The PANTANALThe 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.

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courtesy of Thommy’scourtesy 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