BANANAL ISLAND

Babassu palm (Orbignya speciosa). Portuguese Ilha Do Bananal, island, Tocantins estado (state), central Brazil. The island is formed by the Araguaia River, which for 200 miles (320 km) divides into major (western) and minor (eastern) branches, with Bananal Island lying between them. The major branch of the Araguaia forms part of the boundary between Mato Grosso and Tocantins states. Small boats navigate the minor branch. The island (maximum width 35 miles ) is the habitat of babassu palms (see photograph), tropical birds, and freshwater fish. Suy Indians live on Bananal Island. It became the Araguaia National Park in 1959 and includes an airstrip.