The Brazilian Pantanal

There is hardly any other place in the world where the concentration of living creatures per square foot is as high as in the Pantanal. The extent of species that exist here is almost unimaginable because, despite all the animals and plants that have already been researched, there are countless undiscovered species whose existence is still unknown. It is no wonder that entire travel excursions are dedicated to the unique world of the Pantanal, or how it’s fascinating flora and fauna astonish audiences from all over the world. Before we learn more about this unique biotope, let us briefly introduce you to an animal that is often associated with the Pantanal: the Jabiru, whose outline is often seen against this vast swamp area in many symbolic images of the Pantanal.
With its long legs, it strides through one of the largest inland wetlands on earth, and with its dark beak, it fishes food from the lakes and rivers of the Pantanal. Although the Jaribu can be seen in other South American countries, it seems to be most comfortable in the Brazilian Pantanal. More than half of all birds of this species live in this wetland, which now explains why it is an important symbol of the biotope.
If you are planning a trip to Brazil between the months of March and October, a visit to the Pantanal is worthwhile. In March, the rainy season usually ends and the high water levels gradually decrease, making it possible to better observe the rich flora and fauna and easier to make your way through the region.

The Pantanal is located in southwestern Brazil and lies within the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. The total area of the region is approximately 89,000 square miles (230,000 square kilometers), and about 80 percent of the South American swamp is located in Brazilian territory. The remaining parts are mostly in Bolivia and extend down to Paraguay. A special feature of the Pantanal is its unbelievable biodiversity: animal species that are native to both the Amazon and the Atlantic rainforest can be found in the Pantanal, and the wetland provides an attractive habitat for countless butterflies, mammals, reptiles, as well as bird and fish species. Endangered species still live in the wild here, and jaguars, pumas, swamp deer as well as the largest rodents in the world may cross your path in the Pantanal.
In 1981, the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park was founded in order to protect the unique and diverse animal and plant species. The Pantanal National Park has even been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and can be explored by nature lovers.

If you would like to visit the Serengeti of South America and discover rare animals and plants in the middle of untouched nature, then take a look at our travel packages. For example, on the 3-day travel package “Jaguar Extension on the Millennium Yacht”, you will be able to explore the North Pantanal in-depth and your chances of seeing a rare predatory cat in the wild are very high. Your adventure starts in Cuiaba, the capital of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, and together with your guide, you will venture from to capital into the depths of the Pantanal. From now on your new means of transportation will be by boat, and while on the water, you will have a fantastic view of the unique flora and fauna. Together with your guide, you will keep an eye out for jaguars and giant otters, and you will travel along the rivers of the Pantanal in small observation boats. Yet it is not only during the day that you will have a lot to discover, because at night more animals are active than you might have thought. Go on exciting night safaris and experience the Pantanal in the very special atmosphere of darkness. After you have thoroughly explored the unique expanses of the species-rich biotope by boat, you will also have the opportunity to peek into the high treetops on land. On a horseback excursion, you will cross stretches of the Pantanal and embark on an adventurous ride with the opportunity to experience animals and plant life up close. Jaguar Safaris, along with many other impressive expeditions in the North Pantanal, will make your vacation to Brazil unforgettable. We are happy to let you know about the many ways you can explore this unique nature reserve within the framework of your trip.

Source: www.pantanal-brasil.com