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The PANTANAL
The Pantanal is one of the world's largest wetlands. The name comes from
the Portuguese word pântano, meaning wetland, bog, swamp, quagmire or
marsh.
It is a huge, gently-sloped basin that receives runoff from the upland areas
(the Planalto highlands) and slowly releases the water through the
Paraguay River and tributaries.
Most of it lies within Brazil with portions in Bolivia and Paraguay. It is
approx. 190,000 sq km (70,000 sq mi).
About 80% of the Pantanal floodplains are submerged during the rainy
seasons, nurturing an astonishing biologically diverse collection of aquatic
plants and helping support a dense array of animal species.
Approximately 99% of the land in the Pantanal is privately owned
for the purpose of agriculture and ranching. A portion of the
Pantanal in Brazil has been protected as the Pantanal
Matogrossense National Park.
Sadly, there are plans for infrastructure development (shipping
canals, raised roads, pipelines) to allow oceangoing ships to travel
3,442 km. inland. This will have a giant impact on the hydrology
(flooding and drainage cycles) of the region, and therefore impact
the ecosystem.
ou Nymphaeaceae
courtesy of Thommy’s
Threats to the Pantanal’s ecosystem:
- Commercial fishing.
- National and international sport fishing.
- Cattle-ranching – up to 8 million cattle.
- There are 2500 fazendas (coffee plantations) in the region – erosion and
sedimentation.
- Hunting, poaching, and smuggling of endangered species: Reptile, wild cat and
parrot species are particularly at risk due to their high value on the black market.
- Uncontrolled tourism.
- Overuse of natural resources
- Silt run-off from deforested highlands alters soil hydrolog.
- Pollution from gold mining operations and agro-industry
- Pollution from sewage systems and pesticides
Music: Once Upon A Time
in the West (Finale)
By: Ennio Morricone