Morro de São Paulo Fauna

Mammals

Mico

A small monkey, with tussocks of hair on the ears, and a long striped tail. It lives in the forest, and it is more easily spotted in the neighborhoods of mangroves and coconut trees. Sometimes it approaches houses and inns looking for food, even "assaulting" a breakfast. More likely to be seen at the hill of the Lighthouse and trails in the forest.

Crab-eating fox

Up to 50 cm high, the crab eating fox is the largest native mammal living on the island. In spite of its size it is rarely seen. It is an omnivorous animal, which means it’ll eat almost anything it can capture, mostly insects and fruit. It lives in the areas of more extensive forest.

Capybara

The largest rodent in the world lives in the fen, toward the center of the island. Sometimes they come as far as the beach, or even in the middle of the village, but since it is such a skillful swimmer and diver, once it reaches the water, no one can catch it!

Armadillo

There are several species in the island, and some are very large. Since armadillos are more active at night, they spend part of the day hidden in a burrow.

Birds

Parrot

Although it's found as a pet in many places, here it's found in nature. They fly in small very noisy groups. It has the habit of imitatting other animals of its environment, consequently "speaking" when they live with humans. The most likely place to find them is in Garapuá.

Jandaia / Parakeets

Some mistake it for a parrot, however it is smaller, and it does not learn to speak. They live in larger groups, from 12 to 20 animals, and are very noisy. They can be seen in the trails next to Garapuá.

Wood-pecker

There are several species in the archipelago, with great variety in colors. The largest are very dark. They can be easily seen at dusk in the coconut farms, such as Garapuá or at Encanto Beach.

Sangue-de-boi

It's dark, however red on the chest. It's very easy to spot a nest, a kind of bag hanging from the leaves of coconut palms, especially in the Garapuá trail.

Azulão

Very abundant species of bird, it is very well adapted to the coconut farms. It's dark blue, almost black.

Crustaceans

Guaiamum Crab

It is a very large blue crab. It lives in dry land, close to the mangroves, in deep holes. It's captured by the locals with a trap, and fattened in the "calito", being fed with dendê, coconut and fruits. it is an appreciated dish.

Uçá Crab

It lives hidden in the mud of the mangrove. , is brown, full of fur. It's in search of these brown furry crabs that the locals walk in the mangrove, bogged down in the mud up to their waist.

Aratú Crab

It is a small, red, very showy crab. It constructs a kind of igloo out of mud, in the mangrove. It's very agile, they go up in the mangrove trees and dive. They are not eaten whole due to their small size, but taste great in a moqueca.

Sirí Crab

It's the famous one from the "casquinha de siri". Also lives in the mangrove, although closer to the sea.

Grauçá Crab

Found throughout most of the coast of Brazil, also known as "maria-farinha". It's too small to be eaten, but it is used as medication for jellyfish burns.

Lobster

Very appreciated crustacean, but expensive since it's difficult to capture. Nets are used on the deep, and many times it is necessary to dive, since the nets are damaged by the reefs.

Shrimp

There are several species, of different size. They are prepared in various ways, from a traditional garlic sauce, to the delicious moqueca.

Clams

Oyster

It lives fixed in the mangrove trees, in the height subject to flooding. It is a filterer, taking its subsistence from the water, therefore, very sensitive to pollution. Usually consumed in natura.

Lambreta

Looks much like the oyster, but lives in the water at the mangroves. It is cooked and served with a condimented broth. Delicious!

Sururú

It's hidden in a small shell, and its main dish is the "caldo de sururu". According to local population it is aphrodisiac. It is excellent with lemon and pepper.

Octopus

It lives in holes in reefs, and is fished with a kind of hook, pulled from among the rocks. It is served in several ways, as broth, risoto, moqueca and also vinagrete.

Fishes

There are various species, however some stand out when it comes to flavor, like the "vermelho" and the "cavala". They can be served fried, in a stew, grilled or like the locals eat them: in a moqueca.