Pantanal Matogrossense National Park undergoes historic expansion

The Pantanal Matogrossense National Park has undergone a historic expansion, now covering 183,095 hectares. This territorial increase aims to protect critical habitats and breeding grounds for endangered species, serving as a security belt against environmental degradation and predatory activities in the Pantanal biome.

The expansion provides essential ecological corridors for apex predators like the jaguar, as well as vital habitats for giant anteaters, giant otters, and the Pantanal deer. The management of this area is overseen by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).

Brazil currently maintains 78 national parks. These protected areas are part of the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC) and are designated for scientific research and controlled visitation. Recent data shows a significant rise in tourism, with national parks receiving 13.6 million visitors in 2025.