Paraguay - Paraguayan Pantanal

This site has been designated as a Wetlands of International Importance (known also as Ramsar site) under the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance. This place is globally important due to the transition between the Chaco, Pantanal, Amazonas and Atlantic Forest (BAAPA) ecosystems. It is also an Important Bird Area (IBA), due to 22 migratory bird species (most of them neartics migrants) use the site as a stopover place. The Paraguayan Pantanal is equally important for the conservation of charismatic mammals, such as the Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), Puma (Puma concolor), Jaguar (Panthera onca), Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus) and the Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Most of these mammals are considered in some category of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (www.iucnredlist.org). The area’s forests include species such as White Quebracho, Samu’û, and many cacti. The Red Quebracho, Yvyra Ita, Palo Blanco and Labón characterize the transition area between the Chaco and Pantanal. Historically, threats to biodiversity have been few, but recent cattle ranching activities have begun to create new pressures.