Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE CERRADO
The cerrado (see p296-7) is a vast open savanna
dotted with clusters of scattered woodlands. This is
the world's most biologically rich grassland. There
are over 4,000 endemic plant species. The cerrado is
also home to maned wolves and giant anteaters.
Giant anteaters are commonly spotted in
the cerrado . These solitary animals have
a long tail and tongue, a bristly brown
coat, and five short, sharp claws on both
their paws. These animals are sometimes
hunted for their meat.
The mutum , or crested
currasow, is a large
bird which is often
seen in the forested
areas of the cerrado .
Pequi , also known as souari
nut, provides sweet berries
with small thorns inside. It is
eaten fresh, used in food,
and made into a liqueur.
THE MATA ATLÂNTICA
The Mata Atlântica (see p109) , or Atlantic
rainforest, is formed by remnants of Brazil's
coastal rainforest. The development of cities
and intensive agriculture has severely
reduced this habitat, but it remains home
to monkeys and exotic birds.
THE PANTANAL
The largest inland wetland (see pp320-21)
on the planet is constantly abuzz with bird-
and wildlife. Hundreds of birds can be heard
screeching overhead or fishing in the waters
while caimans bask along the river banks.
The best time to visit is the dry season.
The anaconda is a large
water boa, which can
grow to 32 ft (10 m) in
length. It kills its prey,
sometimes many times its
size, by constriction
as well as drowning.
The piaçava
is a fibrous palm
tree. Its fibers are
extensively used to
make brooms,
thatch, mats,
and cord.
The gravatá is a
member of the
Bromeliaceae family.
Gravatá (also known
as karatas ) is a kind
of fruit, similar to a
pineapple, that grows
on the ground.
Woolly spider
monkeys are the
largest primates
in the Americas.
This endangered
species eats
mainly fruits,
leaves, and seeds.
 
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