| • Science | • People | • Locations | • Timeline |
The Pantanal has received little global attention compared to the Amazon. However, in addition to supplying fresh water and groundwater to neighboring areas, it is host to vast biodiversity. This includes over 650 species of birds and 250 species of fishAtlantic herring, Clupea harengus one of the most abundant species in the world Photo A fish is a poikilothermic (cold-blooded) water-dwelling vertebrate with gills. There are over 27,000 species of fish, making them the most diverse group of vertebrates.. Portions of the Pantanal have been officially protected, such as Brazil's Pantanal Matogrossense national parkThis article is about national parks. For the articles about the towns of National Park, see National Park, New Jersey and National Park, New Zealand. National parks are reserves of land, usually owned by national governments, that are protected from most. Nonetheless, the Pantanal remains threatened by pressures for development and drainage.