the third altitudinal level is between 200 and 800 meters above sea level, and is classified as the lower montane forest. this level is extremely important for the biodiversity of the region, and consists of a great number of native trees -  home to many small mammals, birds, and insects.

like many other areas of the mata atlântica, the lower montane forests have been challenged by deforestation, and are now standing at less than 10 percent of their original extent. between 800 and 1,500 meters above sea level is the mountane rainforest, which has many similarities to the lower montane forest.