The forests extend from near sea level to 600–800 metres (2,000–2,600 ft) in elevation, on the windward slopes of the Borborema Plateau.

The four-tiered evergreen Atlantic moist forests are the predominant vegetation type.

It also harbors the last populations of the red-handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul) and blond capuchin (Sapajus flavius) in the Atlantic Forests.

The first cycle of destruction was due to "Pau-brasil" (Caesalpinia echinata) extraction.

After the extraction of Pau-brasil, through the mid-20th century, the sugarcane industry was mainly responsible for the forest clearing.