Protect the Atlantic Rainforest:

Guapi Assu Reserve

The Guapi Assu Reserve. Photo © Thor Ostbye

Reserva Ecologica De Guapi Assu (REGUA), or Guapi Assu Reserve comprises an area of 7,000ha (17,300 acres) and is situated only 80km North-East of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The reserve spans 200m to 2,000m above sea level and thus provides a range of unique habitats including highland rainforest and lowland wetlands. The Guapi Assu is home to a huge variety of wildlife, boasting many endemic species of plants and animals. See the range of habitats at REGUA for yourself on WLT's sister site wildlifefocus.org, in our Virtual Tours of the reserve.

The Channel-billed Toucan is one of the spectacular birds that can be found in the Guapi Assu reserve. Photo © Alan Martin/REGUA.

The reserve represents one of the most important of all the "centres of endemism" within the Atlantic Rainforest as it is one of the last locations where original forests remain intact at all altitudes. The Guapi Assu reserve is located within the 'Tres Picos State Park', sections of which are still privately owned and therefore under threat. The project aims to link the existing reserve with the nearby International Primatology Centre creating a vital corridor for wildlife such as Puma and Tapir. This enhances the potential for preserving wildlife as animals are allowed to range freely between protected areas.

More Information on the Brazilian Rainforest Project

See also Current work on the Guapi Assu Reserve.

To learn more about the project in Brazil visit the main project page: Help Save the Atlantic Rainforest