Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland. Land of caimans and jaguars

Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland in the world. It lies on the border of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Covering over 150,000 km², it may not be the most famous ecosystem on Earth, but its role in preserving biodiversity and water resources is hard to overestimate.

The vast wetlands of South America

Pantanal spans an area of about 150,000 km². That means it’s larger than 9 U.S. states. It also exceeds the size of at least 9 European countries, including England, Austria, Hungary, Greece, and Ireland.
During the rainy season, the Paraguay River overflows and floods the surrounding plains. After a few weeks, the water slowly retreats, leaving behind moist valleys and depleted floodplains. This is the rhythm of the region. It may seem regular, but it’s not entirely predictable. Flora and fauna have been adapting to it for generations.

Unlike many other wetlands, water here does not flow through canals or get blocked by concrete. Everything depends on rainfall and the river’s level. But things are starting to go off balance more often. Droughts are getting longer. Rain arrives late or falls too heavily.

On top of that, new roads, farms, and developments are springing up in the area, altering the landscape faster than nature ever would.

Caimans, jaguars, and other species of the Pantanal

Caimans are among the most iconic animals of the Pantanal. There are around 10 million of them here – the largest concentration of crocodilians in the world.

In the same habitat live jaguars, which need space, water, and prey. Pantanal offers them ideal conditions. They hunt capybaras, tapirs, and even caimans. Besides these predators, one can spot the hyacinth macaw – a large, blue parrot whose wild population is shrinking by the day. The region is also home to jabiru storks, anteaters, otters, and dozens of water bird species.

This natural wealth attracts tourists, travelers, and photographers. Over a million people visit the Pantanal each year to observe wildlife – up close, but without venturing deep into the wetlands.

Protecting the Pantanal and challenges of land use

Paradoxically, the Pantanal is not fully protected. Only 5 percent of its surface is formally safeguarded. The rest is private land, most of it used for cattle ranching.

In recent years, fires have become more frequent, and agricultural pressure is growing. Changes are also occurring in the natural water cycle. Illegal fishing and local land-use conflicts worsen the situation further.

Although a legal framework exists, its enforcement is difficult. As a result, some degradation processes are progressing despite official protection.

Joint efforts by Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay

Pantanal stretches across three countries. Effective protection of this area therefore requires international cooperation. Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay are holding talks on shared management principles. They aim to establish a framework that will apply regardless of national borders.

NGOs, including WWF, are involved in these efforts. Activities include education, local initiatives, the creation of new protected areas, and the development of sustainable tourism.

Pantanal could become a model for other regions. The condition? All parties must commit to protecting this natural treasure – an ecosystem unlike any other.

main photo: Filipefrazao/Wikimedia