A new study says deforestation is destroying Brazil's vast Pantanal wetlands.Conservation International says increased grazing and agriculture has destroyed 17 percent of the native vegetation in the Pantanal, considered the world's largest wetland.
At the current rate, the Pantanal's original vegetation would disappear in 45 years, researchers said.
Conservation International is calling for increased government regulation and better coordination of conservation efforts, as well as implementation of a broad environmental restoration program in devastated areas.
UPI.