Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands are being ravaged by record wildfires, endangering countless animals, including vulnerable species like jaguars and giant anteaters.
Ana Ionova reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- The Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, is burning due to severe droughts and climate change.
- The fires have killed or injured many animals, including rare jaguars and hyacinth macaws.
- Scientists fear the damage to the ecosystem may be irreversible if the fires continue.
Key quote:
“We’re watching the biodiversity of the Pantanal disappear into ash. It’s being burned to a crisp.”
— Gustavo Figueirôa, biologist, SOS Pantanal
Why this matters:
The Pantanal is one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions. Its destruction could lead to the extinction of several species and the loss of an irreplaceable natural environment.
