© Emiliano Salvador
The Atlantic Forest
Is an ecoregion that unites three countries and is one of the richest forests on Earth. It is home to fantastic natural scenery such as Iguazú Falls, and its incredible biological wealth coexists with the rich cultural diversity of people who inhabit it. However, more than 80% of its original extension has already been lost, making it one of the most threatened forests.
Main characteristics
- The Atlantic Forest is composed of tropical and subtropical rainforests.
- It harbors one of the most studied biodiversity and is a valuable source of knowledge about complex biological systems.
- Jaguars, the largest feline in America and third in the world – after tigers and lions -, lives here.
- It sustains Cuenca del Plata, the second most important basin in South America.
- It contributes to the Guaraní Aquifer, one of the largest underground freshwater reserves on Earth.
- It is inhabited by more than 148 million people, about one-third of the population of South America.
People and cultural diversity
Native American people, European and African descent, and a mixture of these groups provide a rich cultural diversity to the ecoregion that supports more than 148 million people. The human population in the ecoregion has not stabilized, as the three countries show positive population growth trends.
