| Ilha Grande mangroves | |
| Map: | Ecoregion NT1415.png |
| Map Size: | 300 |
| Ecozone: | Neotropic |
| Biome: | Mangroves |
| Area: | 3108 |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Coordinates: | -23.6°N -45.75°W |
The Ilha Grande mangroves ecoregion (WWF ID: NT1415) covers a series of disconnected salt-water and brackish mangrove forests along the southeastern coast of Brazil on the South Atlantic Ocean. The ecoregion is defined as covering the mangroves found between the Paraíba do Sul River in the north to Florianópolis in the south. This coastal region is the most densely population region of Brazil, and many of the mangroves are in close proximity to ports and industrial cities. A number of ecological reserves have been established to protect the high biodiversity of the mangroves, recognizing their importance to migratory birds, and as nursery habitat for juvenile fish, crabs, shrimp, and mollusks.[1] [2] [3]
The ecoregion's mangroves exist in isolated sites, generally at river deltas or around protected bays or lagoons. Significant sites include:
The climate of the ecoregion is Humid continental climate, warm wet summer (Köppen climate classification (Cfa)). This climate is characterized by large seasonal temperature differentials. No month averages below 0C, at least one month averages above 22C, and four months average over 10C. In this ecoregion, average annual temperatures range form 15 to 24 degrees C.[5] [6] Precipitation is relatively even throughout the year, and averages 1,500 - 2,500 mm/year.
Characteristic tree species for the ecoregion's mangroves are Avicennia schaueriana, white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), and red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle).
The critically endangered Superagüi lion tamarin (Leontopithecus caissara) lives in the ecoregion, primarily in Superagui National Park.
Officially protected areas in the ecoregion include: