since 1974, these swamps are classified as a protected area and known as 'reserva biológica e arquelógica de guaratiba', a designation which translates to English as ' biological and archeological reserve of guaratiba'.

quite important among the efforts to preserve the natural diversity in the area of rio de janeiro, this reserve is known by its large flocks of birds and is commonly filmed to gather images for movies and television.

it is delimited to the east by the avenue of the americas (avenida das américas).