Bela Vista Biological Refuge at Itaipu

The Bela Vista Biological Refuge, in Itaipu, is very educational, as it is a reference in the preservation of the fauna and flora of the Atlantic Forest, in addition to occupying an area of 1,780 hectares.

The refuge is also part of the Paraná River Biodiversity Corridor, which connects the Iguaçu National Park to the protected areas of Itaipu and the Ilha Grande National Park. Much of the vegetation that is now forest was restored by Itaipu from areas of pastures and grasses.

The Roberto Ribas Lange Zoo, the main attraction of the RBV visitation itinerary, houses 172 animals of 50 species, 47 of which are reptiles and amphibians, 65 birds and 60 mammals. The animals come from Itaipu's own wild animal breeding facility, from other zoos or from environmental agencies such as IAP, Ibama, ICMBio and PUC-PR's Wild Animal Screening Center.

The refuge was a pioneer and has today the largest and most successful harpy eagle breeding program – one of the most endangered birds of prey.

Other rare species are also reproduced in the refuge, among them the Margay, O boron deer, The tapir and the Ocelot – totaling more than 1,100 animals bred in the project.