Saint-Hilaire/Lange

Saint-Hilaire/Lange National Park protects 250 square kilometers of Atlantic Forest and coastal ecosystems in Paraná state. The park encompasses diverse habitats ranging from coastal beaches and dunes to montane rainforests, creating exceptional ecological diversity within relatively compact boundaries. Named after French naturalist Auguste de Saint-Hilaire, who explored Brazil's natural history in the 19th century, the park preserves ecosystems he documented. The protected area includes critical breeding beaches for sea turtles and coastal lagoons supporting endemic fish species. Forest-covered mountains descend directly to the ocean, creating dramatic landscapes where Atlantic Forest meets the Atlantic.

Saint-Hilaire/Lange National Park was established in 2001, protecting Atlantic Forest and coastal ecosystems in Paraná state. The park honors French naturalist Auguste de Saint-Hilaire, who explored southern Brazil's natural history in the early 19th century. The area faced development pressures from coastal urbanization and agricultural expansion. Conservation organizations advocated for protection based on the region's exceptional biodiversity and intact forest-to-ocean transition. Creating the park required negotiating with existing residents and addressing traditional fishing communities' rights. Initial management focused on controlling access while developing visitor facilities for sustainable tourism. The park's coastal location makes it critical for sea turtle conservation, requiring specialized management. Recent years have emphasized marine protection and coordinating with adjacent protected areas to create larger conservation landscapes.

Saint-Hilaire/Lange National Park offers diverse visitor experiences across its coastal and mountain environments. A visitor center provides information about the park's ecological diversity and conservation. Beaches within the park allow swimming and coastal recreation during appropriate seasons. Hiking trails range from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain routes with spectacular ocean views. The park's altitudinal range means visitors can experience ecosystems from sea level to mountain forests. Guided tours focus on varied themes including birdwatching, sea turtle conservation, and botanical diversity. The park works with local communities on sustainable tourism initiatives. Access requires traveling through the coastal region of Paraná state, with various entry points. Nearby towns provide accommodation and services. The park attracts both beach visitors and serious hikers. Facilities are designed to manage visitor impacts while allowing people to experience the forest-to-ocean transition. Environmental education programs engage local communities and visiting groups.

Conservation at Saint-Hilaire/Lange protects the exceptional diversity created by the park's coastal-to-mountain transition. The park preserves rare Atlantic Forest types adapted to coastal environments and altitudinal gradients. Sea turtle conservation has become a major focus, with beaches providing critical nesting habitat. The park monitors turtle nesting success and addresses threats like artificial lighting and beach development. Coastal lagoons support endemic fish species requiring specialized conservation. The park works to control invasive species that threaten native communities. Forest restoration expands habitat for Atlantic Forest species. The park maintains biological corridors allowing species movement between coastal and mountain areas. Conservation challenges include managing edge effects from surrounding development and visitor impacts on sensitive coastal ecosystems. Climate change threatens both coastal habitats through sea level rise and mountain species through warming temperatures. The park participates in broader Atlantic Forest conservation initiatives, contributing to landscape-scale protection efforts.