Blog Archives

Jaguars of Brazil... Part 4

11/16/2015

Our time in the Pantanal is coming to an end, but a few surprises still awaited us. Late yesterday as we approached our base we spotted two Jaguars on the riverbank up stream. This couple was together for a mating session. The male was known to the guides, but the female was new to the area and we were the first ones to get a photo of her. Jaguars, leopards and tigers have unique patterns to their markings that stay the same throughout their lives. Since we were the first to get an image of this female we were given the honour of naming her. We called her TESA ( a combination of intials, first or last, of the four of us in the boat ). Tesa's the beauty in front.

Into the next day, Tesa and her boyfriend were nowhere to be found, but a second couple made an appearance. The male we had seen a few times now, but the female was new to us. They had just started a 5-6 day mating courtship. If successful in 3 months a new set of Jaguar cubs will enter the world.

After a few hours they moved away from the river's edge for a little more privacy and some quite time to enjoy the sunset.

From hear we moved further south to observe one of earth's natural wonders, Iguazu Falls, but the couple days leaving this remote region was full of great surprises.

Toco Toucans

Capuchin Monkeys

Tapirs (South America's largest mammal)

Giant River Otters

Black Hawks

Hyacinth Macaws

Reflecting on the incredible sightings and inspiration this trip has revealed, we spent our last days hiking around Iguazu Falls. Both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides were breath taking.

This trip was fantastic on so many levels. Our jaguar total ended at 11 different cats and some with repeated sightings. The bonus sightings of Hyacinth Macaws, Giant River Otters, the bird life and more, brought this adventure into the ranking of one of the best wildlife journeys to date. We will return to the Pantanal again, if for the only reason to find our lovely Tesa.

Hope you enjoyed this Brazilian experience. Next stop Cambodia and Northern Thailand starting late December.

Safe travels and good health to all.
Regards, Edward.

Jaguars of Brazil... Part 3

11/5/2015

Obviously, our focus is the big cats on this journey, but we took advantage of seeing other unique wildlife in the area as well. Early morning we headed up river to a known Hyacinth Macaw nesting area. These are the largest of the macaw family and are critically endangered in most of their historic range. Our guide knew of a location with numerous nesting pairs in the area.

As we navigated the river we are always scanning the shorelines for anything exciting. Without fail a family of Giant River Otters, five in total, makes an appearance hunting along the river's edge. It was amazing to watch as they worked together, maximizing their agility and great speed, to encircle and trap fish in the shallows.

We needed to move on as it was still a good distance to reach the Hyacinth location and we were losing dramatic early morning light. These birds need very specific types of trees to nest and feed in. Logging has devastated most of these areas and illegal trade of these wild birds is doing the rest to bring these amazing creatures to the brink.

We soon reached a beach area and, with cameras in hand, we jump out and made our way into the forest. The first Hyacinths quickly make an appearance as we moved into the trees. We can hear more in the distance as they are very loud in their communications with each other. The next few hours were unbelievable watching the Macaws socializing, courting, feeding and flying from perch to perch. In some cases they showed their playful nature by hanging upside down as if showing off.

Time flies when your having fun. This has been the best chance for me to see Hyacinth Macaws in the wild. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Back down the river we went in search of our daily Jaguar fix. A report came in about a big male sighting not to far away. The local boat men network is quite impressive in communicating info with one another and this was a huge advantage to us in maximizing our chances seeing Jaguars. Before we made it to the male sighting a beautiful female made a brief appearance along the river's edge. She seemed content to just sleep in the shade for a while.

We heard the big male was on the move. I hate to leave a Jaguar in pursuit of another, because these cats can vanish in an instant and you can lose a great photo opportunity on both if you are not careful. Fortunately for us we found the big male and these following images speak for themselves.

Mind blowing! I've had the privilege of seeing Jaguars in Belize and Guyana, but not like this. We have had daily sightings of these cats and our heads are spinning. And I'm not talking about the same Jag seen over and over again, incredibly most are different cats.

I can't even imagine what the next few days will bring, but I'll be ready with camera in hand to say the least.

Until Part 4, safe travels,
Edward

Jaguars of Brazil... Part 2

11/2/2015

Now that the pressure is off after seeing 3 Jaguars, we go into the next few days a little more relaxed and very excited. Heading out early morning we search the river banks where the cats were seen last night. It didn't take long for us to see our first Jag of the day. The first male from yesterday was hunting along the river up stream from our location. For over an hour we slowly followed him along the shadows of the river edge.

The next day we moved a good distance up river. There were reports of a mother Jag & 2 cubs spending time along the river. Our boat man turned up the throttle and off we went. Along the way we paused for amazing photo ops of caiman basking in the heat of the day. You don't pass by one amazing thing just to get to another... if its meant to be, its meant to be.

After a few hours we reached the general location of the Jag family. By late afternoon we came upon the family we searched for. From this first photo you can see how easy it is to pass by Jaguar after Jaguar if they don't wish to be seen. To remain stealth, or escape the beating sun, these cats just tuck themselves into the shadows along the river and virtually disappear.

We didn't wait long before the cubs started to get restless. The mother seemed to move with calculated purpose, while the cubs seemed to explore every little aspect of the river bank. Under the watchful eye of their mother they continuously learn from their her guidance and the environment around them. Here the mother leads them along the water and prime hunting areas. Everything needs water to survive and all creatures, including these incredible predators, live, breed and die along the river.

Cub 1

Cub 2

Mom made one more appearance before the family went deeper into the jungle and the sun set closing out another amazing day.

We always maintained a good distance from the Jaguars. These amazing creatures are very comfortable with boats around, as these waterways have been used by local fisherman for generations. I am beginning to realize this area is a very special place. My mind is racing with the what our remaining days will bring.

Hope you enjoyed Part 2. Our focus in the next days will switch to Hyacinth Macaws, more River Otters, and of course more Jags.

Safe travels, Edward

Jaguars of Brazil... Part 4

Jaguars of Brazil... Part 3

Jaguars of Brazil... Part 2

Author

Archives

Categories