Location: Brazil's Pantanal wetlands
Species: Jaguar and Caiman
Added: 2025-12-19
Published: 2013-9-26
Source: National Geographic

Exclusive video of a jaguar taking down a caiman in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands. Luke Dollar, a conservation scientist who helps manage National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative, explains the hunt and the explosive moment of predation.
Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands are home to the highest density of jaguars anywhere in the world, making the region the most reliable place to observe these powerful apex predators in the wild. During the dry season (typically June to October), falling water levels force wildlife towards rivers and lagoons, where jaguars are frequently seen hunting caimans, capybaras, and other prey. The Pantanal’s open floodplains and riverbanks also provide exceptional visibility, unlike dense rainforest habitats where jaguars are far harder to spot.