It protects the Cantão wetlands, an area of igapó flooded forest in the ecotone where the Amazon rainforest merges into the cerrado.

[1] The park is bounded to the west by the Araguaia River, which forms the border with the state of Pará.

The primary purpose is protecting fauna, flora and natural resources with tourism potential to ensure their rational, sustainable use compatible with preserving the local ecosystems.

One survey identified 317 species of birds, including the endemic bananal antbird (Cercomacra ferdinandi) and Araguaia Spinetail (Synallaxis simoni).

It runs various educational activities such as lectures, workshops, training courses, video shows and monitored trails.