Pantanal and Pantaneiros

Category: Pantanal | Date: Nov 09 2007 | By: admin

The Pantanal Matogrossense is one of the biggest continuous wetland of the world and is localized at the center of South America, at the Alto Paraguay hydrographic basin. Its area is 138.183 km2 (53,352 miles2) with 65% of its territory at Mato Grosso do Sul State and 30% at Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The area is an alluvial flat land influenced by rivers which drain the Alto Paraguay basin, where a rare fauna and flora abundance can be found on four big biomes: Amazon, Cerrado, Chaco and Atlantic Forest. Due its characteristics and importance, and being one of the most exuberant and diverse natural reserve of the Earth, UNESCO recognized this area as a Biosphere Reserve, in 2000.

Aerial view of Pantanal.

Several species of animals that are endangered at other areas in Brazil still have vigorous population at Pantanal, as the marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), capibara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), jabiru (Mycteria americana), and the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus).

Jabiru (Mycteria americana) - the bird symbol of Pantanal.

Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus).

Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) .

Armadillo.

The footprint of a jaguar.

Anaconda.

The person who was born and lives at Pantanal is known as “pantaneiro” for their unique characteristics and skills. We can say that the “pantaneiro man” is by essence a conservationist and is hard to imagine the history of this region, with such a complicated and complex ecosystem, without their concern. They occupied the flat land, seduced by the huge area that allow the cattle production and believe that this is a commercial activity balanced with nature.

Simple and hard worker men, the pantaneiros spend the day working with the cattle, with some breaks for the “tereré” (tipical cold drink made with mate). Well knower of fauna and flora, they are always helping the Blue Fronted Amazon Parrot team on its field activities to find new parrot’s nests or identifying trees.

Cattle raised at Pantanal.

The ‘cowboys’.

A tipical family in Pantanal.

A cold terere is the best drink during such hot days.

Tereré and stories of jaguar are always present during our monthly stay with the pantaneiros. Since the beginning of our work, they are fundamental characters for our success. Their simplicity and hospitality cheer our long days of work, which end with a wonderful sunset at Pantanal.