Pau-Brasil Ecological Station (Paraíba)

Pau-Brasil Ecological Station was created by state decree 22,881 of 25 March 2002. It is in the northern part of the municipality of Mamanguape, on the north coast of Paraíba. It contains a remnant of about 82 hectares (200 acres) of Atlantic Forest, with characteristic semi-deciduous seasonal forest. The soils are mostly sandy or clay, with low fertility. The climate is humid tropical, with a dry summer and rainy winter. Average annual rainfall is 1,512 millimetres (59.5 in) and average annual temperature ranges from 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F).[1] It is one of two conservation units in the municipality, the other being the Guaribas Biological Reserve.[2]

The Pau-Brazil (Caesalpinia echinata) is a native species of the Atlantic Forest that has been heavily exploited since the European discovery of Brazil. The tree has almost disappeared due to the devastation of coastal forests, and is officially listed as being threatened with extinction. A 2006 study of the trees of this species in the conservation unit indicated that over time mortality was exceeding replacement.[3] The station also holds the endangered blond capuchin (Sapajus flavius). Sudema plans to create a headquarters office to support management, sustainable tourism, environmental education and scientific research, and also to create a nursery for Brazil wood seedlings.[4]