Araucárias National Park
National park protecting remnants of the Araucária Forest in Santa Catarina.
Araucárias National Park is a protected area in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. It preserves remnants of the Araucária Forest, a highly threatened ecosystem within the Atlantic Forest biome. The park was established to safeguard these natural environments and their biodiversity.
Quick Facts
- Area
- 12,841 ha / 49.6 sq mi
- Created
- 19 October 2005
Facts from the source article.
Location
The park lies on the Campos Gerais plateau, which slopes gently westward, with altitudes ranging from 805 to 1218 meters. It is situated in the municipalities of Passos Maia and Ponte Serrada. The surrounding 500-meter buffer zone contains small farms, agrarian reform settlements, soy plantations, and cattle ranches. Vegetation in the area includes native secondary formations, exploited primary forest, and reforestation with exotic species such as Pinus and Eucalyptus. The park protects endangered species like Araucaria angustifolia, Dicksonia sellowiana, and Ocotea porosa, and helps maintain water quality in the Chapecó, Chapecozinho, Mato, and Caratuva rivers.
Conservation
Classified as IUCN category II, the park aims to preserve natural environments and support scientific research, environmental education, outdoor recreation, and eco-tourism. Threats include wild boars, abandoned domestic animals, disturbed areas, and hunting. Protected species include the maned wolf, helmeted woodpecker, ocelot, and cougar.
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