Encountering The Jaguars Of The Pantanal
The Jaguar is one of the planets most elusive, elegant and powerful big cats. Despite having been very much a part of the native South American traditions for hundreds of years, it has only recently become of major interest to the modern scientist - primarily because of its near-threatened status. Historically, the Aztecs and Mayans revered the animal as they would a God, and in some cultures the big cat is even known as "Jaguar, God of the Night".
A Jaguar safari tour is becoming ever more popular among wildlife enthusiasts looking for their next big adventure. South America is one of the best places in the world to see these beasts in their natural habitat and Brazil, in particular, with its diverse ecosystem has some prime sighting areas. By nature they are roaming animals, and are very adaptable to differing environments, climates and habitation. These normally elusive cats have been sighted throughout the South American continent, from the southern tip of North America to the southern reaches of Argentina. Favouring dense forest and open wetlands, however, the Brazilian rainforests are where they are most at home.
Sightings in The Pantanal Region of Brazil
The Pantanal region of Brazil is one of the best places to embark on a Jaguar safari. It is from the Portuguese word pantano, meaning wetland or marshy area, that the region takes its very appropriate name. The chances of sighting one of these incredible animals on a Jaguar safari here are good. The wetland area is constantly exposed to rather dramatic seasonal changes, therefore the months between June and October, when water is becoming scarcer, is the best time to visit. They need to stay close to the little water that remains, and therefore there is an increased chance of the best sightings.
The wonderful thing about a Jaguar safari in the Pantanal is that the ecosystem in the area supports the habitat of hundreds of other incredible species of both flora and fauna, many of which you are likely to get a glimpse of on your trip. The Giant Otter is one such wonderful sight and the Maned Wolf is another possibility. The abundance of wetland birdlife, including the beautiful Hyacinth Macaws, that appear anything but bashful as they grace you with their presence, will keep bird enthusiasts busy for hours.
The Secretive World
Jaguars are famously elusive creatures and are less prominent than some of the other members of the cat family. Although they are larger than a Leopard, the two are often confused due to their similar fur. Other features, however, more closely resemble those of the Tiger. Like the Tiger, they can swim and climb like an expert and rely on these skills to both hunt and protect themselves.
With powerful jaws making for a swift kill of its prey, and a solitary and predatory nature, there is little that stands in the way of the survival of these cats. That said, however, the inevitable human encroachment is the one threat they are helpless against. Jaguar safari trips are important in educating people about the potential plight of these big cats, while bringing money into the areas where beneficial plans can be put into place to protect them and increase local knowledge about their plight. The aim is to achieve a harmonious balance between humans and nature, something we strive for the world over.
A Jaguar safari tour is becoming ever more popular among wildlife enthusiasts looking for their next big adventure. South America is one of the best places in the world to see these beasts in their natural habitat and Brazil, in particular, with its diverse ecosystem has some prime sighting areas. By nature they are roaming animals, and are very adaptable to differing environments, climates and habitation. These normally elusive cats have been sighted throughout the South American continent, from the southern tip of North America to the southern reaches of Argentina. Favouring dense forest and open wetlands, however, the Brazilian rainforests are where they are most at home.
Sightings in The Pantanal Region of Brazil
The Pantanal region of Brazil is one of the best places to embark on a Jaguar safari. It is from the Portuguese word pantano, meaning wetland or marshy area, that the region takes its very appropriate name. The chances of sighting one of these incredible animals on a Jaguar safari here are good. The wetland area is constantly exposed to rather dramatic seasonal changes, therefore the months between June and October, when water is becoming scarcer, is the best time to visit. They need to stay close to the little water that remains, and therefore there is an increased chance of the best sightings.
The wonderful thing about a Jaguar safari in the Pantanal is that the ecosystem in the area supports the habitat of hundreds of other incredible species of both flora and fauna, many of which you are likely to get a glimpse of on your trip. The Giant Otter is one such wonderful sight and the Maned Wolf is another possibility. The abundance of wetland birdlife, including the beautiful Hyacinth Macaws, that appear anything but bashful as they grace you with their presence, will keep bird enthusiasts busy for hours.
The Secretive World
Jaguars are famously elusive creatures and are less prominent than some of the other members of the cat family. Although they are larger than a Leopard, the two are often confused due to their similar fur. Other features, however, more closely resemble those of the Tiger. Like the Tiger, they can swim and climb like an expert and rely on these skills to both hunt and protect themselves.
With powerful jaws making for a swift kill of its prey, and a solitary and predatory nature, there is little that stands in the way of the survival of these cats. That said, however, the inevitable human encroachment is the one threat they are helpless against. Jaguar safari trips are important in educating people about the potential plight of these big cats, while bringing money into the areas where beneficial plans can be put into place to protect them and increase local knowledge about their plight. The aim is to achieve a harmonious balance between humans and nature, something we strive for the world over.
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