Extraordinary news comes from Brazil: the South American tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the largest terrestrial mammal in South America, reappeared in the Atlantic forest after an absence of over a century. An event that scientists call “historian for humanity” and which represents an important victory for the conservation of biodiversity.
An exceptional discovery after 100 years
The surveillance cameras of the wildlife installed by the State Institute for the Rio de Janeiro (Inea) environment have captured images that are incredible: three specimens of South American tapir, including a mother with her puppy, were sighted while walking quietly in the luxuriant vegetation of the Cunhambebe state park.
The last confirmed sighting of this species in the region dates back to 1914, when a specimen was observed in the Serra Dos órgãos National Park. Since then, uncontrolled urbanization and intensive hunt had pushed this precious inhabitant of the forest on the edge of extinction, so much so that it was included in the red list of risk species.
The “gardener of the forest” returns to work
It is not only the return of a fascinating species: the South American tapir is known as the “garden gardener” for its fundamental ecological role. In fact, during their quiet walks in the vegetation, these great herbivores feed on fruits, leaves and plants, involuntarily spreading the seeds through their feces.
This natural process is essential for the regeneration of the forest ecosystem: the seeds transported by the tapirs sprout in new plants which, in turn, offer nourishment and refuge to countless other species, from birds to insects, thus helping to maintain the wealth of biodiversity of the Atlantic forest, one of the most threatened hotspots on the planet.
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A story of hope for conservation
The return of the Tapiro to the state park of Cunhambebe, a vast protected area of 38,000 hectares that extends between Alegra Dos Reis, Rio Claro, Itagiaí and Mangaratiba, represents a powerful signal of the effectiveness of the conservation efforts.
In a recent post on Instagram, the park stressed:
“PEC is a safe space for threatened species, which contributes to maintaining essential processes such as the spread of seeds, control of populations and the conservation of genetic variety”.
Thanks to the collaboration between the Inea and Vale, which strategically installed cameras for monitoring wildlife, it was possible to document this extraordinary return to nature, showing that with commitment and determination, the rebirth of ecosystems is possible.
There are four recognized species of Tapiro, a mammal that has populated the earth since the echumn, about 35 million years ago. The populations of all four species are in constant decline and are all classified as in danger of extinction.
The South American tapir or Brazilian tapir was last sighted in the Serra Dos órgãos National Park in 1914. They are herbivores and feed on leaves, gems, sprouts, fruit, grass and aquatic plants.
However, urbanization, deforestation and poaching have caused the decrease in the number. Other factors include low reproduction rates and a high rate of child mortality. All this led the South American tapir to be included in the list of endangered species.
A total of 108 images and videos collected by the inaa revealed the presence of three tapirs , a female and her puppies as they walked in the dense forests of the Atlantic Forest in the State Park of Cunhambebe (PEC), a unitary conservation project of 38,000 hectares established in 2008. The park offers an essential refuge for endangered species.
The reappearance of the South American tapirs has excited environmentalists and scientists and is considered an encouraging signal for safeguarding the region.
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