Serra Negra Biological Reserve

Serra Negra Biological Reserve is a protected forest area spanning about 624 hectares at the summit of an inselberg in Pernambuco. Within the otherwise dry Caatinga region, this highland ecosystem forms a rainforest island with dense vegetation and special living conditions.

The reserve was established in 1982 to prevent nuclear waste from the Angra dos Reis Power Plant from being deposited in the area. This protective measure proved decisive in securing and preserving this natural forest habitat.

The area was originally home to communities who spoke the Huamoé language, leaving traces of their presence in the landscape. Visitors today experience the connection between this indigenous heritage and the living forest that surrounds them.

Visiting the reserve requires authorization from the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, which manages the protected area. It is best to inquire in advance about access requirements, as visits are typically limited to research and educational purposes.

The reserve sits at about 1,065 meters elevation, where trees grow up to 30 meters tall and a tropical rainforest climate prevails. This exceptional natural island within the dry Caatinga demonstrates how dramatically habitats can differ within the same region.