Alto Cariri National Park

Alto Cariri Overview

Alto Cariri National Park, or Parque Nacional do Alto Cariri in Portuguese, is a protected area located in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The park spans approximately 270 square miles, equivalent to around 700 square kilometers, and is part of the mountainous region of the Serra do Espinhaço range.

This park plays a significant ecological role by protecting a fragment of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, a biome recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and high levels of endemism. Alto Cariri is situated near the municipality of Guaratinga and forms an important link in the ecological corridor between the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado savanna.

The terrain of Alto Cariri National Park is a striking mix of rugged hills, cliffs, and deep valleys. The park rises in elevation from forested lowlands to peaks that provide panoramic views over southern Bahia. One of the most prominent features is the Serra do Cariri itself, a mountainous formation that gives the park its name.

Waterfalls cascade through ravines, particularly during the rainy season, with streams feeding into the broader river systems of eastern Brazil. The vegetation is notably rich, blending dense evergreen forests with patches of montane and submontane vegetation. Epiphytes, orchids, and bromeliads are widespread, growing in abundance due to the moist climate and diverse canopy layers.

Wildlife is one of the park’s major highlights, offering visitors a chance to observe a wide range of animal species in a relatively untouched setting. The park is home to endangered and endemic mammals such as the northern muriqui, one of the largest species of New World monkeys and a critical symbol of conservation in Brazil.

Other mammals include the maned wolf, pumas, and several types of armadillos. Birdwatchers can expect to encounter species like the white-necked hawk, the Bahia tyrannulet, and various toucans and woodcreepers. Amphibians and reptiles are also common, many of which are still being identified and cataloged by researchers, underlining the park’s scientific importance.

Among the most popular features of Alto Cariri National Park are its scenic hiking trails, opportunities for wildlife observation, and the rich plant diversity that draws botanists and nature enthusiasts. The park’s remote location makes it less frequented than more famous Brazilian parks, offering a tranquil experience for those who do make the journey.

Visitors often engage in trekking, birdwatching, and photography, with local guides offering insights into the flora and fauna. Some trails pass through primary forest areas, leading to lookouts or small waterfalls nestled within the terrain.

Conservation efforts at Alto Cariri have centered on protecting this rare portion of Atlantic Forest and its species from agricultural encroachment, illegal logging, and habitat fragmentation.

Successes include the park’s establishment in 2010 and the continued work of environmental agencies and NGOs in maintaining its boundaries and promoting ecological research. However, challenges persist, particularly related to enforcement and limited infrastructure, which can affect both conservation and tourism.

Despite these issues, the park remains a beacon of Brazil’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage and an invaluable site for biodiversity conservation.

Park Map

Alto Cariri National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Alto Cariri’s diverse habitats support a vibrant array of birdlife, including several Atlantic Forest endemics and rare or threatened species. The park is particularly notable for its birdwatching potential, attracting ornithologists and enthusiasts alike.

Stresemann’s Bristlefront
One of the world’s rarest birds, this critically endangered species is found only in a tiny region of Bahia. It nests in tunnels and has a distinctive, haunting song.

Bahia Spinetail
An Atlantic Forest endemic, this small bird weaves through dense undergrowth in search of insects. Its rufous tail and grayish head make it easily identifiable for experienced birders.

Black-throated Grosbeak
A striking songbird with a powerful bill and glossy plumage, it lives in the forest understory and feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects.

Swallow-tailed Hummingbird
Common but dazzling, this hummingbird has a deeply forked tail and a glittering blue-green body. It is territorial and feeds on nectar from native flowering plants.

White-necked Hawk
A rare and elegant raptor with black and white plumage, it soars over the forest in search of birds and small mammals. Its presence indicates healthy forest ecosystems.

Red-browed Amazon
This vibrant green parrot has a red stripe above its eyes and is native to the Atlantic Forest. It nests in tree cavities and is threatened by habitat loss and illegal pet trade.

Spot-backed Antshrike
Typically heard before it is seen, this secretive bird lives in the forest understory and follows ant swarms to catch disturbed insects.

Crescent-chested Puffbird
This small, round-bodied bird with a distinct black chest crescent perches quietly in the mid-level forest. It feeds on insects and small arthropods.

Plain Parakeet
Bright green and social, these parakeets move in flocks through the treetops, feeding on seeds and fruits and filling the forest with their chatter.

Scaled Woodcreeper
A medium-sized bird that uses its stiff tail to support itself as it climbs tree trunks in search of insects and larvae. Its scaly plumage provides excellent camouflage.

Alto Cariri National Park, located in the state of Bahia, Brazil, protects a unique transition zone between the Atlantic Forest and drier inland ecosystems. Though not as well-known as some other parks, it is a biodiversity hotspot and home to several rare and endemic species. The park’s rugged terrain, waterfalls, and dense forest provide shelter for a range of fascinating wildlife.

Maned Wolf
This long-legged, fox-like predator is a symbol of Brazil’s cerrado and forest edges. Despite its wolf-like name, it is more closely related to foxes and feeds on small animals, fruits, and tubers.

Southern Tamandua
Also known as the lesser anteater, this tree-climbing mammal feeds on ants and termites. It uses its powerful claws to tear into nests and has a long, sticky tongue to gather its prey.

Capuchin Monkey
Clever and highly social, capuchins are among the most intelligent of New World monkeys. They use tools, communicate vocally, and forage in groups for fruits, insects, and small animals.

Collared Peccary
This sturdy, pig-like animal travels in herds through the underbrush. It feeds on roots, fruits, and small invertebrates, and uses scent marking to stay in contact with its group.

Crab-eating Fox
A medium-sized canid that is adaptable and omnivorous, often seen near forest edges and clearings. It gets its name from its habit of foraging for crabs along riverbanks, but it also eats fruit, insects, and small mammals.

Armadillo (Six-banded Armadillo)
This armored mammal uses its claws to dig for insects and burrows. Though primarily nocturnal, it is sometimes seen during the day foraging in leaf litter.

Brazilian Guinea Pig
A small rodent often found in grassy clearings or forest edges. It feeds on a variety of plants and serves as prey for many of the park’s predators.

Yellow-footed Tortoise
This terrestrial tortoise lives in humid forest areas and feeds on a mix of fruit, fungi, and vegetation. Its bright yellow scales on the legs help distinguish it from other species.

Ocelot
A small wild cat with beautiful rosette markings, the ocelot is active mostly at night and feeds on rodents, birds, and reptiles, navigating the dense forest with stealth and agility.

Boa Constrictor
This large, non-venomous snake is an ambush predator, feeding on birds, mammals, and reptiles. It uses powerful coils to subdue its prey and plays a key role in controlling rodent populations.

Birds

Black-throated Grosbeak
A striking songbird with a powerful bill and glossy plumage, it lives in the forest understory and feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects.

Swallow-tailed Hummingbird
Common but dazzling, this hummingbird has a deeply forked tail and a glittering blue-green body. It is territorial and feeds on nectar from native flowering plants.

White-necked Hawk
A rare and elegant raptor with black and white plumage, it soars over the forest in search of birds and small mammals. Its presence indicates healthy forest ecosystems.

Spot-backed Antshrike
Typically heard before it is seen, this secretive bird lives in the forest understory and follows ant swarms to catch disturbed insects.

Crescent-chested Puffbird
This small, round-bodied bird with a distinct black chest crescent perches quietly in the mid-level forest. It feeds on insects and small arthropods.

Plain Parakeet
Bright green and social, these parakeets move in flocks through the treetops, feeding on seeds and fruits and filling the forest with their chatter.

Scaled Woodcreeper
A medium-sized bird that uses its stiff tail to support itself as it climbs tree trunks in search of insects and larvae. Its scaly plumage provides excellent camouflage.

Birds

Black-throated Grosbeak
A striking songbird with a powerful bill and glossy plumage, it lives in the forest understory and feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects.

Swallow-tailed Hummingbird
Common but dazzling, this hummingbird has a deeply forked tail and a glittering blue-green body. It is territorial and feeds on nectar from native flowering plants.

White-necked Hawk
A rare and elegant raptor with black and white plumage, it soars over the forest in search of birds and small mammals. Its presence indicates healthy forest ecosystems.

Spot-backed Antshrike
Typically heard before it is seen, this secretive bird lives in the forest understory and follows ant swarms to catch disturbed insects.

Crescent-chested Puffbird
This small, round-bodied bird with a distinct black chest crescent perches quietly in the mid-level forest. It feeds on insects and small arthropods.

Plain Parakeet
Bright green and social, these parakeets move in flocks through the treetops, feeding on seeds and fruits and filling the forest with their chatter.

Scaled Woodcreeper
A medium-sized bird that uses its stiff tail to support itself as it climbs tree trunks in search of insects and larvae. Its scaly plumage provides excellent camouflage.