Maned Wolf in the Pantanal

We are delighted to offer our clients the opportunity to join an excursion to look for Maned Wolf on five of our most popular tours to the Pantanal, meaning that seeing ‘Brazil’s Big Five’ (Jaguar, Giant Otter, Giant Anteater and Tapir, together with Maned Wolf) during the tour is now a distinct possibility!  

Maned Wolves are the largest canid in the Americas and the tallest canid in the world, and are under great threat across their range, chiefly due to habitat degradation. On one afternoon during our stay within the ‘Jaguar Zone’ of the northern Pantanal, we will leave the Flotel at around 2pm and travel by motorboat for around two hours, wildlife-spotting as we go, to a remote lodge (which is often used as a research station) on the banks of the Piquiri River. Beyond the lodge are areas of cerrado (vast tropical savannah), a habitat which Maned Wolf relies upon. Each evening between 5pm and 8pm, up to three Maned Wolves have been visiting the grounds of the lodge where a small offering of food and water is left for them. Lodge staff monitor the small population in this area, and, with their support, it is hoped that the population here will continue to thrive.

Not only will this excursion provide us with a unique and privileged opportunity to see Maned Wolf in the wild, but we will also have the chance to see other wildlife as we travel to and from the site, with Jaguar, Tapir, Neotropical Otter, Agami Heron and Sungrebe all possible along the way. At the lodge itself, while we wait for the appearance of the Maned Wolf, we will scan the area for wildlife. White-lipped Peccaries may be seen around the grounds and Hyacinth Macaws are a frequent sight here. Photography of Maned Wolf is very much possible; they may even appear before dark, though if they appear after dark there is some lighting in the grounds which allows excellent views and the chance for photos using this light rather than any flash. There are toilets, air conditioning, cold water, hot drinks and snacks available at the lodge while we wait. Depending on the time the animal(s) visit, we will either journey back to the Flotel for dinner or have dinner at the lodge. This is sure to be an exciting outing and another highlight of our visit to the Pantanal!

This excursion is now included on the following five itineraries:

• Brazil – Just Jaguars!
• Brazilian Pantanal & Iguazú Falls
• South America's Big Cats
• Brazil – Birds & Mammals of the Amazon & Pantanal
• Brazil – Mammals of the Pantanal