South American Splendor

Hispanic Heritage Month is about to wrap up, and before it does let's celebrate by taking a look at some of the fantastic ecosystems south of the border. While the Amazon and Andes are the best known features of South America, there are many diverse habitats. This week we're exploring the Pantanal, the Pampas, and the Llanos, important natural features maybe you've never heard of.

The Pantanal is the largest wetlands in the world, located in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Located just south of the Amazon, and in its shadow, the Pantanal actually has a higher concentration of wildlife than its more celebrated neighbor. This wetland is flooded by annual monsoon rains that leave behind pools of snacks for birds. Unlike the Amazon, the Pantanal is open, so ecotourism is easier. Not only are there better views of the wildlife and scenery, it's also more accessible because of the openness.

Pantanal (The Guardian)

The Pampas is a large grassland like the Serengeti or the Great Plains. It is in Argentina, Brazil, and Uraguay. It is flat and gently slopes toward the Atlantic. The western Pampas near the Andes is a dry section with brackish streams and ponds, but in the east it is more humid, better watered, and more fertile. While much of the land is still unchanged, large areas have been developed for agriculture.

Pampas (The South American Specialists)

The Llanos is a tropical grassland in Colombia and Venezuela. Wedged between mountains and highlands, the Orinoco River drains the region. Seasonal rains flood the plains, and after the rainy season it can be quite parched. The dryness had limited development in the past, but irrigation and mining activities are making it economical for people to live in the area.

Llanos (Latin America & Caribbean Geographic)

South America has so much more to offer than tropical rain forests and jagged mountain peaks. I hope this piqued your curiosity about these and other lesser known natural wonders. Information this week comes from National Geographic (Pantanal), Britannica (Pampas), and Geography (Llanos).