Brazilian Ecotourism - Fauna Watching

Observing the Fauna

Many forms of leisure have emerged over the years, encouraged by the growing environmental awareness. The interest in observing the wild fauna is a clear example of that. Today, tourists from around the world travel long distances just to see wild life up close. To them, nothing beats coming to Brazil.

The Brazilian fauna is comprised of 600 species of mammals, about 1,700 birds, 390 reptiles, and 331 amphibian species, plus eight thousand fish species already scientifically registered. The environmental protectorates cover today about 5% of the national territory.

The Mid-West Region is a good starting point for those wishing to learn about Brazilian animals. There, it is worth visiting the Pantanal Mato-grossense National Park, Emas National Park – both listed among Natural Humanity Heritage Properties by Unesco-, Chapada dos Guimarães and Chapada dos Veadeiros. The regional fauna is very well represented by spotted leopards, guará wolves, bush dogs, deer, emus, and seriemus on ground; by red-araras, tuiuiús, herons, sparrow hawks, and owls in the air; and by crocodiles and piranha fish, pacus, dorados and pintados in the rivers.

The wildlife also dazzles visitors who venture into the Amazon, Northern region of the country. There, in places like Jaú National Park, it is possible to see rare mammals, birds and reptiles, among over 250 catalogued species. The most commonly known in the rivers are the manatee, nutria, pink boto (dolphin), açu-crocodile, piracuru and tambaqui. On land, one can find the flag-anteater and the jabuti turtle. Resting on trees, macaw, parquet and parrots; and much more.



However, if one wishes just to see marine life, the best places are on the coat. National Parks Marinhos de Abrilhos and Fernando de Noronha respectively, in the States of Bahia and Pernambuco. There, boat rides and diving guarantee privileged aquatic animal sightings, such as of dolphins, Jubasrte-whales, and big head turtles, in addition to terns, frigates and pilots. Not to mention the diversity of underwater scenarios surrounding these archipelagos, with coral reefs of all types, colors and sizes, sea weeds and sea stars. Further south, in the State of Santa Catarina, Garopaba is highlighted for its Franca-Whale project, which orients visitors for the observation of these giant mammals, which arrive at the coast from June to November to mate, breed and breast-feed. Find delight in experiencing the exuberance of the Brazilian fauna.

More on Brazil:
Marau - Bahia
Parintins - Amazonas
Maragogi - Alagoas
Itapema - Santa Catarina
Bombinhas - Santa Catarina
Buzios - Rio de Janeiro
Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais

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