Mata Escura Biological Reserve

Mata Escura Biological Reserve
Reserva Biológica da Mata Escura
View of the reserve
Nearest cityJequitinhonha, Minas Gerais
Coordinates16°18′51″S 41°02′41″W / 16.314183°S 41.044691°W / -16.314183; -41.044691
Area50,890 ha (196.5 sq mi)
DesignationBiological reserve
Created5 June 2003
AdministratorChico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation

The Mata Escura Biological Reserve (Portuguese: Reserva Biológica da Mata Escura) is a biological reserve in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It protects a remnant of Atlantic Forest, and includes a unique mix of vegetation on sandy hilltops. The reserve overlaps with a traditional quilombo community, creating a conflict with the reserve's full-protected status.