Lago Piratuba Biological Reserve Explained

Lago Piratuba Biological Reserve
Alt Name:Reserva Biológica do Lago Piratuba
Iucn Category:Ia
Map:Brazil
Relief:yes
Nearest City:Sucuriju
Coordinates:1.587°N -50.203°W
Designation:Biological reserve
Created:16 July 1980

Lago Piratuba Biological Reserve (Portuguese: Reserva Biológica do Lago Piratuba) is a biological reserve in the state of Amapá, Brazil.

Location

The Lago Piratuba Biological Reserve, which covers, was established by decree of 16 July 1980.It is administered by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation.It covers parts of the municipalities of Pracuúba, Tartarugalzinho and Amapá in the state of Amapá.

The average annual temperature is about .Annual rainfall averages more than .Relative humidity is 80%.The region is flat, formed by sediments of mixed river and ocean origin, and subject to periodic flooding.There is great diversity of plants, with dense floodplain rainforest transitioning into coastal mangrove.Fauna is also very diverse, including green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), migrating or resident birds such as pelicans and osprey, and mammals such as capybara, otter and racoon in the flooded fields.

The North-eastern point is not included in the reserve, because it contains the village of Sucuriju. The reserve surrounding the village gives it island characteristics.[1]

Conservation

The Biological Reserve is a "strict nature reserve" under IUCN protected area category Ia, with a total area of of which was marine.It is part of the Amapá Biodiversity Corridor, created in 2003.The conservation unit is supported by the Amazon Region Protected Areas Program.The main objective is to protect the flora and fauna of the Amazon ecosystem in its transition into the lagoon zone.Protected species are jaguar (Panthera onca), giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis).

Notes and References

  1. Book: Sautchuk. Carlos. "Esse rio nasceu da noite pro dia". A Vila de Sucuriju, comunidade pesqueira do litoral do Amapá. 2006. ACT Brasil. pt, es. 7.