The protected area in the Cerrado biome, which covers 39,957 hectares (98,740 acres), was created on 25 January 1990.

[1] The objective is to protect biological diversity, manage the impact of human occupation and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.

[2] The area covers parts of the municipalities of Confins, Lagoa Santa, Matozinhos, Funilândia, Pedro Leopoldo and Prudente de Morais in Minas Gerais.

[2] Protected species include fossorial giant rat (Kunsia fronto), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis mitis) and orange-brown Atlantic tree-rat (Phyllomys brasiliensis).

[1] It includes the Sumidouro State Park, which protects an area containing limestone caves where remains of early humans have been found.