The Xitué Ecological Station (Portuguese: Estação Ecológica de Xitué) is a state-level protected area in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Established as a strictly protected conservation unit, it is situated within the municipality of Ribeira and forms part of the larger mosaic of protected areas in the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) biome.
The station was officially created by State Decree No. 26.891 on March 12, 1987. It covers an area of approximately 3,095 hectares. As an ecological station, the site is classified under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) protected area category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve). This classification prohibits public visitation for tourism or recreation, restricting access primarily to scientific research and environmental education programs authorized by the managing agency.
Geographically, the Xitué Ecological Station is located in a mountainous region characterized by dense ombrophilous forest (rainforest). It is contiguous with other significant conservation units, most notably the Alto Ribeira State Tourist Park (PETAR) and the Nascentes do Paranapanema State Park. Together, these areas form an important ecological corridor that supports high levels of biodiversity, including several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna typical of the Atlantic Forest.
The management of the station is overseen by the Fundação Florestal (Forest Foundation), an entity linked to the São Paulo State Secretariat for the Environment, Infrastructure, and Logistics. The primary objectives of the station are the preservation of regional ecosystems, the protection of genetic resources, and the advancement of ecological studies. Historical and archaeological sites have also been identified within or near its boundaries, reflecting the region's complex human and natural history.