The park hosts an exceptional diversity of wildlife, including numerous endangered species. Large mammals such as jaguars, pumas, tapirs, and giant otters can be found within its boundaries. The park is also home to various monkey species, including howler monkeys and spider monkeys. Bird diversity is particularly impressive, with hundreds of species recorded, including harpy eagles, macaws, and toucans. The rivers support a rich aquatic ecosystem with various fish species, including the giant pirarucu. Numerous reptile and amphibian species also inhabit the park, making it a crucial conservation area.
Juruena National Park contains an incredibly diverse array of plant species typical of the Amazon rainforest ecosystem. The vegetation includes dense tropical rainforest, seasonal forests, and riverside vegetation communities. Notable species include Brazil nut trees, mahogany, cedar, and numerous palm species. The park also features extensive areas of bamboo forests and unique vegetation adaptations to the region's rocky outcrops. Researchers have identified thousands of plant species within the park's boundaries, including several endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
The park's geology is characterized by ancient crystalline formations dating back to the Precambrian period, with significant areas of the Brazilian Shield exposed throughout the region. The landscape features dramatic river valleys, waterfalls, and rapids carved through resistant rock formations over millions of years. The Juruena River and its tributaries have created a complex network of waterways, with notable geological features including exposed granite outcrops and sedimentary formations. The terrain varies from relatively flat plateaus to steep river valleys, with elevations ranging from 100 to 500 meters above sea level.
Established in 2006, Juruena National Park was created to protect a vast area of Amazon rainforest and serve as an ecological corridor between other protected areas. The park's name comes from the Juruena River, which has been historically significant to indigenous peoples who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. The area was relatively untouched until the late 20th century when increased logging and mining activities threatened its ecosystem, leading to its designation as a protected area. The park now covers approximately 1.9 million hectares and plays a crucial role in preserving both biodiversity and indigenous cultural heritage.
Among the park's most striking features are its impressive waterfalls, particularly along the Juruena River and its tributaries. The São Simão waterfall is a major attraction, along with numerous rapids and natural swimming pools. The park contains several indigenous territories and archaeological sites, offering insights into the region's cultural heritage. Remote areas of pristine rainforest provide opportunities for scientific research and ecotourism. The park's size and location make it a crucial component of the Amazon's ecological corridor system, connecting various protected areas and ensuring wildlife movement throughout the region.
Juruena National Park experiences a typical tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from November to April, with heavy rainfall and high humidity, while the dry season occurs from May to October. Average temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F) throughout the year. Visitors should be prepared for sudden afternoon thunderstorms during the wet season, which can make some trails temporarily impassable. The best time to visit is during the dry season when access is easier and wildlife viewing opportunities are better.
Brazil
-8.8560°, -58.5730°
2006
19700
Juruena National Park is one of Brazil's largest protected areas, featuring pristine Amazon rainforest and numerous waterfalls. The park contains important headwaters of the Juruena River and hosts remarkable biodiversity. It serves as a crucial corridor for many endangered species and contains numerous indigenous territories along its borders.