Where Is the Pantanal?

The Pantanal is a vast alluvial plain fed by the Paraguay River and its tributaries, flooding extensively during the rainy season (November-March) when up to 80% of the area can be underwater. During the dry season, the water recedes, concentrating wildlife around remaining pools. This seasonal cycle creates one of the world richest wildlife habitats: the Pantanal supports an estimated 10 million caimans (the highest concentration of crocodilians anywhere), 650 bird species, 400 fish species, the world largest population of jaguars, giant otters, hyacinth macaws, and the world largest parrot. Unlike the Amazon (where dense forest hides wildlife), the Pantanal open grasslands and sparse vegetation make animal sightings exceptionally easy. Threats include cattle ranching expansion, illegal deforestation, mercury contamination from gold mining, and devastating wildfires — in 2020, fires burned about 30% of the Brazilian Pantanal.