formations to the east meet cerrado to the southwest and marine systems to the north. There are high levels of biodiversity, rarity and endemism. Vegetation includes coastal caatinga, restinga, mangrove and flood zones with carnaúba palms. Protected species in the APA include red-handed howler (Alouatta belzebul) and smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata). Threats include conversion of habitat for farming and aquaculture, and uncontrolled extraction of resources. Notes Sources Environmental protection areas of Brazil Protected areas established in 1996 1996 establishments in Brazil Protected areas of Maranhão Protected areas of Piauí Protected areas of Ceará