Pantanal

The Pantanal is a vast tropical wetland in South America, spanning roughly 150,000 square kilometers, mainly in Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso states, with portions extending into eastern Bolivia and southern Paraguay. It is the world's largest tropical wetland and a mosaic of wetlands, savannas, and forest. The name Pantanal derives from the Portuguese pantanal, meaning swamp.

The Pantanal is formed by the upper Paraguay River basin and its tributaries. It experiences a pronounced flood pulse: rains and river inflows peak during the wet season from about November to March, inundating large areas; receding during the dry season from May to September. Flooded lagoons, channels, and oxbow lakes create a dynamic and productive landscape.

Biodiversity is exceptionally high. The region supports jaguars, capybaras, caimans, giant otters, and numerous fish; it is also a major birding region with species such as jabirus, herons, macaws, and kingfishers. The Pantanal serves as a critical breeding site and migratory corridor for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, attracting researchers and naturalists from around the world.

Humans live in the Pantanal and rely on cattle ranching, fishing, and increasingly ecotourism. The area faces threats from deforestation, frequent fires, overgrazing, mining activity, and upstream dam construction. Conservation efforts emphasize protected areas and sustainable land use across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, amid ongoing scientific and community-based initiatives to balance ecological protection with local livelihoods.