The protected area, which covers 23,285 hectares (57,540 acres) of the Amazon biome, was created on 5 May 1989.

It is administered by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation.

[1] It lies within the Parauapebas municipality of the state of Pará.

The purpose is to protect biological diversity and control human activities to ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

[2] Protected species include Uta Hick's bearded saki (Chiropotes utahicki).