The reserve is essential to the Reintroduction Program for the Golden Lion Tamarin, which successfully brought the species back from the brink of extinction.
It is one of the few remaining fragments of the original Atlantic Forest in the coastal plains of Rio de Janeiro.
The reserve bridges the gap between the coastal mountain ranges and the lowland forests, facilitating genetic flow for various species.
The forest structure includes rare specimens of native trees such as the Jequitibá and the Pau-Brasil.
The reserve is part of a larger ecological network aimed at connecting the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve with other forest fragments.
Scientific monitoring here has provided vital data on the impact of BR-101 highway fragmentation on local wildlife behavior.
The União Biological Reserve is a protected Atlantic Forest area specifically established to ensure the survival of the golden lion tamarin, an endangered primate endemic to Brazil. Spanning approximately 7,700 hectares, the reserve serves as a critical biological corridor connecting fragmented habitats within the Rio de Janeiro state. Managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), it restricts public access to preserve scientific integrity and fragile ecosystems. The landscape consists of lowland rainforest, which is one of the most threatened biomes globally. Researchers utilize the site for longitudinal studies on primate behavior and reforestation ecology. Access to the interior is strictly limited to authorized academic or environmental research activities. It remains one of the few places where the golden lion tamarin population has been successfully stabilized through intensive conservation efforts.
The interpretive trailheads near the administrative facility offer the best vantage points for forest canopy photography.
Contact the ICMBio office in advance to verify if any guided educational tours are currently being permitted for the public.
Prioritize bringing high-quality binoculars, as the primary interest is wildlife observation from a distance.
Ensure all gear is sanitized to prevent the introduction of invasive plant species or pathogens into the protected zone.
Do not attempt to enter the restricted research zones without explicit authorization from the reserve management office.
Access is generally restricted to authorized research groups and limited educational groups by prior appointment; the reserve is not a public park for casual recreation.
Strict 'leave no trace' protocols apply; visitors must remain on designated trails, avoid loud noises, and are forbidden from feeding or interacting with wildlife.
