The park hosts an impressive diversity of wildlife, including several endangered species. Notable mammals include the maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus), golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas), and jaguar (Panthera onca). The bird life is particularly rich, with over 350 recorded species, including the red-browed parrot (Amazona rhodocorytha) and the red-billed curassow (Crax blumenbachii). The park also harbors numerous species of amphibians, reptiles, and insects, many of which are endemic to the Atlantic Forest.
The park protects a crucial remnant of Brazil's Atlantic Forest, one of the world's most diverse and threatened forest ecosystems. The vegetation includes primary and secondary Atlantic Forest, featuring towering trees such as the Brazil wood (Paubrasilia echinata), jequitibá (Cariniana estrellensis), and various species of palm trees. The understory is rich in bromeliads, orchids, and ferns, while the coastal areas feature restinga vegetation adapted to sandy soils. Many plant species found here are endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome.
The park's terrain is characterized by coastal tablelands formed during the Tertiary period, with elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 200 meters. The area features a complex network of rivers and streams cutting through ancient sedimentary formations. The soil is predominantly composed of yellow-red latosols and podzols, typical of coastal Atlantic Forest regions. The park's geological structure includes significant areas of coastal plains and low-lying plateaus, with some areas showing exposed crystalline basement rocks dating back to the Precambrian era.
The park was established on April 20, 1999, to protect one of the last remaining areas of Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Its name, 'Descobrimento' (Discovery), commemorates the fact that this region is where Portuguese navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral first landed in Brazil in 1500, marking the beginning of Portuguese colonization. The park encompasses an area that has been historically significant in Brazil's development, though much of its original forest remained relatively untouched until the mid-20th century when logging and agricultural expansion began threatening the region.
Key attractions within the park include the Monte Pascoal peak, visible from many points and historically significant as the first landmark spotted by Portuguese explorers. The park features several well-marked hiking trails, including the Discovery Trail (Trilha do Descobrimento), which offers views of the coastline and forest canopy. Visitors can also explore pristine beaches, mangrove ecosystems, and observation towers for wildlife viewing. The park's visitor center provides educational exhibits about the region's biodiversity and historical significance in Brazil's discovery.
Descobrimento National Park experiences a tropical climate with high humidity throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F), with the warmest period occurring between December and March. The region receives significant rainfall, with annual precipitation averaging 1,500mm, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year though slightly heavier from November to January. The park's coastal location results in consistent sea breezes, and visitors should be prepared for sudden afternoon showers even during the drier months of July to September.
Brazil
-17.0330°, -39.2670°
1999
215
Descobrimento National Park preserves one of the largest remaining areas of Atlantic Forest in northeastern Brazil. The park is located near where Portuguese explorers first landed in Brazil. It protects numerous endangered species and contains important historical sites.