The Pernambuco coastal forests occupy an 80km-wide strip along the Atlantic coast of northeastern Brazil in the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas. The forests extend from near sea level to 600–800 metres (2,000–2,600ft) in elevation, on the windward slopes of the Borborema Plateau.
The Goiana River of Pernambuco marks the forests' northern extent, and the Mundaú River of Alagoas the southern extent.
The four-tiered evergreen Atlantic moist forests are the predominant vegetation type.
Fauna
The ecoregion is an endemic bird area that harbors 13 threatened species of birds. It also harbors the last populations of the red-handed howler monkey(Alouatta belzebul) and blond capuchin(Sapajus flavius) in the Atlantic Forests.
Conservation and threats
Coastal forests in Pernambuco have a long history of deforestation. The first cycle of destruction was due to "Pau-brasil" (Caesalpinia echinata) extraction. After the extraction of Pau-brasil, through the mid-20th century, the sugarcane industry was mainly responsible for the forest clearing.
Forests remnants are small, most with less 10km2 and surrounded by sugarcane fields. There is only 87km2 of isolated conservation units. It isn't an enough amount to maintain biodiversity and key ecological processes.[2] The largest reserve is Murici Ecological Station (6132 ha).[3]
