Maicuru Biological Reserve, biological reserve in Pará, Brazil
Maicuru Biological Reserve is a large protected area in Pará state, Brazil, covering more than 11,500 square kilometers of rainforest and bordered by the Maicuru and Jari rivers. The landscape features dense tall trees, approximately 3,700 kilometers of rivers and streams, and submontane rainforest with multiple vegetation layers.
The reserve was established in 2006 to protect the natural environment and preserve endangered species found only in this region. Its remote location and limited human access over the years helped keep ecosystems largely intact and functioning.
The name Maicuru comes from local words and the history of indigenous peoples who have long inhabited this region. This place holds meaning for communities who see the forest as part of their identity and a source of knowledge about living with nature.
Access to the reserve is limited and requires special permission from the managing agency, with most visitors arriving by small airplane that lands at strips near mining sites. Visits are restricted to research or educational purposes only, and all activities must follow strict conservation rules.
The reserve is part of a larger protected region spanning Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname, making it an international conservation effort that protects species and habitats across borders. This cross-border cooperation helps safeguard a wider diversity of life throughout the Amazon region.
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