Landscape units of the Pantanal: structure, function, and human use

The Pantanal is a large internal delta that is periodically flooded by the Paraguay River and its tributaries as well as by local rainfall. Despite its fl at relief, the area is characterized by a large variety of landscape units, which are the result of recent and paleo-river activities and the annual fl ood pulse. During low-water periods, differences in the physical and chemical conditions of the soil, the length of the flood period, and drought and fire stresses lead to different vegetation units that provide a broad range of resources and living conditions for many animal species. Pre-Columbian settlers and, beginning in the early 18th century, European immigrants recognized the value of these landscape units and managed them accordingly. By contrast, modern-day development schemes aimed at the Pantanal and the surrounding upland have largely ignored the individual features of the targeted landscape units. This will inevitably result in their modification, putting at risk their functions as well as their numerous benefits to the environment and to humans. This chapter describes the major landscape units in both the upland and the Pantanal, characterizes their value to the local population, points out the risks of modern development, and provides recommendations for sustainable management based on a landscape perspective