Jaguar in the Pantanal wetlands Jul 9, 2019

Jaguar in the Pantanal wetlands

What"s the best place to see a wild jaguar? The Amazon rainforest may be more well known, but the Pantanal is the world"s largest tropical wetlands—and the place you"re most likely to spot a jaguar in the wild. The Pantanal"s estimated 70,000 square miles cover part of the western side of Brazil and extend into Bolivia and Paraguay. Portions of the Pantanal are protected within national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It"s difficult to travel there during the wet season (November-April)—high temperatures make it nearly unbearable, and rain and flooding often close roads. Hotels in the region even shut down for periods of time each year. May through September is the dry season, when temperatures cool off and conditions are more friendly to both people and many animals. If you plan to visit, pack some binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for a big spotted cat sitting blithely on the riverbank.

© Andy Rouse/Minden Pictures

palette

Today in History

Jul 9, 2018Gauchos showcase Argentina’s independent spirit
Jul 9, 2020High alpine color in Colorado
Jul 9, 2021A center of antiquity on the Mediterranean
Jul 9, 2022Dolomites
Jul 9, 2023Moselle River loop near Kröv, Germany
Jul 9, 2024Talampaya National Park, Argentina
Jul 9, 2025Independence Day of the Argentine Republic

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Nov 8, 2023Manatee Awareness Month
Dec 31, 2021New Year s Eve
May 11, 2021 The Crown of the Continent
Jul 5, 2018Does it swim in slow motion too?
Jan 21, 2023Kangaroo family for National Hugging Day
Nov 4, 2018And they’re off!
Feb 22, 2024Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Australia
Jan 29, 2025Chinese New Year
Feb 17, 2019Flock online for the Great Backyard Bird Count
Sep 26, 2022Autumn in Alaska
Oct 15, 2022International Archaeology Day
Sep 15, 2018A Latino art exhibition in Denver
Aug 10, 2023World Lion Day
Sep 6, 2024Glenariff Forest Park, Northern Ireland, UK
Aug 17, 2025International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend
Mar 27, 2022World Theatre Day
Jul 19, 2025National Moth Week
Sep 14, 2019I am the walrus
Feb 7, 2022Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, Canada
Apr 22, 2025Earth Day
Apr 27, 2018National Park Week: Yosemite National Park, California
Aug 14, 2019Lizard of mystery
Jan 15, 2018Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC
Oct 5, 2021A day to celebrate teachers
Mar 16, 2023Panda Day
Jan 14, 2023Feast of the Donkey
Dec 24, 2018The birthplace of a classic Christmas carol
Feb 28, 2023Atrani, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Apr 10, 2024Siblings Day
Jan 13, 2021Strolling across the Red Lagoon