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:

Jan 4, 2024Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
Jul 13, 2022International Rock Day
Oct 28, 2018Do spirits haunt the Gardens of Versailles?
Jun 27, 2020Looking for peace on the precipice
Sep 19, 2021Arrr! Can you talk like a pirate?
Apr 26, 2018National Park Week: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Feb 11, 2020Celebrating women in science
May 24, 2025European Day of Parks
Aug 7, 2019Nubble Island’s only industry
Dec 14, 2018Time to count some birds
Aug 21, 2025A wheatear in Peak District National Park, England
Feb 18, 2023Eben Ice Caves, Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Dec 1, 2023Antarctica Day
Oct 10, 2020Birds of a feather
Jan 3, 2021An Alpine fairy-tale castle
May 20, 2024World Bee Day
Apr 5, 2023Black grouses lekking
May 23, 2021A palace for the public
Nov 18, 2025Male hooded merganser, Oregon
Sep 5, 2020Beaver achievers
Dec 21, 2022Winter solstice
Jan 14, 2019An island oasis in the Indian Ocean
Sep 26, 2022Autumn in Alaska
Nov 28, 2023Giving Tuesday
Apr 23, 2019A legend and a legendary home
Aug 19, 2023World Photography Day
May 31, 2024Gunnerside, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
Sep 20, 2018May we have this dance?
Jan 27, 2018Bioluminescence at Trwyn Du Lighthouse in Wales
May 5, 2024Happy Cinco de Mayo!