Rio Araguaia
Rio Araguaia
The Araguaia River, also known as Rio Araguaia, is one of the most important rivers in Brazil and an important tributary of the Tocantins River. The river has a total length of approximately 2,627 kilometers (1,632 mi) and flows through the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso, Tocantins and Pará.
Origin and Destination
The Araguaia River originates in the Brazilian Highlands near the city of Alto Araguaia in the state of Mato Grosso. From there, the river flows in a north-northeast direction, forming a natural border between several Brazilian states. In the upper part of its course, the river forms the border between the states of Mato Grosso (to the west) and Goiás and southern Tocantins (to the east). Halfway through its course, the river splits into two branches, with the western branch retaining the name Araguaia and the eastern branch being called the Javaés River. This split creates the Ilha do Bananal, the largest river island in the world, which is approximately 320 kilometers long. Ultimately, the Araguaia River flows into the Tocantins River near the city of São João do Araguaia in the state of Pará.
Major Cities on the Araguaia River
Several important towns and settlements lie along the banks of the Araguaia River. Some of the most prominent cities are:
- Barra do Garças: Located in the state of Mato Grosso, this city is an important regional center and a gateway to the river.
- Aragarças: This town is located on the border between the states of Goiás and Mato Grosso and is an important connection between the two states.
- Aruanã: Located in the state of Goiás, this city is a popular destination for ecotourism and fishing.
- São Félix do Araguaia: Located in the state of Mato Grosso, this city is an important cultural and economic center in the region.
- Conceição do Araguaia: Located in the state of Pará, this city is an important trade and transportation hub.
- São João do Araguaia: This city is located near the mouth of the Araguaia River into the Tocantins River.
Habitat and Biodiversity
The Araguaia River and its surroundings are home to a rich and diverse biodiversity. The area is an important ecotone between the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) and the Amazon rainforest, contributing to its high biodiversity. The river and its tributaries support a wide range of ecosystems, including igapós (flooded forests), blackwater rivers and oxbow lakes.
Flora and Fauna
The Araguaia River is home to more than 700 bird species, almost 300 fish species and large populations of iconic animal species such as the giant otter, the black caiman, the pirarucú (one of the largest freshwater fish in the world) and the Araguaia river dolphin (also known as the Araguaia boto). The presence of these species highlights the importance of the river as a crucial habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
Protected Areas
Several parts of the river are protected by national parks and other reserves, such as the Emas National Park and the Araguaia National Park. These protected areas play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and providing habitats for endangered and endemic species.
Environmental challenges
Despite the ecological wealth of the Araguaia River, the area faces significant environmental challenges. Deforestation and the expansion of ranching and agriculture in the Araguaia River basin have had serious consequences in recent decades. These activities have led to strong linear erosion, sedimentation and changes in the river channel, which has affected the water quality and ecological health of the river.
Hydrological Impact
The hydrological dynamics of the Araguaia River are also affected by human activities such as dams and water extraction. There are plans to build 70 dams in the Araguaia River basin, including four large dams on the main stream. These infrastructure projects could disrupt natural flow regimes and further threaten the ecological integrity of the river.
Fish species
As mentioned, about 300 species of fish are found in the catchment area of this river. Below you will find the species we have added to our database.
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