BIG CAT COUNTRY
THE WORLD’S LARGEST WETLAND, BRAZIL’S PANTANAL IS HOME TO AROUND 5,000 JAGUARS AND IS THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH TO SEE THE ELUSIVE CATS IN THE WILD. AND AT AROUND 70,000SQ MILES, THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE OFFERS PLENTY OF OTHER WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS, TOO
WORDS FLORIAN KRIECHBAUMER
PHOTOGRAPHS: FLORIAN KRIECHBAUMER
A visit to the northern Pantanal begins with a journey along the dirt Transpantaneira Road to the gateway town of Porto Jofre. Encounters with pantaneiros (local cattle herders) are common as they cross wooden bridges, essential for navigating the flooded landscape during wet season. While ranching has long coexisted with the region’s biodiversity, intensive livestock production and infrastructure development threaten the delicate balance. The hyacinth macaw is one victim. The species relies on manduvi trees, whose natural cavities make them ideal for nesting and raising chicks; deforestation means this precious habitat is dwindling.