The Brasília National Park, also called Água Mineral, is a national park in Brazil. It is located in the northwest part of the Federal District and the center of Goiás state. The park covers an area of 423.83 square kilometers (163.64 square miles). Its land is divided among the administrative regions of Brazlândia, Brasília, and Sobradinho in the Federal District, and the municipality of Padre Bernardo in Goiás. The park is managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio). It is the largest park in the world that is located in an urbanized area.
History
The park was created on November 29, 1961, by a law passed by the Brazilian government. It covers an area of 28,000 hectares (69,000 acres), though it was originally planned to be 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres). The park spans a height range of 700–1,300 metres (2,300–4,300 feet). It is classified as IUCN Category II, which means it is a protected area with natural features. The park was established to help in building Brasília, the capital of Brazil. The Ministry of Agriculture said the park was created to protect forests around the capital city. In 1994, 70% of the park was destroyed by fire.
Geography
The park is located in the northwest part of the Federal District, which is in the center-west region of Brazil. The park has clearly defined boundaries that are marked and enclosed with a fence. From the perspective of development, the park is divided into six zones: Intangible, Primitive, Extensive, Intensive, Special, and Recuperation.
The land is a rolling high ground with geological features made of quartzites and limestones. The park has many caves and several natural springs. In addition to the springs, the park receives water from a reservoir. The most notable features of the park are the pools formed by water wells. Several creeks flow through the park, including Bananal, Torto, and Santa Maria Creeks. Due to the large number of springs, the park is nicknamed "Agua Mineral" (mineral water). It is reported that the water has healing properties. The park has many hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Climate
The climate of the region is classified as "tropical savanna" according to the Köppen system. The rainy season begins in October and ends in April, making up 84% of the total annual rainfall. The wettest period occurs from November to January, with December being the rainiest month of the year. The dry season lasts from May to September, and the driest months are June, July, and August, during which rainfall accounts for only 2% of the annual total. The Federal District receives an average annual rainfall between 1,200–1,700 millimetres (47–67 in). The park has an average annual rainfall of 1,675 mm (65.9 in). The average annual temperature is 20.6 °C (69.1 °F). Eastern winds are the most common in the park.
Flora
The main type of plants in the central regions of Brazil are Cerrado or upland savanna trees, which make up the main part of this park. Around springs and streams, the vegetation is called Campo Cerrado, and it includes gallery forests. These areas are part of a biosphere reserve declared by UNESCO. Plants found in the park include the buriti palm and many species from the Velloziaceae family, which is a group of flowering plants with one seed part. The park has created a forest tree nursery and operates a center for environmental education.
Fauna
The animals found in the park include: maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus), giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), bush dog (Speothos venaticus), giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), giant armadillo (Priodontes giganteus), black howler monkey (Alouatta caraya), forest rabbit (Sylvilagus brasiliensis), Juscelinomys candangus, cavy (Galea spixii), Calhartes burrovianus urubutinga, Mussurana (Portuguese muçurana), and tegu (Tupinambis teguixin). Other animals reported include black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), capybara, jaguar, wild pig, and puma.
Birds in the park include greater rhea (Rhea americana), red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa), solitary eagle (Buteogallus coronatus), seed finches, Oryzoborus crassirostris, O. angloensis, spotted tinamou (Nothura maculosa), lesser yellow-headed vulture (Cathartes burrovianus), curl-crested jay (Cyanocorax cristatellus), fer-de-lance (Bothrops jararaca), burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), and toco toucan (Ramphastos toco).