PANTANAL - SOUTH

The South Pantanal is a massive nature preserve around 140,000 square kilometers large in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. It is largely composed of swamp terrain and contains an abundance of wildlife. The region is home to about 650 species of birds, 240 species of fish, 50 species of reptiles and 80 species of mammals. Some of the animals found in Pantanal are marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), jabirus storks (Jabiru mycteria) and the endangered jaguar (Panthera onca). Horseback riding is the primary transportation used by locals and a popular tourist activity.