Fauna

João de Barro

Pantanal has the largest concentration flora and fauna in South America. Currently it is populated by a variety of species found in the Amazon Region, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado (the Brazilian savanna) and Chaco. It is mainly an area of species exchange and does not harbor rich endemic fauna like the Amazon Region or Atlantic Forest, and it is ultimately characterized by quantity and not by rarity.

Pantanal offers visitors a variety of open landscapes inhabited by large animal population, who's feeding habits depend basically upon the water fauna. Thus, in the flooded areas, microorganisms enable the development of large crabs, crustaceous, amphibians and fish population, among others, which feed a variety of predators such as birds, reptiles and mammals.

The abundance of fish in Pantanal Rivers is recognized worldwide. Corimbatas (ray-finned fish), pacus, cascudos (armored catfish), pintados (spotted catfish), dourados, jaús (South and Central America catfish) and the famous piranhas are amongst the most common species.

It is during the rainy and flooded season that a large quantity of amphibians may be seen in Pantanal. That class of animals is extremely important for the ecological chain: Controlling insects' population and on the other hand, serving as food for other classes such as reptiles, birds and mammals.

The caimans play important role in the Pantanal waters where they function as regularr predators of fish and, many times, as relevant agents in the recycling of nutrients.

Another highlighted water and semi-terrestrial predator is the anaconda. A snake that, in the Pantanal region, may reach up to 6 meters in length. Due to that unusual size, is the source of many tales. Amongst the most common snakes in the area - several water snake species, pit-vipers, rat snake, vine snakes, etc.  

The birds in Pantanal are one of its most alluring attractions. Gathering in large groups, they mainly explore the water environments, searching for mollusks, small crustaceous and fish. Many species set up their nests in common areas perched on certain trees, known as ninhais (pertaining to bird nesting), which distinguish themselves within the Pantanal landscape. An admirable spectacle is to gaze upon and follow the birds with the eyes, at dusk or at dawn, in their way to their rookery, along the riverside where they gather to spend the nights.

Two of the most important bird-representatives in the world are found in Pantanal - the Jabiru Stork and the Greater Rhea. The Jabiru Stork is the bird-symbol of Pantanal and the largest stork in the world, reaching up to 2 meters in wingspan. The Greater Rhea, a typical inhabitant of the cerrado is the largest bird of the Americas and it is easily seen in the Pantanal fields, always looking for insects, seeds and fruits.

Other birds typical of the Pantanal include the Chaco Chachalaca, the endangered Hyacinth Macaw, Black-hooded and Monk Parakeets, Parrots, Cuckoos, Herons and Spoonbills. The enormous abundance of birds of prey, especially the Southern Crested Caracara, Savana Hawk,  and the Roadside Hawk reflect the richness feeds on mollusks.

Among the mammals that depend upon the waters are Capybaras, Southern River Otters and Giant Otters. The Giant Otter, once abundant in the region, but almost wiped out by hunters, are great fish predators.

Typical animals of the cerrado (Brazilian Savanna) are found in large numbers in Pantanal, attracted by the abundance of food in the flooded areas. Marsh Deers, common in the rich grazing wet fields, may be seen accompanied by two other deer species typical of the cerrado and by other mammals, such as the Crab-eating Fox, Giant Anteater, Tapir, Collared Peccary, Feral Pigs, Agouti, South-American Coatis and armadillos.

As for the primates, the Brown Capuchin Monkey lives alongside the Black Howler Monkey in the Cordilheiras woods and are rarely seen moving around the fields.

The largest predators of the South-American continent, Jaguars and Pumas, are attracted by the plentiful prey. The Jaguar is an animal standing at the top of the food chain, that is, the more individuals of that species occurs in an area, the better its conservation.