[4] Despite a lack of systematic study, 131 archaeological sites have been identified, typically sambaquis, or large accumulations of the shells of mollusks and crustaceans and the bones of fish.

[8] The coastal plain of the APA is home to about 64 species of mammal, five of which are endemic to the Atlantic Forest and 11 considered endangered in the state.

Studies of birdlife in the mangroves, wetlands, plains and hillsides have recorded 322 species of which 71 are endemic to the Atlantic Forest and 10 threatened with extinction.

[9] The region has good potential for tourism with its mountains, rivers, waterfalls, dams, bay, coastal plains, mangroves and archaeological sites, as well as the two parks.

Threats include uncontrolled extraction of forest products, hunting, unauthorized occupation by squatters, use of agrochemicals, mining, degradation of archaeological sites and reforestation with pines, an exotic invasive species.