The region is a flat area of unconsolidated sediment of continental and marine origins.
The highest point is 30 metres (98 ft) above sea level.[3]
The conservation unit is in the Benito creek at the confluence of the mouths of the Tagaçaba and Serra Negra rivers, the Itaqui creek at the confluence of the mouths of the Pacotuva and Boquaçu rivers, and in the mouths of the Guaraqueçaba, Poruquara, Birigui and Sabuí rivers.
There are numerous channels and black water pools between these estuaries.[3]
The unit covers areas of mangroves to the west of the Baía dos Pinheiros, to the north of the Baía de Guaraqueçaba and to the west of the Enseada do Benito, as well as the islands of Laranjeiras, Rabelo, Pavoçá, Sambaqui, Bananas and Galheta.[3]
The station lies in the humid tropical zone with high rainfall, particularly from February to April.[5]
Average rainfall is 2,365 millimetres (93.1 in).
Temperatures range from 17 to 26 °C (63 to 79 °F) with an average of 21 °C (70 °F).[3]
The vegetation is Atlantic rain forest, transitional forests and mangroves.[5]
The Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa and Avicennia schaueriana are the main trees of the mangrove, and flower from March to October. They are arranging into clearly defined zones, with the Rhizophora mangle closest to the river margin.[3]
In addition to fish and birds, there are many species of crustaceans, molluscs and other invertebrates in the mangroves.[5]
Conservation
The Ecological Station is a "strict nature reserve" under IUCN protected area category Ia.[3]
The station was created to preserve the mangrove and island ecosystem, protect endangered species, maintain gene banks and support scientific research.[5]
The Red-tailed amazon (Amazona brasiliensis) is a protected species in the station.[2]
