Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• Analysis of the Bathing Suitability of Lagoons in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

  Lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park exhibit excellent water quality, posing no health risks to visitors. A study analyzed bathing suitability using microbiological and physical-chemical assessments, following CONAMA resolution No. 274/00 standards. The research, conducted by Santos and Novaes (2025), found that the lagoons—Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita—met safety criteria for swimming and water sports on most sampled days. While the findings confirm current suitability, the authors highlight the need for further studies to evaluate other potential environmental factors affecting bathing conditions. This work provides critical data for ICMBio, aiding conservation efforts in this UNESCO-listed site.

  Santos, M. P., & Novaes, É. K. M. D. R. (2025). Analysis of the Bathing Suitability of Lagoons in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Revista de Gestão Social E Ambiental, 19(3), e011650. https://doi.org/10.24857/rgsa.v19n3-138

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• Floristic study of the Bromeliaceae in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, MA, Brazil

  A comprehensive floristic study of the Bromeliaceae family within Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, identified four distinct species across three genera: Aechmea, Ananas, and Bromelia. This research contributes critical taxonomic data to the understanding of bromeliad diversity in the park's unique ecosystems, which include mangrove, cerrado, and restinga vegetation. Fieldwork conducted in Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro municipalities revealed species adapted to the park's sand dune landscapes, with detailed descriptions, identification keys, photographs, and ecological insights provided for each. The study highlights the importance of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park as a biodiversity hotspot, particularly for bromeliads, while emphasizing the need for further research on their geographic distribution and conservation status.

  Guarçoni, E. A. E., & Salazar-Ferreira, M. (2025). Floristic study of the Bromeliaceae in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, MA, Brazil. Hoehnea, 52. https://doi.org/10.1590/2236-8906e422023

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• Gastropods potential intermediate hosts of parasites in the region of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park/Brazil, an international tourist destination

  A study conducted between June 2016 and November 2019 identified 3,244 specimens of freshwater gastropods across the Microregion of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, highlighting a significant presence of potential intermediate hosts for parasites. The most abundant species was Biomphalaria straminea, accounting for 73.45% of the specimens, followed by Pomacea sp. (57.15%), which showed constant frequency across lentic and lotic ecosystems. The research also noted the occurrence of other gastropod species, including Biomphalaria schrammi and Drepanotrema lucidum, with varying abundances. Forecast maps suggest these snails could establish themselves throughout the region, posing a risk to human health due to their role as parasite hosts. The study underscores the importance of monitoring limnic gastropods for both conservation purposes and public health, particularly in a tourist destination like Lençóis Maranhenses.

  Carvalho, M. C. M., Abreu, A. S., Silva, M. S., Cantanhede, S. P. D., Monroe, T. G. R., Araújo, L. S., & Tchaicka, L. (2024). Gastropods potential intermediate hosts of parasites in the region of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park/Brazil, an international tourist destination. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 84. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.283163

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• Geo-environmental Analysis of Watersheds on the Eastern Coast of the State of Maranhão, Brazil and Interface with Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

  A comprehensive geo-environmental analysis of the Eastern Coast Watersheds of Maranhão (ECWSM) reveals critical insights into the region's natural potential and vulnerability to anthropogenic changes. The study, utilizing geotechnologies and secondary data, maps key components such as altimetry, declivity, soils, vegetation, water resources, geology, and geomorphology, providing a detailed characterization of the ECWSM within the Western Atlantic Hydrographic Region. This mapping contributes significantly to environmental zoning and land management planning in the region, which interfaces with the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The analysis highlights the ecological potential and biological productivity of conservation units within these watersheds, supporting traditional economic activities while revealing proxies of Holocene landscape evolution. The research underscores the importance of integrating geological, hydrological, and climatic data to understand the complex interactions shaping the region's environment.

  Machado, A. M. B., Silva, E. V. d., Soares, L. S., Bandeira, A. M., Castro, A. C. L. d., Borges, J. d. O., Serra, L. A., Soares, L. A., & Santiago, D. R. (2023). Geo-environmental Analysis of Watersheds on the Eastern Coast of the State of Maranhão, Brazil and Interface with Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Revista Brasileira de Geografia Física, 16(1), 227–250. https://doi.org/10.26848/rbgf.v16.1.p227-250

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• Honey pollen spectra of two species of stingless bee (Apidae: Meliponini) in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

  Research reveals that honey produced by two species of stingless bees, Melipona fasciculata and Melipona subnitida, in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park contains diverse pollen spectra, reflecting the plant communities of its Restinga environment. The study identified 19 pollen types, with significant contributions from Eucalyptus and Vachellia species, highlighting the ecological role of these bees in pollination within this unique coastal ecosystem. By analyzing honey samples using melissopalynological techniques, the research provides insights into the dietary habits of stingless bees and their potential for conserving biodiversity in Restinga areas.

  Pinto, R. S., Corrêa Rêgo, M. M., & De Albuquerque, P. M. C. (2020). Honey pollen spectra of two species of stingless bee (Apidae: Meliponini) in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. Grana, 60(3), 217–230. https://doi.org/10.1080/00173134.2020.1821088

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• Modelling Dunes from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Brazil): Largest dune field in South America

  Researchers have identified a negative volumetric balance of erosion and a dominant wind-driven sediment transport pattern in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. This finding sheds light on the dynamic processes shaping one of South America's largest dune fields, located at the intersection of three major neotropical ecosystems. The study utilized advanced geodetic techniques, including multi-temporal satellite imagery and high-precision GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning, to create a detailed digital elevation model (DEM). Annual surface surveys conducted between 2015 and 2017 revealed the complex dynamics of dune formation, challenging conventional mapping methods due to their limitations in precision and cost-effectiveness. The results provide critical insights into coastal erosion patterns and sediment movement, offering a foundation for further studies on dune evolution in this ecologically significant region.

  dos Santos, A. L. S., Borges, H. P., Silva Junior, C. H. L., Piedade Junior, R. N., & da Silva Bezerra, D. (2019). Modelling Dunes from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Brazil): Largest dune field in South America. Scientific Reports, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-43735-0

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• Vascular flora of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão State, Brazil: checklist, floristic affinities and phytophysiognomies of restingas in the municipality of Barreirinhas

  A floristic survey of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, identified 289 vascular plant species across 73 families, with notable richness in Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Eriocaulaceae, and Myrtaceae. The study recorded 56 new occurrences for the state of Maranhão and revealed low floristic similarity among restinga areas in North and Northeastern Brazil, suggesting high endemism or potential collection bias. The research combined herbarium data with field collections (2015–2017) and applied UPGMA clustering using Jaccard index to analyze affinities.

  Rodrigues, M. L., Mota, N. F. d. O., Viana, P. L., Koch, A. K., & Secco, R. d. S. (2019). Vascular flora of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão State, Brazil: checklist, floristic affinities and phytophysiognomies of restingas in the municipality of Barreirinhas. Acta Botanica Brasilica, 33(3), 498–516. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-33062018abb0421

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• Molecular Identification of Leishmania spp. in Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

  Researchers identified four Leishmania species infecting sand flies in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, highlighting potential risks for leishmaniasis transmission. The study found Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and L. (Viannia) lainsoni in multiple sand fly species, including Lutzomyia whitmani, while Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum was prevalent in Lutzomyia wellcomei and Lu. sordellii. Molecular analysis of 2,190 female sand flies collected from peridomiciliary areas between September 2012 and August 2013 revealed infection rates up to 20%. These findings underscore the need for surveillance and control measures to mitigate cutaneous leishmaniasis and prevent visceral leishmaniasis outbreaks in this UNESCO-listed conservation area, a major tourist destination.

  Pereira-Filho, A. A., Fonteles, R. S., Bandeira, M. d. C. A., Moraes, J. L. P., Rebêlo, J. M. M., & Melo, M. N. (2018). Molecular Identification of Leishmania spp. in Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. Journal of Medical Entomology, 55(4), 989–994. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjy014

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• Flowering phenology of Mouriri guianensis (Melastomataceae) and its interaction with the crepuscular bee Megalopta amoena (Halictidae) in the restinga of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

  A rare crepuscular pollination system was identified in the Brazilian endemic plant Mouriri guianensis, where flowering peaks at twilight to evade less effective daytime pollinators. The study observed that bees, particularly Megalopta amoena and Xylocopa cearensis, exhibit buzz pollination behavior, with M. amoena using its jaws to access anthers. Over 86 bee visits were recorded, with activity concentrated between 5:00 and 6:00 AM. The research highlights the plant's extended anthesis as a strategy to attract specialized pollinators while minimizing interactions with less beneficial visitors.

  OLIVEIRA, F. d. S., RIBEIRO, M. H. M., NUNEZ, C. V., & ALBUQUERQUE, P. M. C. d. (2016). Flowering phenology of Mouriri guianensis (Melastomataceae) and its interaction with the crepuscular bee Megalopta amoena (Halictidae) in the restinga of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. Acta Amazonica, 46(3), 281–290. https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-4392201504853

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• Species richness and activity pattern of bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in the restinga area of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Barreirinhas, Maranhão, Brazil

  A study in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park revealed that the bee community in coastal dune vegetation exhibits seasonal activity patterns, with increased abundance during the rainy season. Researchers collected 1211 individuals from 59 species using entomological nets and Moerike traps over a one-year period (August 2009 to July 2010). The findings align with known patterns in Maranhão and other northeastern Brazilian coastal areas, highlighting the dominance of species such as Trigona sp. gr. fulviventris, Apis mellifera, and Centris spp. This research contributes to understanding bee diversity and ecological dynamics in unique restinga ecosystems, which are critical for biodiversity conservation.

  Gostinski, L. F., Carvalho, G. C. A., Rêgo, M. M. C., & Albuquerque, P. M. C. d. (2016). Species richness and activity pattern of bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in the restinga area of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Barreirinhas, Maranhão, Brazil. Revista Brasileira de Entomologia, 60(4), 319–327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbe.2016.08.004

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• An ecological study of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the vicinity of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, Brazil

  A study in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, confirms the presence of two sand fly species—Lutzomyia whitmani and Lutzomyia longipalpis—in homes near the park. These species are linked to cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, respectively, with their abundance likely explaining endemic cases in the region. While L. whitmani is a primary vector for cutaneous leishmaniasis, other sand fly vectors may also contribute. The research highlights the urgent need for sustained surveillance to curb the expansion of these vectors and prevent outbreaks of leishmaniasis. The study employed ecological sampling methods to assess sand fly populations in peridomestic environments.

  Pereira Filho, A. A., Bandeira, M. d. C. A., Fonteles, R. S., Moraes, J. L. P., Lopes, C. R. G., Melo, M. N., & Rebêlo, J. M. M. (2015). An ecological study of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the vicinity of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, Brazil. Parasites & Vectors, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-015-1045-5

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• Reptiles from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, northeastern Brazil

  A comprehensive survey of reptiles in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (LMNP), Brazil, reveals 42 species, with restinga areas—shrubby coastal habitats—hosting a remarkable 81% of the recorded fauna. This study underscores the unique biodiversity of LMNP, situated at the intersection of three major Neotropical ecosystems: Amazonia, Caatinga, and Cerrado. Conducted over 235 days of fieldwork, the research highlights the critical importance of conserving restingas, which, despite comprising only 20% of the park's protected area, support the majority of reptile species in this complex habitat. The findings emphasize the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these ecologically rich but vulnerable environments.

  Miranda, J., Lopes Costa, J. C., & Duarte da Rocha, C. F. (2012). Reptiles from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. ZooKeys, 246, 51–68. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.246.2593

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