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.
Examples are countless, of course, 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
The Pantanal, located in Brazil and covering an area of 179,000 km2, which is home to many animals including jaguars, is a large at risk. Experts have been warning about the need to protect the Pantanal for a while. About 20 years ago, Dr. JF Gottgens had written an article about how small decisions can do great damage to the Pantanal. 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. Today, although most of the Pantanal is closed to use, activities in the remaining regions continue to harm the ecosystem.
The lives of many creatures, including jaguars, can be endangered
The biggest sources of damage are the waterway from the Paraguay River to the south and helping the Pantanal maintain its wetness. Declining number of trees in the Amazon Forest. 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.
The Pantanal is seen as very favorable for the coexistence of humans and jaguars. 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.
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