The Mata Escura Biological Reserve is divided between the municipalities of Almenara (1.4%) and Jequitinhonha (98.58%) in the state of Minas Gerais.

[4] In 1999 a team from the Minas Gerais State Forestry Institute and the Federal University of Minas Gerais visited the region to identify the main remnants of Atlantic Forest in the northeast of the state, a priority for conservation since the fragments may harbor the last wild populations of golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) and golden-bellied capuchin (Sapajus xanthosternos).

This contains flora between a restinga and altitude field environment, including bromeliaceae groups interspersed with small trees, clumps of cyperaceae, orchidaceae and epiphytic bromeliads.

[4] Threatened species include northern muriqui (Brachyteles hypoxanthus), Bahia tyrannulet (Phylloscartes beckeri) and cougar (Puma concolor).

[2] Bird species include the black hawk-eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus), ornate hawk-eagle (Spizaetus ornatus), mantled hawk (Pseudastur polionotus), solitary tinamou (Tinamus solitarius), cinnamon-vented piha (Lipaugus lanioides) and white-eared parakeet (Pyrrhura leucotis).