Although Brazil is the world’s most bio-diverse country and second only to Indonesia in mammals, a number of these are small, shy, nocturnal and only occur in low densities. The Pantanal area of Brazil is most certainly the exception! Here you can find large mammals in abundance, including the mythical Jaguar. There can be no better place for encountering wild Jaguars than in the Pantanal – in fact we have 100% success rate for viewing this magnificent feline on all of our previous tours. Other fantastic creatures include South America’s largest land mammal, the Brazilian Tapir, Giant Anteater, Neotropical & Giant Otter, White-lipped & Collared Peccaries, Southern Tamandua, South American Coati, several armadillo species, herds of Capybara, 4 species of deer, Black Howler monkeys, Ocelot and Puma!
WHY WE LOVE THE PANTANAL
The opportunity to track Jaguars with the Oncafari Jaguar Project, co-founded by Simon Bellingham and Mario Haberfeld.
Outrageous birding including the most plentiful assembly of Hyacinth Macaw, surely one of the world’s most beautiful birds.
Walking with the fantastic Giant Anteater.
Witnessing first-hand the cowboy culture.
Exclusive safaris away from the crowds in the Southern Pantanal.
Warm regards from the Bellingham Safaris team.
TOP MAMMALS
- Jaguar
- Giant Anteater
- Giant Otter
- Tapir
- Marsh Deer
- Pampas Deer
TOP BIRDS
- Hyacinth Macaw
- Red and Green Macaw
- Golden-collared Macaw
- Blaze-winged Parakeet
- Chaco Puffbird
- Southern Screamer
- Spectacled Owl
PROJECT ONCAFARI
Simon Bellingham and Mario Haberfeld co-founded the ground-breaking Project Oncafari, to habituate wild Jaguars in a protected area of the Southern Pantanal, and with great success! This has been done in much the same way that Leopard have been habituated in Africa, respectfully approaching selected animals over an extended period of time in order to get them relaxed to the presence of game drive vehicles.
Photo credits: Jaguar by Marcos Amend, Hyacinth Macaw by Marcos Amend, Giant Anteater by Marcos Amend, Lesser Anteater by Helder Brandao, Ocelot by James Kydd, Caiman by Simon Bellingham, Project Oncafari by Marcos Amend
