Pau Brasil National Park

Pau Brasil Overview

Pau Brasil National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional do Pau Brasil, is located in the southern part of the state of Bahia, Brazil, near the municipality of Porto Seguro. Covering approximately 193 square miles or 500 square kilometers, the park protects one of the last remaining stretches of the Atlantic Forest, a biodiversity hotspot.

This protected area was established not only for its rich biological heritage but also for the preservation of the endangered pau-brasil tree (Caesalpinia echinata), which once dominated the region and gave Brazil its name. The landscape is characterized by flat plateaus intersected by deep valleys and crystalline rivers, creating a patchwork of lush forests, grasslands, and seasonal wetlands.

Among its striking natural features are the Pau Brasil Plateau and the Rio dos Frades, whose waters wind through the forest. The terrain varies subtly in elevation, giving rise to unique microclimates that support a wide range of flora and fauna.

The park is especially noted for its dense and diverse vegetation, with towering trees, including the namesake pau-brasil, which reaches heights of up to 30 meters and was historically prized for its red dye. The flora also includes endangered species like the jequitibá and jussara palm, alongside epiphytes, bromeliads, and orchids that thrive in the humid conditions.

The verdant forest canopy offers shelter to many wildlife species, creating a haven for both mammals and birds. Visitors to Pau Brasil National Park might encounter elusive jaguars, ocelots, and the maned sloth, while smaller mammals such as coatis, armadillos, and howler monkeys are more commonly seen. The avian life is equally impressive, with over 500 recorded species, including the endangered red-billed curassow and colorful toucans, parrots, and hummingbirds.

One of the park’s most popular features is its network of scenic trails and lookouts. The Vista do Mirante provides panoramic views of the forest canopy, and the Trilha das Orquídeas winds through areas dense with flowering orchids.

Waterfalls and natural pools along the trails offer refreshing stops for hikers. For birdwatchers and photographers, the park is an ideal location due to the abundance and accessibility of its birdlife.

The Pau Brasil Interpretation Center at the entrance of the park offers visitors educational exhibits and guided tour options, enhancing the experience with ecological insights and cultural context. Accessibility has been a focus in recent years, with some trails adapted for visitors with mobility challenges.

The park plays a crucial role in conservation, especially as the Atlantic Forest is one of the most fragmented and endangered ecosystems in the world. Pau Brasil National Park represents a vital refuge for species that have lost habitat elsewhere.

Conservation successes include the reforestation of degraded areas and the implementation of scientific research programs that support biodiversity monitoring. However, challenges remain, particularly from illegal logging, poaching, and pressures from surrounding urban and agricultural expansion.

Collaborative efforts between environmental agencies, local communities, and NGOs are key to the ongoing protection and sustainable use of the park’s resources. Through education, ecotourism, and strict conservation policies, Pau Brasil National Park continues to be a symbol of Brazil’s natural heritage and environmental resilience.

Park Map

Pau Brasil National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Pau Brasil National Park is renowned among birdwatchers for its high density of Atlantic Forest endemics. Its diverse birdlife includes some of Brazil’s most beautiful and threatened species, many of which rely on old-growth forest habitat.

Red-billed Curassow
Critically endangered and endemic to the Atlantic Forest, the male has glossy black feathers and a bright red wattle. This large ground bird is essential for seed dispersal.

Banded Cotinga
One of the park’s rarest and most dazzling residents, the male banded cotinga displays electric blue plumage with black and white barring. It feeds on fruit in the forest canopy.

Black-headed Berryeater
A quiet and elusive fruit-eater with green and yellow plumage, this Atlantic Forest endemic is often heard before it is seen in the dense midstory.

White-winged Cotinga
This stunning white bird with black wings is endemic to southeastern Brazil. Males perch visibly in the canopy during the breeding season, making occasional display calls.

Ochre-marked Parakeet
A rare parakeet species found only in southern Bahia, it nests in tree cavities and feeds on seeds and fruits in the mid-to-upper canopy.

Channel-billed Toucan
With its oversized, multicolored bill and vibrant plumage, this toucan is a charismatic frugivore. It plays an important role in spreading the seeds of large fruiting trees.

Saffron Toucanet
Golden-yellow with olive-green wings, this beautiful bird is a flagship species of the Atlantic Forest. It forages in the canopy and is a key seed disperser.

Three-toed Jacamar
A metallic green and orange insect-eater, this jacamar is rarely seen except when perched on an open branch scanning for flying insects.

Plain Parakeet
This small, bright green parakeet is common in the forest canopy. It travels in noisy flocks, feeding on seeds, blossoms, and fruits.

Maroon-faced Parakeet
Endemic to Brazil’s southeastern Atlantic Forest, this slender, long-tailed parakeet is found in small flocks and is highly dependent on forest cover for survival.

Pau Brasil National Park, located in southern Bahia, Brazil, protects a rare and vital remnant of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems on Earth. Named after the pau-brasil tree, this dense forest is home to a rich variety of mammals, including several endemic and threatened species.

Maned Sloth
Endemic to this region of the Atlantic Forest, the maned sloth is slow-moving and secretive, with a shaggy coat and a distinctive mane of black hair. It spends nearly all its life in the treetops, feeding on leaves and moving little.

Jaguar
Though rarely seen, the jaguar roams the deep forest, preying on deer, peccaries, and smaller animals. Its presence highlights the park’s importance as a biodiversity stronghold in the Atlantic Forest.

South American Tapir
This large herbivore is a vital seed disperser, often found near water sources where it browses for aquatic plants and fallen fruit. Its shy nature keeps it hidden from most visitors.

Ocelot
This medium-sized, spotted wild cat thrives in dense underbrush and is active mainly at night. It stalks rodents, birds, and reptiles, and is a key mid-level predator.

Collared Peccary
These stout, pig-like mammals forage in small groups for roots, fruit, and invertebrates. Their strong sense of smell helps them locate underground food in the forest floor.

Capuchin Monkey (Blond Capuchin)
One of the most endangered primates in Brazil, this intelligent monkey is known for tool use and complex social behavior. It is endemic to the region and relies heavily on old-growth forest.

Paca
A nocturnal rodent with a speckled coat and excellent hearing, the paca helps maintain forest health by dispersing large seeds as it forages on fallen fruit near rivers and streams.

Nine-banded Armadillo
This small, armored mammal is a common resident of the forest floor, using its strong claws to dig for insects and create burrows in the soft earth.

Coati
With its striped tail and long, flexible snout, the coati is a skilled forager that scours the forest for fruit, insects, and small animals. It often travels in noisy, social groups.

Tayra
A member of the weasel family, the tayra is curious, agile, and omnivorous. It hunts during the day and is frequently seen darting through the forest canopy or foraging along the ground.