Pantanal
Geography
The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland area, and is located mostly within the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, but it extends into Mato Grosso and portions of Bolivia and Paraguay. It sprawls over an area estimated at between 140,000 and 195,000 square kilometers (54,000 and 75,000 sq mi). Various subregional ecosystems exist, each with distinct hydrological, geological and ecological characteristics; up to 12 of them have been defined.
Flora and Fauna
The Pantanal ecosystem is home to 3500 known plant species. The flora of the Pantanal, at the macro scale, is characterized by vast open areas of grassland, riparian forest which includes gallery forests and termite savannah, and closed canopy forest including seasonally flooded forest and permanently flooded swamp forest. The fauna of the Pantanal is also extremely diverse, with 1000 bird species, 400 fish species, 300 mammalian species, 480 reptile species and over 9000 subspecies of invertebrates.
Hydrology
The Pantanal's hydrological cycle is a key driver of its ecology. The area is subject to a large seasonal variation in water level, with a pronounced flood pulse. This flood pulse, driven by the regional climate, is predictable and has a large amplitude. It is a defining feature of the ecosystem and has a strong influence on the biota of the Pantanal.
Conservation and Threats
The Pantanal is protected by a number of both national and international conservation areas and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the Pantanal is threatened by overfishing, unsustainable agriculture and ranching, deforestation, water pollution, and climate change. These threats to the Pantanal's ecosystem are of international concern, with repercussions for biodiversity, the local economy, and the global climate.
Tourism
The Pantanal is a popular destination for ecotourism, with opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and photography. The region's unique flora and fauna, along with its vast, unspoiled landscapes, attract tourists from around the world.