Since 1996, a team of researchers from IPÊ and Wildlife Trust have developed the project "Rescuing the Interior Atlantic Forests of Sao Paulo State , Brazil ". In order to evaluate the quality of forest fragments and their state of conservation, the team has conducted rapid surveys of vegetation and fauna (mammals and birds), in addition to describing the areas surrounding these forests.
The study has provided characterizations of the vegetation, which is done by profile diagrams and quadrant sampling . The forest remnants have been compared among each other for parameters such as plant diversity, number of dead trees and abundance of lianas.

Data on medium and large mammal species present in the forest remnants have also been complied thorough evaluation of their tracks.

This study has been critical to identify which are the priority areas for conservation. Results have influenced policies such as the creation of the Black-Lion Tamarin Ecological Station, a protected area composed of four forest fragments that host this species in the Pontal region.