Jaguar of ashes by Ernane Junior, Brazil ©
The year 2020 saw fires in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands more than double compared to the year before – ‘a year never to be forgotten’ says Ernane. More than 26 per cent of the total area was affected, and the situation in Encontros das Águas State Park was even worse, with roughly 80 per cent burnt. The park is known for its large jaguar population and Ernane was there documenting the fires when this jaguar and his brother crossed the Rio Três Irmãos (Three Brothers River) nearby. After reaching the opposite bank, the jaguar rolled in the ash left behind by the desolation of days before, leaving only his face uncovered, his now black body mirroring his charred surroundings.