I have never been to the Pantanal, but after reading this account by my husband Gary, Director and fellow traveller of Latin Link Adventure – it should be my next destination, whenever that may be! 

The Pantanal, the world's largest wetland area, is the place to be if you're craving to see an abundance of exotic wildlife. It's situated mostly within the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, in the western part of Brazil.

The Pantanal is situated mostly within the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, in the western part of Brazil.

All in all, the Pantanal is a swamp larger than France that covers a staggering 88,803 square miles (230,000 sq km) going as far as the north of Paraguay and the east of Bolivia (where it's called the Chaco Boliviano).

During the wet season (November- March) the Pantanal floods submerging over 80% of the area. As a result, an immense variety of aquatic plants emerge. The area is thought to be the world’s most dense flora and fauna ecosystem.

The Pantanal ecosystem is also thought to be home to 1000 bird species, 400 fish species, 300 mammalian species, 480 reptile species and over 9000 different subspecies of invertebrates.

The Pantanal ecosystem is thought to be home to 1000 bird species.

Among the rarest animals to inhabit the wetland of the Pantanal are the marsh deer, the giant river otter, the hyacinth macaw, jaguar, wolf, bush dog, capybara, tapir, giant anteater and caiman. The Pantanal is also home to one of the largest and healthiest Jaguar populations on Earth.

Approximately 99% of the land in the Pantanal is privately owned for the purpose of agriculture and ranching. There are 2500 fazendas(ranches) in the region and up to 8 million cattle. The sight of cattle grazing interspersed with wildlife is an intriguing mix!

A few words from Gary.

I have had the privilege of travelling through this region 3 times over the last 20 years. It has been inspiring to see the increase in sustainable eco tourism . On my last  visit  I  spent  considerable time travelling  with one of  South America’s  leading  conservationists Dr  Charles Munn who  has  been responsible for  creating   15 million acres of new rainforest reserves in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia  and is  now  leading the environmental crusade in the Pantanal. His wildlife company is called Southwild. 

Dr Munn’s formula for creating unique wildlife adventures is simple but incredibly difficult:

• Think like the animal. Brad Pitt’s character in ‘A River Runs Through It’ says it will be two years until he can think like a fish. SouthWild’s scientists and guides can already think like jaguars, pumas, ocelots, condors, harpy eagles, macaws and even giant anteaters. Their years of training and field experience allow them to anticipate natural behaviours and discover even the most elusive wildlife. And they are aided by one of the largest global networks of scientific advisers.

• Convince the community of the viability of the project. South America’s wild animals, particularly the predators, are often still regarded and hunted as pests. SouthWild sometimes takes years to persuade local people that the wildlife, when visible, can generate economic value much greater than the cost of damaged crops or cattle. It is even possible to turn bad hombres like poachers into zealous guides and guardians for the animals.

• Fight the right battles. Exposure is the only way to effectively protect wildlife and sometimes SouthWild has to battle for years to be allowed to create the Reserves that make this possible. SouthWild’s legal team is headed up by one of Brazil’s best negotiators and the company is winning more battles than it is losing. 

Latin Link Adventure supports their endeavours by making it possible for people to experience this unique area. 

For further information contact  Gary Tate, Latin Link Adventure Ph: 03 4435036 or email [email protected]   www.latinlink.co.nz