Pantanal Flooded Savannas
About the Area
The Pantanal represents one of the world's largest wetland complexes and one of the best examples of flooded savannas in southern South America, comprising of a mosaic of flooded grasslands and savannas, gallery forests, and dry forests.
During the rainy season over 80 per cent of the region floods, a process that helps modify the severity and frequency of floods downstream along the Rio Paraguay.
Local Species
The region is noted for huge seasonal aggregations of water birds and Caiman (Caiman latirostris). Selected species include the enormous - nearly 5 feet tall - Jabiru stork (Jabiru mycteria), Hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), Jaguar (Panthera onca), and the Broad-nosed caiman (Caiman latirostris).
Threats
Agricultural expansion, charcoal production, water projects, pollution, gold mining, mercury pollution, over fishing, uncontrolled nature tourism, and road construction pose severe threats to the Pantanal.
Resources
Local Species
The region is noted for huge seasonal aggregations of water birds and Caiman (Caiman latirostris). Selected species include the enormous - nearly 5 feet tall - Jabiru stork (Jabiru mycteria), Hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), Jaguar (Panthera onca), and the Broad-nosed caiman (Caiman latirostris).
Threats
Agricultural expansion, charcoal production, water projects, pollution, gold mining, mercury pollution, over fishing, uncontrolled nature tourism, and road construction pose severe threats to the Pantanal.
Resources
Size:
171,000 sq. km (66,000 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Flooded Grasslands and Savannas
Geographic Location:
Central South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
Quiz Time!
Where do Broad-nosed caimans keep their eggs?
Answer:
Broad-nosed caimans deposit their eggs in large domed nests. When the eggs hatch, the females open the nests and help their young into the water!
