Which national parks protect rainforest in Rio de Janeiro state?

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In the state of Rio de Janeiro, several national parks were established to protect remnants of the original rainforests that once covered the region. These include:1

  • Itatiaia National Park (1937): Located in the Mantiqueira Range, this park covers approximately 116 square miles of rainforest and spans both Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais states.1
  • Serra dos Órgãos National Park (1939): This park is situated entirely within the state of Rio de Janeiro.1
  • Tijuca National Park (1961): A smaller park located wholly within the state.1

These protected areas are vital for preserving the biodiversity of the region, as much of the original forest cover was historically cleared for agriculture and urban expansion.1