The park hosts an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including several endangered species. Large mammals such as jaguars, pumas, tapirs, and various monkey species inhabit the forest. The park is home to hundreds of bird species, including harpy eagles, macaws, and toucans. Numerous reptile species, including caimans and anacondas, can be found in the park's waterways. The area also supports a rich variety of amphibians, insects, and fish species, making it a crucial conservation area for Amazonian biodiversity.
Mapinguari National Park showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, featuring dense tropical rainforest vegetation with multiple canopy layers. The park contains numerous species of hardwood trees including Brazil nut trees, mahogany, and rubber trees. The understory is rich with palms, ferns, orchids, and bromeliads. Particularly notable are the various medicinal plants used traditionally by indigenous peoples. The park also contains areas of várzea (flooded forest) with specialized plant adaptations for periodic inundation.
The park's terrain is characterized by rolling hills and plateaus typical of the western Amazon region, with elevations ranging from 100 to 500 meters above sea level. The area features numerous rivers and streams that form part of the Amazon River basin, with rich alluvial soils in the lowlands. The geological formation includes ancient crystalline rocks dating back to the Precambrian period, overlaid with more recent sedimentary deposits. The park's varied topography creates diverse microhabitats and ecological niches.
The park was established in 2008 to protect a significant portion of the Amazon rainforest spanning the states of Amazonas and Rondônia. Named after the mythical creature Mapinguari from Brazilian folklore, the park covers approximately 1,776,914 hectares of land. The area has historically been inhabited by indigenous peoples and was later impacted by rubber tappers during the Amazon rubber boom. The park's creation was part of a larger conservation initiative to protect the Amazon from deforestation and establish ecological corridors between protected areas.
Key attractions include the park's extensive network of rivers and streams, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and understanding Amazonian ecosystems. The park contains several areas of pristine primary rainforest, offering visitors glimpses of untouched Amazonian wilderness. Notable viewpoints from higher elevations provide panoramic views of the forest canopy. The park also features important archaeological sites and areas of cultural significance to indigenous communities. Research stations within the park facilitate scientific studies of rainforest ecology and biodiversity conservation.
Mapinguari National Park experiences a typical Amazonian tropical climate with high humidity year-round. The region has two distinct seasons: a rainy season from November to April with heavy precipitation and temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F), and a drier season from May to October with less rainfall and temperatures reaching up to 33°C (91°F). Humidity levels consistently remain between 80-90%, creating a characteristically steamy rainforest environment. Visitors should be prepared for sudden rain showers even during the dry season.
Brazil
-7.9470°, -62.9520°
2008
17724
Mapinguari National Park protects a vast area of Amazon rainforest and serves as an important ecological corridor. The park contains diverse ecosystems including terra firme forests and várzea floodplains. It is home to numerous endangered species and plays a crucial role in preserving the region's biodiversity.