Ilha Grande National Park

Ilha Grande Overview

Ilha Grande National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional de Ilha Grande, is located in the western region of the Brazilian state of Paraná. The park spans approximately 221 square miles, which equals around 573 square kilometers.

It lies near the border between Brazil and Paraguay, encompassing much of the Paraná River and its islands. The park is part of a larger network of protected areas along the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, a key ecological region that serves as a refuge for biodiversity in an otherwise fragmented biome.

The terrain of Ilha Grande National Park is largely flat to gently undulating, typical of riverine island landscapes. The park contains dozens of islands, sandbars, and channels formed by the Paraná River, one of South America’s major waterways.

Its floodplains and wetlands support a mosaic of seasonal vegetation, including semi-deciduous forests, marshlands, and riparian forests. While there are no towering peaks or dramatic cliffs, the interplay between land and water creates a striking visual dynamic.

Dense patches of forest cover portions of the islands, providing shade and shelter for both flora and fauna. Aquatic plants are common along the water margins, and tall grasses and reeds thrive in flood-prone zones.

Ilha Grande is a vital haven for wildlife, offering critical habitat for a wide variety of species. Among the most iconic mammals are the marsh deer, capybaras, howler monkeys, and even the elusive jaguar, though the latter is rarely seen. The park is also home to giant otters and neotropical otters, both of which benefit from the clean river habitats.

Birdlife is especially rich, with over 300 bird species recorded. Notable among these are the jabiru stork, black-collared hawk, and the vibrant blue-and-yellow macaw. Waterbirds such as herons, kingfishers, and anhingas are commonly seen along the riverbanks, and the park is an important stopover for migratory species.

Visitors are often drawn to the park’s peaceful scenery, tranquil waters, and abundant birdwatching opportunities. Ilha Grande offers several ways to explore its landscapes, including boat tours that navigate through the river channels and around the islands.

Kayaking, wildlife watching, and nature photography are among the most popular activities. There are designated trails on some islands for guided walks, allowing visitors to observe native flora and spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Due to its river setting, the park is also a draw for sport fishing, though regulations are in place to protect endangered species.

Conservation within Ilha Grande National Park has seen both successes and ongoing challenges. The park plays a crucial role in protecting the remnants of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, a biome under severe threat from agriculture and hydroelectric development.

Its establishment helped counteract habitat loss and provided a buffer zone against expanding farmland. Nonetheless, illegal fishing, pollution, and encroachment remain persistent issues.

Collaborative efforts between park management, local communities, and conservation organizations have led to improvements in enforcement and environmental education. These actions have helped safeguard threatened species and promote sustainable use of natural resources in and around the park.

Park Map

Ilha Grande National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Ilha Grande National Park, located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, protects one of the country’s most pristine coastal ecosystems. With dense Atlantic Forest, rugged mountains, mangroves, and clear coastal waters, it supports an exceptional variety of terrestrial and marine wildlife, including several rare and endemic species.

Southern Woolly Spider Monkey (Muriqui)
This critically endangered primate is the largest in the Americas. Peaceful and social, muriquis live in the upper forest canopy and rely on the preservation of mature forest to survive.

Puma (Mountain Lion)
The elusive top predator of the park, the puma helps control populations of deer and smaller mammals. It roams vast territories and is rarely seen due to its secretive nature.

Nine-banded Armadillo
This small, armored mammal is a common resident of the forest floor, where it digs for insects and grubs. Its ability to roll into a ball makes it distinctive and well-defended.

Azara’s Agouti
A key seed disperser in the Atlantic Forest, the agouti uses its sharp teeth to crack nuts and is known to bury food for later, helping regenerate tree populations.

Coati
With its long ringed tail and curious nature, the coati is often seen foraging in groups. It feeds on insects, fruit, and eggs, and climbs trees with ease.

Ocelot
This small, beautifully marked wild cat is mostly nocturnal and preys on rodents, birds, and reptiles. It favors dense undergrowth and is an indicator of healthy ecosystems.

South American Tapir
The tapir frequents the park’s freshwater streams and is an important disperser of large seeds. It is shy but plays a vital role in shaping the forest landscape.

Tayra
This sleek carnivore is highly adaptable and skilled at hunting small animals and birds. It is often active during the day and uses trees for travel and shelter.

Common Marmoset
A small primate with a white tuft of hair around its ears, the common marmoset lives in family groups and communicates through whistles and clicks. It feeds on sap, insects, and fruit.

Crab-eating Fox
Common in more open areas of the park, this small canid is a generalist omnivore. Despite its name, it has a varied diet and adapts well to changing environments.

Birds

Ilha Grande National Park is a paradise for bird lovers, with its Atlantic Forest, mangroves, and coastal habitats supporting an array of colorful and rare birds. Many of these species are endemic or threatened.

Red-necked Tanager
One of the most colorful birds of the Atlantic Forest, this tanager displays vibrant green, red, and blue plumage. It moves in mixed-species flocks through the forest canopy.

Saffron Toucanet
Golden-yellow with a stout bill, this rare toucanet feeds on fruit and helps in seed dispersal. It prefers mature forest and is a prized sighting among birdwatchers.

Maroon-bellied Parakeet
This social and noisy parrot is often seen in flocks flying over the forest. Its green body and maroon belly make it well-camouflaged in the treetops.

White-necked Hawk
An elegant raptor with contrasting white and black plumage, this hawk soars over the forest in search of small vertebrates and is considered near-threatened due to habitat loss.

Brazilian Tanager
The male’s intense red plumage with black wings makes this tanager stand out. It is common along forest edges and feeds on fruits and insects.

Scaled Antbird
This small forest bird has fine dark scaling on its pale underparts and forages low in dense vegetation. It follows army ants to catch fleeing insects.

Green-headed Tanager
A shimmering jewel of the forest, this tanager boasts a turquoise head and multicolored body. It feeds on fruits and insects, often in mixed flocks.

Plain Parakeet
Endemic to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, this bright green parakeet is often heard before it is seen. It nests in tree cavities and forages in fruiting trees.

Channel-billed Toucan
With its large black-and-yellow bill and striking plumage, this toucan is a seed-dispersing specialist found in the upper canopy of mature forest.

White-bearded Manakin
A small bird with a flashy courtship display, the male produces snapping sounds with its wings to impress females. It is found in forest understory clearings.