Mar region and connect fragmented woodland areas. The initiative emerged from recognition that isolated forest patches required coordinated management to ensure their long-term survival.
Indigenous and traditional communities have lived within these forests for centuries, maintaining practices that coexist with wildlife protection. Local residents continue using the land in ways that support both their livelihoods and the preservation of forest corridors.
The area features diverse terrain with numerous trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes at various elevations. Weather conditions change frequently and lower forest sections remain humid year-round, so come prepared with appropriate gear.
Scientists have documented over 450 tree species within a single small forest plot, revealing the extraordinary plant diversity concentrated here. This exceptional species density reflects forests that have remained largely undisturbed over very long periods.
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