Pantanal

When the Waorani, native Amerindians from the Amazon region, hear the howling of the jaguar in the wild forest, they feel "ankai giñente" (a frightening emotion). To see South America's largest and most beautiful felines along the untamed riverbanks of the Pantanal is almost a spiritual experience. However, since late 2019 and early 2020 the Brazilian Pantanal has seen a great number of unprecedented fires menacing the valuable biodiversity that inhabits the rich biome.

We spoke to wildlife photographer and tour guide Michael Tweddle about his inspiring photographic journeys through the wildlife-laden Pantanal region of South America to evoke the uniqueness of the world’s largest tropical wetlands.

Photo: Michael Tweddle

Michael's love for animals and nature has led him to explore places such as China, Patagonia, Alaska and the Appalachian Mountains. His peculiar way of interpreting nature and culture makes his guided photographic tours exceptional experiences that attract nature lovers around the globe. Today, amidst the dreadful Pantanal fires, Michael and three other Peruvian wildlife photographers –Erickho Reátegui, Rodrigo Chávez and Roberto Elías– have come together to help the Brazilian Pantanal during this hard moment. By donating two photographs each –they will be raising funds to support the Pantanal, its communities as well as the flora and fauna affected during this catastrophic time.

Today he takes us on a virtual journey along the Pantanal, from the moment he arrives in Cuiabá, Brazil, to the moment he departs for home in Lima. Hopefully someday we’ll be able to see it with our own eyes. For now let’s appreciate the beauty of this swampy terrain –home to thousands of species and the highest density of jaguars.

Photo: Michael Tweddle

The Transpantaneira

From Cuiabá, capital city of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, the best way to reach the Pantanal is via the town of Poconé along the bumpy Rodovia Transpantaneira. Built in the 1970s, this paved road was originally made to serve as a highway connecting the Pantanal all the way from Poconé to Corumbá. But thanks to the ecosystem, no human technology was able to defeat nature and the project was interrupted after 145 km at the fishing village of Porto Jofre. Today, this dirt road, joined by more than 122 small wooden bridges, is the starting point of this wildlife journey. No matter how dusty the ride can get, if you keep your eyes wide open you can expect to see wonders like herons, capybaras, tapirs, parakeets and jacarés (alligators) –now facing increased instability.

Photo: Michael Tweddle

Spotting the big cat

Jaguars are big; they weigh up to 330 lbs. (150 kg) and their growls roar like ferocious beasts. They are swimmers and climbers, and their distinctive black spots (or rosettes) make them pretty unique creatures of the jungle. The Native American name yaguar means “he who kills with one leap,” and as the onetime ruler of the underworld the jaguar is a symbol of the night sun and darkness. Everyone who goes to the Pantanal shares a single desire: to encounter the powerful and beautiful jaguar. However, habitat fracture caused by human presence and aggravation of land use is a threat to jaguars in the Pantanal. The lack of enforcement by wildlife authorities, illegal hunting, cattle farming and the mining industry also represent considerable threats to all wildlife that inhabits this ecosystem.

A refuge for iconic wildlife

While binoculars, lenses and naked eyes are focused on the biggest cat in the Americas, a black-collared hawk seems to pause for Michael's camera. On the other side of the riverbank, a giant river otter munches a carachama fish as his pals play among the branches. Hyacinth macaws, toco toucans, jabiru storks, capybaras and tons of caimans hang around the Pantanal wetlands. “Everywhere you look the abundance of species is endless, all around and at every hour," Michael says.

Fires

Devastating fires began to spread briskly in late 2019 and early 2020 in Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands. Withered by weeks of drought, flames were consuming the yellowed grasslands of the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park showing no signs of easing off. According to Mongabay, by August 6, it had already consumed some 40,000 hectares.

Photo by: TechGenyz

The powerful winds and hot dry weather are making it effortful to battle thousands of blazes burning causing great damage to fauna, flora and to the Pantanal region. According to The World Wildlife Fund: ”The Pantanal is home to more than 4,700 plant and animal species, including some threatened animals”.

Thanks to the initiative of Peruvian wildlife photographers –Michael, Erickho, Rodrigo and Roberto– who have come together to help the Brazilian Pantanal during this hard moment, we have a chance to support the local communities and the animals that inhabit this unique terrain. 100% of the money collected will be donated to help support this place, its people, flora and fauna and overcome one of the largest fires in its history.

Visit the Pantanal Relief Fund and learn how you can help or visit the following IG accounts to select your favorite print: Michael Tweddle, Erickho Reátegui, Rodrigo Chávez and Roberto Elías.