Wildfires are ravaging the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland. This ecological disaster has already scorched over 3 million acres, an area larger than New Jersey, causing unprecedented destruction to both the land and the diverse wildlife that inhabit this unique ecosystem. The devastation has severely impacted three nature reserves, dealing a major blow to ongoing conservation efforts.
Greater Good Charities is partnering with teams on the ground, working tirelessly to provide life-saving medical care to wildlife like jaguars that are suffering from severe burns and injuries.
What is the Pantanal?
The Pantanal is a vast tropical wetland, covering over 60,000 square miles across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. It is a critical biodiversity hotspot, home to thousands of species, including several endangered animals such as jaguars, tapirs, anacondas, and giant anteaters. With its distinct ecosystems, the Pantanal is a lifeline for the many species that depend on its unique environment.
Jaguars Affected by the Wildfires
Brazil is home to nearly half of the world’s jaguar population, and these majestic creatures are now at risk as their habitat burns at an alarming rate. Jaguars are classified as "Near Threatened" on the IUCN Red List, with their population continuing to decline. Not only are Jaguars perishing in the flames and smoke, but the wildfires also lead to long-term habitat destruction and prey loss, further jeopardizing the survival of jaguars and many other species.
According to studies conducted after the 2020 wildfires in the Pantanal, critical areas for jaguar conservation were severely impacted, drastically reducing their population. The fires spread so quickly that even the fastest wildlife cannot escape. Jaguars that survive are left with severe burns, injuries, and smoke inhalation.
Key Impacts of the Wildfire
- 3 wildlife reserves severely affected
- 2 rewilding enclosures destroyed
- Numerous animals killed, many suffering from severe burns and injuries
- Disruption to wildlife monitoring and ecotourism, significantly reducing critical revenue for conservation efforts
- Destruction of vital wildlife monitoring equipment, including camera traps
How is Greater Good Charities Helping
Greater Good Charities is supporting teams on the ground as they rescue burned and injured wildlife, including jaguars, and provide urgent medical attention. Ongoing support will allow them to mitigate the effects of these fires, support wildlife rehabilitation, and restore the devastated natural habitats.
How You Can Help Jaguars
Your support today will help provide animal rescue and veterinary care, food and supplies, support wildlife rehabilitation, and restore the destroyed habitats.
This wildfire is the worst fire in The Pantanal’s history. Without urgent action, rare species like jaguars face a stark future.
Greater Good Charities has ultimate authority and discretion with regard to the distribution of its funds. All expenditures made are consistent with the exempt purposes of Greater Good Charities.
