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The Pantanal - Nestling in the heart of South America and spread over a region estimated at between 140,000 and 195,000 sq km (54,000 and 75,000 sq mi), the Pantanal encompasses the world's largest tropical wetland area.

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A vast natural region - This vast natural region is located mostly within the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, but it extends into Mato Grosso, and pockets of Bolivia and Paraguay.

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UNESCO World Heritage Site - One of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, the Pantanal is home to more than 4,700 species of plants and animals. Although a UNESCO World Heritage Site, less than 2% of the wetland is federally protected.

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Jabiru stork - Considered a symbol of the Pantanal, the jabiru stork seen here in flight is the tallest flying bird in South and Central America. The name comes from a Tupi–Guaraní language and means "swollen neck."

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Jaguar - The world’s largest concentration of jaguars is found in the Pantanal. This water-loving feline is listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers continue to decline.

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Black howler monkey - You'll probably hear these handsome primates long before you see them. They are heard most often around sunrise, and the call can be heard up to 5 km (3.5 mi) away. Incidentally, only the adult male is black, as adult females and juveniles of both genders are of a beige-yellow hue.

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Tropical climate - The climate of the Pantanal is tropical, with hot, rainy summers and dry, sunny winters, characterized by warm days and cool nights.

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Floodplains environment - About 80% of the Pantanal floodplains are submerged during the rainy seasons, between December and March. 

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Yacare caiman - Once frequently hunted for its skin, the population of this caiman species in the Pantanal today is roughly 10 million.

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South American tapir - Poaching and habitat destruction threatens the future of the South American tapir, the largest surviving native terrestrial mammal in the Pantanal, and indeed the Amazon.

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Yellow anaconda - One of the largest snakes in the world, the yellow anaconda can grow up to 4 m (13 ft). It's not venomous. Instead it kills its prey by constriction.

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Marsh deer - This is one of the rarest and most vulnerable animal species to inhabit the Pantanal. The deer feed mainly on aquatic plants, flowers, and shrubs.

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Visiting on horseback - One way of visiting the region is on horseback. Treks are led by expert guides and afford a unique view of the Pantanal ecosystem from the saddle.

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Pink lapacho tree - Otherwise known as the pink trumpet tree, one of the Pantanal's most conspicuous and well-known species of flora is ubiquitous throughout western Brazil's Mato Grosso state.

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Southern naked-tailed armadillo - Solitary and for the most part nocturnal, this small, armored creature spends much of its time burrowing and seeking out its favorite food, ants and termites.

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Solitary crowned eagle - Another Pantanal resident that's seen its habitat depleted, this noble and endangered raptor is mostly active at twilight.

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Giant river otter - Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt considerably diminished the population of this sleek predator. Active exclusively during daylight hours, it remains an endangered species.

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Hyacinth macaw - About 3,000 hyacinth macaws—the world’s largest parrot—reside in the Pantanal. Its cobalt blue plumage and yellow trim around its eyes has made it highly desirable on the black market—a trade that almost drove this beautiful and exotic species to extinction in the 1990s.

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The Pantaneiro - Horses and cattle are reared in the Pantanal, including the Pantaneiro cattle breed. Sadly, the exceptionally rare Pantaneiro is now considered to be at risk of extinction.

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Southern tamandua - A species of anteater, this animal nests in hollow tree trunks or in the burrows of other animals. Its poor vision is compensated for by a keen sense of hearing.

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Local economy - Pantanal's local residents include fishermen who ply the region's myriad network of rivers and tributaries for the tastiest fish species.

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Capybara - The world's largest rodent, capybara are highly adapted to live on both land and in water. Their large webbed feet make them excellent swimmers and they have the ability to stay submerged for long periods of time to avoid predators.

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Rufescent tiger heron - A striking members of the heron family, this species is common throughout the region. Its main call is a low-pitched paired hoot, often given at night.

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Giant anteater - Listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, this animal is generally known as shy and passive, however it's also known for its powerful, razor-sharp front claws.

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Chestnut-eared aracari - Spying this colorful and attractive member of the toucan family is a real treat.

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Ocelot - You'll need patience and a fair bit of luck to see this gorgeous little wild cat out and about after dark. It's more common in the southern Pantanal.

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Southern crested caracara - This bold, opportunistic raptor can often be seen walking around on the ground foraging for food. It's the second-largest species of falcon in the world, though it's still swift and agile in the air.

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Maned wolf - Blessed with long, thin legs to help it see above tall grasses, the protected maned wolf is still under threat from habitat loss, poaching, and disease.  (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Firefly - To witness dancing fireflies at night is to enjoy one of the world's greatest natural shows, and the Pantanal's hot humid environment is a perfect stage!

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Piranha - This freshwater fish has a notorious reputation as a dangerous predator, possessed as it is of a powerful and dangerous bite. However, attacks on humans are rare. But look out for warning signs at high-risk locations.

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Eco-tourism -

If you're thinking about visiting the Pantanal, check out the various specialist tour operators that organize tours and expeditions from within the region. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

See also: Marvel at the most radiant wildlife on Earth. 

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