Geography

Abstract

In order to obtain enough data to reach and substantially support meaningful conclusions about the ecological conditions prevailing in the Pantanal during the short period allowed for the research project, the study had to be limited mainly to an area small and uniform enough to study intensively. In addition, however, adjacent regions had to be visited in order to determine how representative the findings are for the wetland as a whole. The sites selected for intensive sampling are located in the Municipal District of Poconé, near enough to the main roads to preclude excessive loss of time to reach them. For comparison, sites in the Municipal Districts of Cáceres and Barão de Melgaço were also visited during all of the seasons, and comparative data on the water chemistry, flora, and fauna were assembled. In addition, studies were conducted along streams in the adjacent upland regions of southern Mato Grosso, and observations were made of the terrestrial biotic communities, as well. This section is intended to provide basic geographical background information about the Pantanal and about the limited study area selected for intensive investigation.