PANTANAL WILDLIFE HOT LIST

1 Jaguar The world’s third-largest cat, the jaguar has power, presence and beauty. The largest specimens are found in the Pantanal. Each has slightly different markings, so they can be easily recognised by researchers.

2 Giant anteater The size of a large dog, the giant anteater is an astonishing-looking critter, with its tiny head, long snout and huge tail, on which it can balance to fight other animals with its fearsome claws. Those claws also explain its strange, rolling gait – an anteater walks on its knuckles with the claws splayed out.

3 Hyacinth macaw The world’s largest flying parrot – and one of the rarest. Hyacinth macaws have a raucous cry, so you’ll probably hear them before you see them. Most often seen in loved-up pairs.

4 Tapir Brazil’s largest native terrestrial mammal looks like the love-child of a hippo and a giant pig. Capable swimmers, they are sometimes spotted in the water, and will happily use roads to get around. However, they are mostly shy and nocturnal, so a sighting is to be celebrated.

5 Jabiru stork The tallest flying bird in South America, the jabiru can reach 1.5m. Rather prehistoric-looking, they have white plumage and black necks and heads with a red ‘bandana’. Commonly found near water, they are rather ungainly on the ground but magnificent in flight ( pictured).

6 Caiman These relatively small crocodilians are found in large congregations around water. They are a popular food for other creatures of the Pantanal, including the jaguar.

7 Capybara The world’s largest rodent looks like a rather cute giant guinea pig. It hangs out in large family groups and is easily spotted near water, grazing on grasses and aquatic plants. In hot weather they may also be found wallowing in water or mud holes.