The Pantanal, The World’s Largest Wetland, Is on the Verge of Extinction!

Unfortunately, as our world evolves, the damage we do to the ecosystem increases at the same rate. On the subject, we come across another deplorable example every day. For example; recently, as bird populations are declining and plastic waste is endangering elephants.

Of course, the examples are innumerable, but there is a similar example in South America that could have far greater consequences. The Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland and a major contributor to biodiversity, is in danger of collapse. So why?

It was predicted 20 years ago that this could happen.

Covering an area of ​​179,000 km2 in Brazil and home to many animals, including jaguars, the Pantanal is at great risk. Experts have been warning about the need to protect the Pantanal for a while. About 20 years ago, Dr. JF Gottgens that small decisions can wreak havoc for the Pantanal. He wrote an article on However, at that time, many people did not take this warning seriously.

Now, Gottgens’ warnings have come to the fore again, and many scientists have stated that they agree with the views in the article. So what was in the article? Gottgens, in his warnings 20 years ago, underlined that hydroelectric power plants and waterway projects could harm the biodiversity in the region. Although today Although most of the Pantanal is closed to use, activities in the remaining areas are causing damage to the ecosystem. continues.

The lives of many creatures, including jaguars, may be in danger

The biggest sources of damage are those that run south from the Paraguay River. Declining trees in the Amazon Forest, which helps the waterway and the Pantanal maintain its wetness. Severe drought and fires cost the lives of nearly 17 million animals. Unfortunately, if no action is taken, we will see that this number is much higher as the Pantanal becomes dehydrated.

pantanal, quite suitable for humans and jaguars to live together as a whole. seen as. The Pantanal Jaguar Project continues to work in the region by serving this purpose. However, experts say that immediate action is needed to ensure that activities can continue and to protect the species living in the region, including jaguars.