with a lush tropical climate to complement it, the mata atlântica, is further classified according to six distinctive altitudinal zones, each with its own unique ecosystems, and environmental characteristics the firtst altitudinal zone, at the lowest point of the mata, is the mangroves level.

mangroves are trees and shrubs that live in the coastal region of the forest, and that grow in areas with low-oxygen soil and slow moving waters, where soil sediments can accumulate. they provide an important refuge for fish species as well as other organisms, and help stabilize the coastline from currents and tides.