Serra da Capivara National Park

Serra da Capivara Overview

Serra da Capivara National Park, known as Parque Nacional Serra da Capivara in Portuguese, is located in the northeastern region of Brazil, within the state of Piauí. Spanning approximately 529 square miles (1,371 square kilometers), the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its extraordinary concentration of prehistoric rock art.

This protected area preserves one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Americas, with thousands of ancient paintings and carvings scattered throughout its rocky landscapes. The park’s terrain consists of dramatic sandstone formations, deep canyons, plateaus, and dry forests, creating a rugged and striking environment that contrasts with the surrounding semi-arid Caatinga biome.

Towering cliffs, such as Pedra Furada, serve as notable landmarks, drawing visitors and researchers alike. The dry climate, marked by sparse rainfall, has helped protect many of the ancient artworks, keeping them remarkably well-preserved over thousands of years.

The park’s unique environment supports a range of wildlife, despite the harsh conditions of the semi-arid region. Mammals such as the maned wolf, puma, and Brazilian three-banded armadillo roam the dry forests, while smaller species like capuchin monkeys and rock cavies thrive in the rocky outcrops.

Reptiles, including iguanas and snakes, are well-adapted to the high temperatures and dry terrain. Bird enthusiasts can spot a variety of species, including the red-legged seriema, turquoise-fronted amazon, and the iconic scarlet macaw, which brings flashes of color to the landscape. Many of these species have developed special adaptations to survive in the challenging conditions of the Caatinga ecosystem.

One of the park’s most remarkable features is its extensive collection of prehistoric rock art sites, with over 30,000 paintings estimated to be between 6,000 and 25,000 years old. These depictions of human figures, animals, and symbolic patterns provide a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants and have fueled debates about human migration in the Americas.

Pedra Furada, one of the most famous archaeological sites, features shelters with evidence of early human occupation, challenging conventional theories about the timeline of settlement in the region. The park’s visitor centers offer guided tours that lead to well-preserved rock art panels, allowing guests to explore this ancient cultural heritage firsthand.

Visitors can experience the park through a network of well-marked trails that wind through rock formations and archaeological sites. Some trails require short hikes, while others involve more strenuous treks through canyons and plateaus.

The Boqueirão da Pedra Furada site is among the most popular attractions, providing an up-close look at intricate rock paintings. The park also offers night excursions, where artificial lighting highlights the ancient artwork, creating an immersive experience.

Interpretive centers and museums, such as the Museum of the American Man, provide deeper insights into the archaeological significance of the region, displaying artifacts and scientific findings from ongoing research.

Despite its cultural and ecological importance, Serra da Capivara National Park faces significant conservation challenges. Limited funding and illegal hunting threaten its biodiversity, while deforestation and land encroachment pose additional risks to its fragile ecosystem.

However, dedicated conservation efforts, led by researchers and local organizations, have helped protect key sites and promote sustainable tourism. Increased awareness and government support are critical to ensuring the park’s preservation for future generations.

Park Map

Serra da Capivara National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Serra da Capivara National Park, located in the state of Piauí, Brazil, is famous for its stunning rock formations, prehistoric cave paintings, and unique biodiversity. As part of the Caatinga biome, this park features a dry, thorny landscape interspersed with rocky outcrops, providing a habitat for a variety of fascinating and highly adapted species.

Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
With its long legs and reddish fur, the maned wolf is well-adapted to the open landscapes of Serra da Capivara. Unlike traditional wolves, it is a solitary omnivore that feeds on small mammals, birds, and fruits, particularly the lobeira fruit.

Puma (Puma concolor)
A stealthy and powerful predator, the puma thrives in the rocky cliffs and dry forests of the park. It is an apex predator that preys on deer, rodents, and other small mammals, using its agility and strength to hunt.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
A social and tough mammal, the collared peccary moves in small groups through the dry forests and shrublands of the park. It is an opportunistic feeder, consuming fruits, roots, and small animals.

Azara’s Agouti (Dasyprocta azarae)
A large, rodent-like mammal, the agouti is an important seed disperser in the park’s ecosystem. It feeds on fruits and nuts, often burying food for later, inadvertently helping plants grow.

Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus)
A rare and nocturnal species, the giant armadillo is the largest of its kind. It uses its powerful claws to dig burrows and to forage for ants and termites, which make up the majority of its diet.

Crab-eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous)
Despite its name, this adaptable fox has a diverse diet that includes insects, fruits, small mammals, and, occasionally, crabs from riverbanks. It thrives in the dry and open landscapes of the park.

Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
A graceful and shy herbivore, the pampas deer is well-adapted to open grasslands and dry forests. It feeds on grasses and shrubs, often remaining hidden during the day to avoid predators.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A beautifully patterned wild cat, the ocelot is a stealthy nocturnal predator that hunts rodents, birds, and small reptiles. It moves silently through the park’s dense vegetation and rocky crevices.

Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor)
A large, non-venomous snake, the boa constrictor is a powerful constrictor that ambushes prey such as rodents, birds, and small mammals, using its muscular body to subdue them.

Jararaca Pit Viper (Bothrops jararaca)
A venomous snake native to the Caatinga biome, the jararaca is an ambush predator that preys on small mammals, frogs, and birds. While its venom is potent, it plays a vital role in controlling rodent populations.

Birds

Serra da Capivara National Park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with its dry forests, rocky outcrops, and seasonal rivers providing habitat for a fascinating array of bird species, some of which are endemic to the Caatinga biome.

Blue-crowned Parakeet (Thectocercus acuticaudatus)
A striking and noisy parrot, the blue-crowned parakeet is often seen flying in small flocks over the park. It feeds on fruits and seeds, playing an important role in seed dispersal.

White-naped Jay (Cyanocorax cyanopogon)
This intelligent and social bird is often seen in small groups, foraging for insects, fruits, and small vertebrates. Its striking blue and black plumage makes it easy to identify.

Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
A unique ground-dwelling bird, the red-legged seriema is known for its loud calls that echo across the park’s rocky landscapes. It hunts small reptiles and insects, using its strong legs to stomp on prey before eating.

Greater Rhea (Rhea americana)
The largest flightless bird in South America, the greater rhea roams the park’s open areas in search of seeds, fruits, and small animals. Males take on the responsibility of incubating eggs and caring for the chicks.

Ferruginous Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum)
A small but fierce nocturnal predator, the ferruginous pygmy owl hunts insects, small birds, and rodents. It is often active during the day, making it easier to spot than other owls.

Pale-bellied Tyrant-Manakin (Neopelma pallescens)
A small and energetic bird, the pale-bellied tyrant-manakin is known for its quick movements and insect-catching skills. It thrives in the dry forests of Serra da Capivara.

Black-bellied Antwren (Formicivora melanogaster)
An endemic species to the Caatinga, this small insect-eating bird is often seen flitting among the shrubs and undergrowth. It is a specialist in hunting ants and other small invertebrates.

Tropical Screech Owl (Megascops choliba)
A small and well-camouflaged nocturnal predator, the tropical screech owl is commonly found in the park’s dry forests. It feeds on insects and small vertebrates.

White Monjita (Xolmis irupero)
A striking bird with white plumage and a black tail, the white monjita is often found perched on trees and rocks, scanning the ground for insects.

Cactus Parakeet (Eupsittula cactorum)
An endemic bird of the Caatinga, the cactus parakeet is perfectly adapted to the arid environment. It nests in tree hollows and feeds on cactus fruits and seeds.

Serra da Capivara National Park is not only a treasure trove of prehistoric art but also a refuge for Brazil’s unique Caatinga wildlife. Its dramatic landscapes, rare species, and rich cultural history make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, archaeologists, and adventurers alike.