Planning your Pantanal trip? Discover 10 incredible facts about this natural paradise in the heart of Brazil!
The largest wetland on the planet, the Pantanal is a fascinating biome that many people consider the beating heart of South America due to the abundant fauna and flora, and ecological relevance.
The Brazilian Pantanal is so important, that it even has its own day. Pantanal Day is celebrated on November 12th, in honor of environmentalist Francisco Anselmo Gomes de Barros, who bravely fought against the installation of alcohol and sugar plants in the Paraguay River basin, in 2005.
Getting to know the history of this biome is a good starting point for honoring those who took action to protect its natural resources. See below 10 facts about the Pantanal that will surely make you fall in love with it.
1 – The Pantanal is as big as three European countries
Covering over 150,000 km², the Pantanal represents 1,76% of Brazilian territory – 65% in the state of Mato Grosso and 35% in Mato Grosso do Sul.
The area is so big it can fit Portugal (92,000 km²), Belgium (30,000 km²) and Albania combined (28,000 km²)!
2 – Home of jaguars
The largest feline in the Americas is frequently seen in the Pantanal – especially in the north side, near the Cuiabá River.
In the past, jaguars were found in the southwestern United States and in central Argentina. Nowadays, after habitat loss and mass hunting, they’re primarily spotted in Brazilian lands.
Photo: Henrique Olsen
Certain Pantanal trips allow for indescribable experiences of jaguar sightings, where these beautiful predators can be seen resting, swimming, and searching for prey.
3 – Only 5% of the Pantanal is protected
Sadly, the next fact about the Pantanal is not as exciting. Only 5% of its total area is protected by conservation units, which consist of the Meeting of Waters State Park, Guirá State Park and Taiamã Ecological Station, Rio Negro Pantanal State Park, Acurizal Private Natural Heritage Reserve, Private Natural Heritage Reserve Sesc Pantanal, and Pantanal Matogrossense National Park – recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 2000.
Photo: @photoinnatur
95% of the Pantanal is under private ownership, mostly for cattle grazing. In November 2024, areas affected by deforestation were estimated at 146,150 km².
4 – Tropical climate
One of the main facts about the Pantanal is the tropical climate. The biome has two very well-defined seasons: winter (April to September), marked by drought and high temperatures, and summer (October to March), with regular rainfall and warm weather.
Throughout the year, the average temperature varies from 20º C to 30º C – although thermal sensation gives the impression of even more heat.
Photo: @ladziski
In general, travelers prefer to go to the Pantanal during the dry season due to better conditions for outdoor activities, such as wildlife watching, safaris, hiking, and horseback riding.
5 – Hundreds of rivers form the Pantanal basin
The river basin of Alto Paraguai, in the south of Mato Grosso, is formed by 180 rivers. This very same basin supplies the Pantanal. The Paraguay River is the longest, ranging 2,695 km. Its tributaries are just as impressive: São Lourenço (670 km), Cuiabá (650), Aquidauna (565 km), Miranda (490 km), Taquari (480 km), and Coxim, (280 km).
During the wet season (December to March), the soil quickly soaks up all the rainwater and floods into the lakes and rivers. Due to the low slope of the plain, the rivers get so full, that scientists estimate the water takes over four months to cross the entire biome.
6 – Wildlife hotspot
Boasting one of the highest concentrations of animals in South America, the Pantanal wildlife has over 1,500 different species, including 650 types of birds, 325 fish, 159 mammals, 98 reptiles, and 40 amphibians.
This diversity is directly connected to the climate, especially regarding the seasonal flooding. Many vertebrates join the wetlands during the dry season for the abundant food caused by the excess water, while migratory animals arrive in the Pantanal in the wet season looking for a safe place to mate and breed. Naturally, the distribution of some species is also associated with this.
Photo: @visit.pantanal
Some of the most celebrated animals of the Pantanal are giant anteaters, capybaras, blue (hyacinth) macaws, giant otters, brocket deer, yellow anacondas, and jabiru storks. No wonder this is one of the best places for wildlife tours in Brazil!
7– The kidneys of South America
“If the Amazon Rainforest is seen as the lungs of the Earth, then we can say the Pantanal are the kidneys of South America”, says Cássio Bernardino, Project Coordinator of WWF-Brazil. The biome is essential for this region’s ecosystem, as it works to filter water, control and regulate floods, and ensure water flows arrive properly in Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina.
In the summer, 180 million liters of water reach the Pantanal Plain. This accumulation forms the flooded areas, including swamps, marshes, lakes, and bays connecting the rivers.
8– Indigenous groups and Pantaneiros, the local communities of the Pantanal
Speaking of local communities, the last fact about the Pantanal regards its children. Over 40,000 indigenous people of different ethnicities live in these lands, mostly from Terena, Guató, Bororo, Kadiwéu, Guaranis Kaiowá and Guaranis Ñandeva groups. Despite their differences, they all show deep respect for nature and are incredibly important for safeguarding the Pantanal ecosystem and its traditional customs.
Additionally, riverside communities live the true Pantaneiro life. The most well-known are three neighboring villages on the border of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul – Barra de São Lourenço, Serra do Amolar and Binega. Thirty-six families have called the Pantanal’s largest conservation area their home for several decades, working in silent collaboration with the biome. Nature provides for them, and they do their best to ensure their safety
Photo: @danieldegranville
That’s why environmental awareness goes beyond simply trying to save natural resources. The destruction of nature also affects people – some more directly than others. Deforestation and fires have been causing irreversible damage to indigenous groups and Pantaneiros in their backyards, shattering their primary sources of income and overall quality of life.
9– Fires, deforestation, and other environmental challenges
One of the most concerning environmental issues is the fire. In 2024, specifically between January 1st and June 30th, 3,538 fire outbreaks were detected in the biome – a 2,018% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Although fire is a part of the Pantanal’s natural dynamic, as its resources can control and put out the fires fairly easily, current official numbers show a deep imbalance in the ecosystem.
The unusually dry weather helps the fire spread faster and stronger, but climate subjects don’t necessarily justify the fire’s origin. While authorities can’t rule out criminal intent, nothing has been confirmed, as investigations are still ongoing or came out inconclusive.
Photo: @lucas_n_morgado
Deforestation, however, is a known factor for a wider fire spread. As native vegetation is often replaced by cattle grazing, the consequences are appalling: drier soil, poor river supply, higher temperatures, infrequent rainfall, and animal death.
10 – Conservation efforts
Fortunately, there are many conservation efforts to protect the Pantanal. State and federal initiatives aim for the preservation and restoration of the biome, such as Action to Prevent and Control Deforestation and Fires in the Pantanal (PPPantanal), set for implementation in 2025.
Non-profits are also a great asset. Project Arara Azul (Hyacinth Macaw Project), for example, focuses on the protection of the hyacinth macaw since the early 90s, while Onçafari has different branches centered in science, education, and social services, but the ecotourism efforts are the focal point. The goal is to make jaguars, maned wolves and other Pantanal animals familiar with the presence of vehicles and humans, which boosts touristic activities – as seen in the Luxury Jaguar Safari tour.
Photo: @donalboyd
In fact, ecotourism shows great results for the Pantanal’s conservation. Sustainable travel practices are great methods to collect funds for environmental causes, raise awareness on the importance of the biome and create job opportunities for local communities.
The Pantanal is calling for you!
Looking forward to seeing this incredibly gorgeous destination with your own eyes after discovering these 10 facts about the Pantanal?
PlanetaEXO offers unforgettable experiences for all nature lovers out there. If you can’t wait to watch jaguars in their natural habitat, explore the wetlands, catch a glimpse of the local day-to-day life, and support conservation projects, check out our Pantanal tours and book your trip right now!
Don’t hesitate to send us a message if you want to know further information!
