The protected area in the Cerrado biome, which covers 131,769 hectares (325,610 acres), was created on January 26, 1990.

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

[1] It contains all or part of the municipalities of Conceição do Mato Dentro, Itabira, Itambé do Mato Dentro, Jaboticatubas, Nova União, Morro do Pilar, Santana do Riacho and Taquaraçu de Minas in the state of Minas Gerais.

The purpose is to preserve biological diversity, control the impact of human occupation and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

[2] Protected species in the area include maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis mitis).