Estação Biológica de Caratinga, a remote and little-visited nature reserve in eastern Minas, is the easiest place to spot muriquis in the wild. The reserve has played a critical role in rescuing the northern muriqui from extinction. In 1944 there were only eight muriquis on record here, when local coffee farmer Feliciano Abdalla committed himself to preserving a large chunk of the native Atlantic rainforest on his property.
Forty years later, the Estação Biológica was established, and in the three decades since, research and preservation efforts have led to greater understanding of the muriqui and an impressive resurgence of its numbers. Today there are approximately 450 northern muriquis living within the reserve, representing roughly a third of the world’s population.
Seeing the primates in their natural habitat is an amazing experience, and visitors have a better-than-average chance of a sighting, thanks to the expert skills of local guides. To arrange a day visit (R$150 to R$200 per person depending on group size, plus R$40 for optional lunch), call or email the park office. Bring sturdy shoes for quick scrambles up the hillside, and don't wear red – muriquis take this as a sign of aggression. May is an especially good month to visit, as the muriqui's favorite food source, Mabea fistulifera, is in flower and the animals may linger in a single spot for long periods feeding on the nectar.
