Brazil's Big Five

The most famous of these is the Amazon, and not without good reason, as this vast region is home to the world’s most impressive biodiversity. The lowland area of the Pantanal is another of Brazil’s wildlife safari highlights and has different areas with their own separate ecosystems that come alive with different species during the wet and dry seasons. One in ten of the world’s total species and one in five birds are found in the Amazon. The jungle is home to approximately 427 mammals, 378 reptiles, 428 amphibians, 1,294 birds, 3,000 fish, 40,000 plants and 2.5 million insect species. Animals such as the elusive jaguar, caiman, giant river otters, tapir and armadillo are also found in the low-lying wetlands of the Pantanal, which is broadly separated into north, south and the Taiama Ecoreserve.

1. Jaguar

Jaguars are one of the most beautiful big cats, and can sometimes be seen with rosettes so dark, they look almost solid black. These big cats, the largest found in the Americas, can be spotted resting in the shadows of trees, or even swimming or playing in the wild waters of the Amazon or the Pantanal in Brazil. Read more about Jaguars here.

2. Giant Anteater

Upon seeing the giant anteater roam the grasslands of South America, many will wonder in awe over witnessing the sight of such a strange looking creature. Native to Central and South America, the giant anteater’s range stretches from Honduras to northern Argentina with Brazil and Costa Rica being favoured habitat. These magnificent creatures prefer to sleep in sheltered, covered areas so forests and swamps are ideal territory. They are wandering animals, frequently moving from one spot to another whilst remaining solitary, except for mothers and their young.

3. Giant River Otters

This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. These huge members of the weasel family swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies. They also have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. Giant otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons. They den by burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, and establish a home territory that they will aggressively defend.

4. Maned Wolf

The largest canid in South America, standing about 3 feet tall at the shoulder with long, thin legs, a slender body and a "mane" of fur around its neck. The maned wolf is omnivorous, with a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, small mammals, and birds. Their diet is unique among canids, as they have been known to consume a significant amount of plant matter, especially fruits. Maned wolves are usually solitary animals, and they are known for their distinctive vocalizations, including barks, howls, and booming sounds. They are primarily crepuscular (active during dawn and dusk).

5. Tapir

Brazil is home to the South American tapir, also known as the lowland tapir, which is one of four tapir species found in the world. Found in various regions of Brazil, particularly in the Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal wetlands, and other forested areas. Tapirs have a dark, coarse coat that ranges from brown to black and is often accompanied by white or light-colored markings on their face, throat, and sometimes their limbs. Their most distinctive feature is their proboscis-like snout, which they use to grasp leaves, fruits, and other vegetation. Tapirs are primarily solitary animals and are known for their shy and elusive nature. They are most active during the early morning and evening hours, spending much of the day resting in dense vegetation.