5 Facts About Pantanam
The Pantanal is a breathtaking area located right in the heart of South America. This incredibly large wetland has a rich history and so many secrets to share. Keep reading to find out 5 interesting facts about the Pantanal that you probably do not know - but certainly need to!
It is the world’s largest tropical wetland
Wetlands are defined as places where the land is partially or completely covered by water. Both saltwater and freshwater wetlands are essential parts of the ecosystem, providing a refuge for both animals and humans alike. Wetlands make up only a small portion (about 6%) of the land on earth.
The Pantanal stands out because it is the largest tropical wetland in the world! That makes it an excellent resource of scientific information, with a rich variety of plant and wildlife that compares to the Amazon Rainforest.
The Pantanal is larger than many states in the United States!
The Pantanal spans more than 42 million acres. Yes, you read that right: millions! That makes it larger than exactly twenty-nine of the states in the U.S., including famous examples like New York and Florida. All of that land is hard to imagine, but that is what makes the Pantanal such a fascinating place.
It is even bigger than some countries like England and Greece!
The Pantanal protects famous wildlife
As a tropical wetland, the Pantanal represents a huge amount of biodiversity that draws in scientists and tourists alike from all over the world. You’ve heard of most of these iconic animals before: jaguars, caimans, and the hyacinth macaw. The Pantanl also has the largest concentration of crocodiles in the entire world.
It crosses over at least three countries
We’ve already covered that the Pantanal is large enough to be its own country, but did you know that it actually crosses over three? Those would be Bolivia, Brasil, and Paraguay. Each country has its own unique relation to the wetlands, and all three have joined forces to find a way to protect the Pantanal and conserve its natural beauty.
The area has some famous recipes
All of the biodiversity of the Pantanal is a big help to local communities, who use the wildlife and plants to create stunning and delicious food. Vegetables, fruit, fish, and more can be found in the Pantanal and combined to make traditional recipes that have been in the local culture for generations. The area has a huge impact on the local population, and provides fresh drinking water as well as food.
The Pantanal: Fascinating, Beautiful, and Special
As you can see from these facts, we still have a lot to learn about the Pantanal. This large tropical wetland is an incredibly special place that has fascinated tourists, locals, and experts in biodiversity for many years.
This area must be protected, through both conservation and increased sustainability. We can protect the Pantanal and ensure it remains one of the most pristine wetlands in the world.