Peter Gerngross
Geographer Peter Gerngross is an avid traveler, constantly exploring the world in search of wildlife encounters. As a member of the Cat Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), he is deeply involved in conservation efforts. Working as a freelancer, he is specialized in monitoring and population surveys for lynx and wildcats.
Roland Wehap
Roland Wehap is also a geographer, but he discovered his passion for filmmaking early on. As an independent filmmaker, he is specialized in documentary films. His work takes him to many different countries, always in search of compelling, real-life stories waiting to be told.
Larissa "Pantanal" Neves
Larissa “Pantanal” Neves, born and raised in the North Pantanal, began guiding natural history tours at a young age. She learned multiple languages, including English, French, and Spanish. With her sharp instincts and deep expertise, Larissa has a remarkable ability to locate wildlife that would otherwise remain hidden— including the elusive jaguar, but also many other fascinating species. But it’s not just her skills that make working with Larissa special – her sunny personality, warmth, and sense of humor ensure that every expedition is as enjoyable as it is fascinating.
Conservation & Wildlife
Only small parts of the Pantanal are protected by national parks and reserves, including the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite these protections, the ecosystem faces threats from cattle ranching, agriculture, and poaching.
The Pantanal boasts one of the richest biodiversities on the planet. It is home to over 650 bird species, 400 fish species, 120 mammal species, and countless reptiles and amphibians. The region is particularly famous for its jaguars, the largest cats in the Americas, as well as giant otters, tapirs, anteaters, capybaras, and caimans. It is also one of the best places to see hyacinth macaws, the world’s largest parrots.
For nature enthusiasts, filmmakers, and photographers, the Pantanal is a paradise—an extraordinary ecosystem that must be preserved
The Pantanal
The Pantanal – The World’s Largest Inland Wetland
The Pantanal is the world’s largest inland wetland, covering approximately 210,000 km² in South America. It is primarily located in Brazil, within the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, but also extends into Bolivia and Paraguay. To put its size into perspective, the Pantanal is nearly as large as Great Britain or more than twice the size of Austria.
Geography & Climate
Situated at an average elevation of 80 to 150 meters above sea level, the Pantanal is a vast, seasonally flooded alluvial plain. During the rainy season (November to March), up to 80% of the area is submerged, while in the dry season (May to October), shrinking water sources concentrate wildlife around rivers and lagoons. The climate is tropical, with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters.
When to go?
The best time to visit the Pantanal is during the dry season, from May to September. During these months, the water levels are low, making wildlife easier to spot. Animals gather around the remaining water sources, offering incredible viewing opportunities. The weather is cooler and less humid compared to the wet season. Roads and trails are also more accessible, making travel more comfortable. Birdwatchers will find this period especially rewarding due to the high concentration of birds. June to August is ideal for spotting jaguars along the riverbanks. Although the wet season has its charm, it can limit exploration due to flooding. Overall, the dry season offers the best combination of wildlife, comfort, and accessibility.
Where to go?
The Pantanal is a vast ecosystem with a rich diversity of habitats and landscapes, each offering unique attractions for nature enthusiasts. We explore both the southern and northern regions of the Pantanal because they differ greatly in terms of landscape, ecosystems, and the wildlife that inhabits them. To make the most of our time and maximize our opportunities for animal observation, we cover the large distance between these two areas by small aircraft.
This allows us to experience the distinct characteristics of each region without spending long hours traveling by land. The southern Pantanal is known for its open savannahs, wetlands, and a high concentration of large mammals. In contrast, the northern Pantanal features a network of rivers and dense forests, ideal for spotting jaguars and a wide variety of bird species.
Traveling by plane not only saves time but also gives us breathtaking aerial views of the endless wetlands. This combination ensures a deeper and more complete experience of the Pantanal’s beauty and biodiversity.
Any questions? Contact us.
Address
Vienna and Graz, Austria
Phone
Don't call us, we call you!
Email Address
Peter: peter.gerngross@silvestris.at
Roland: studio@rowe.at
Business Hours
No working during drinking hours!