Rio Olho d’água, the tributary of Rio da Prata, Brazil

Environment

Environment

Untouched

Surrounding area

Rio Olho d’água is the tributary of Rio da Prata, which is located in Mato Grosso do Sul, on the border with Bonito. The region is one of the most important eco-tourism areas in Brazil with its crystal-clear waters and beautiful natural landscapes such as waterfalls, caves and forests.

The Rio da Prata is the third clean river in the world. In addition to hiking through the rainforest and watchiing 234 species of birds, you can snorkel in the lower reaches of the river and enjoy as many as 56 species of fish.

Underwater landscape

There are a lot of limestone on the surface of the riverbed. Since the river water is naturally filtered by limestone and impurities are deposited in the riverbed, the water is so clear and transparent. The substrate of the river is fine white sand, which makes the river clear and transparent.

There are a large number of Heteranthera zosterifolia distributed in particular area of the river, which gives the inhabited fish a space to escape and reproduce, and also provides a large number of food sources. However, there are no plants in most area of the river.

Roots, branches and leaves fall to the river and gather in the slow-flowing area, which provide shelter and additional food source for inhabited fishes such as:

Characidae:

• Aphyocharax rathbuni
• Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
• Hyphessobrycon eques

 

Threats to ecology

With the continuous expansion of human activities, a large number of rainforests have been felled, and the habitat of living things has been severely damaged, seriously affecting the ecological balance of the earth. Rio da Prata’s (including Rio Olho d’água) excellent management of tourism activities has become the flag of Brazil. Not only the number of tourists is restricted, but also the application of sunscreen and mosquito repellent water before launching, which provides an effective guarantee for the ecological stability and species diversity of the Rio da Prata.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat

Many - Not identified