in fact, bustling with color and life, the forest is an attraction for both tourists and for locals - but more importantly it is a source of life for the region, providing clean air, fresh water, and a home for a majority of the regions endemic species of flora and fauna.

endemic species are rare species, that are geographically restricted to only one or two areas, or that are narrowly distributed across a region, with several of these species restricted to sites smaller than 50 square kilometers. due to the very diverse geology and climate of the region, comprising beaches, mountains, and flatlands, rio de janeiro is particularly rich of endemic species, both flora and fauna.