The Descobrimento National Park is located in the extreme south of Bahia, in one of the last remaining areas of Atlantic Forest in the state.
The region, which has been heavily impacted by loggers and hunters, still retains a large area of intact forest, which is essential for the preservation of the rich local biodiversity.
World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve
The park is part of the Discovery Coast Natural World Heritage Site, recognised by UNESCO, and part of the Biosphere Reserve.
The area includes the headwaters of the Cahy River, at the mouth of which Pedro Álvares Cabral‘s fleet anchored during the discovery of Brazil.
Video about Descobrimento National Park
Parque Nacional do Descobrimento na Bahia
Geographical features
The relief of the park consists of coastal tablelands of the Barreiras Formation, at an altitude of about 100 metres. The predominant soil is sandy loam and the relief is largely flat.
Although the vegetation has been affected by selective logging, the park has well-preserved native flora. There are also areas of mussununga, a rare and specialised vegetation that is often confused with other types of vegetation, such as ombrophilous forests and restinga trees.
See the map of Costa do Descobrimento
Flora and Fauna
The park’s flora includes impressive trees such as the jacarandá-da-bahia, the braúna, the imbiruçu and other species typical of the Atlantic Rainforest. The park is also one of the last reserves of the rue plant, which is endemic to the region and used to make troughs and pestles.
The fauna is one of the park’s greatest attractions. A 2001 survey recorded 47 bird species, 44 of which are endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest.
These include the Chauã Parrot (symbol of the park), the Macuco, the Royal Hawk and the critically endangered Southern Curassow.
The park is also home to 34 species of medium and large mammals, including the tapir, the jaguar and the susuarana. New species of anuran amphibians have also been identified, adding to the knowledge of local biodiversity.
Potential for research and ecotourism
Although the park is not yet open to the public, environmental education and scientific research activities are carried out under the supervision of park staff.
Much of the region’s biodiversity is still little known, providing a unique opportunity for researchers interested in conservation biology.
Climate and access
The climate of the region is humid tropical, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year, with no defined dry season.
Access to the park is via the BR-101 motorway to Itamaraju and then the BA-489 motorway to Prado, where the park’s administrative centre is located. Tourist and environmental information is available there, as well as educational material on environmental issues.
Infrastructure and accommodation
The park’s infrastructure is basic, with a field office at the entrance and an outpost near the village of Cumuruxatiba, inhabited by the Pataxó indigenous people. The nearby towns of Itamaraju and Prado offer good accommodation and food.
