Reserva Ecológica Mata do Pau-Ferro, Ecological reserve in Areia, Paraíba, Brazil.

The Mata do Pau-Ferro is a protected forest area in the elevated region around Areia that spreads across deep valleys and preserves a segment of Atlantic Forest in northeastern Brazil. The land shows the natural structure of this wooded landscape with its varied elevation and dense plant growth.

The Mata do Pau-Ferro was created as an ecological reserve by decree no. 14.832 of 19 October 1992, covering 600 hectares of the state-owned Vaca Brava site in Areia. Decree no. 26.098 of 4 August 2005 recategorised it as a state park.

The forest is named for the pau-ferro tree, Erythroxylum pauferrense, a species common in the park and found nowhere else. The reserve protects springs feeding tributaries of the Mamanguape River and the Vaca Brava dam, which supplies water to part of the Paraíba brejo region.

The reserve is near Areia and open to visitors most days, with early morning visits offering the best conditions for exploring. Bring sturdy shoes and water since the trails move through hilly terrain.

This forest protects one of the rare remaining patches of Atlantic Forest at this elevation in the region, giving it an exceptional role in preserving the diversity of plants and animals. The fragment is valuable enough that its protection matters greatly for the survival of many species across the wider area.