They are rich in epiphytes and parasitic plants and have a dense shrub layer. On sand coastal soils, there is restinga vegetation which, depending on the distance to the shore, includes from humid prairies and shrubs to low forests. Bare sand areas are colonised by very specialised vegetation. Restinga forests contain lianas, orchids and epiphytes. The fauna is relatively poorly known.
Ecological heterogeneity makes precise definition of habitats and local fauna difficult.
With the exception of some ecosystems such as wetlands, many organisms are characterised by selecting areas of vegetation gradients and ecotones. Best known groups are birds and primates. A rich rodent fauna has been recorded from the region whereas bats from four different families were captured. The nominated World Heritage site comprises a series of cultural features, which represent outstanding examples of first European occupation of the New World and a unique testimony of this period in modern history. Numerous archaeological sites, both prehistoric and historic, can be found in the area.