In a remarkable conservation breakthrough, the Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris) has been spotted in the wild for the first time in 100 years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sightings were confirmed by the State Institute of the Environment (Inea) through camera traps set up in partnership with Vale, aimed at protecting the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest.
Over 108 images captured by ten cameras in a conservation unit on the Costa Verde revealed groups of up to three tapirs, including a female with a calf, indicating a well-established population in the region. This rediscovery highlights the success of ongoing conservation efforts in the Atlantic Forest, which provides a vital habitat for the tapir and other key species, such as the jaguar (Puma concolor).
According to Inea, this is the first time in a century that tapirs have been recorded living freely in Rio de Janeiro, independent of human intervention or reintroduction projects. Bernardo Rossi, the State Secretary for the Environment and Sustainability, emphasized that state conservation units protect nearly half a million hectares of Atlantic Forest, underscoring the significance of this rediscovery for both Rio de Janeiro and science.
Brazilian tapirs, weighing up to 250 kilograms, play a crucial ecological role as seed dispersers and predators, helping maintain their natural habitat. Their adaptability to various terrains, including wetlands and steep slopes, enhances their survival against predators.
The last recorded sighting of tapirs in the state was in 1914 at the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, with habitat loss, hunting, and urbanization cited as primary threats to their existence. Currently, the species is listed as vulnerable on the Red List of Threatened Species.
Renato Jordão, president of Inea, described the documentation of tapirs after a century as a historic and significant moment, paving the way for effective conservation strategies and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and local ecosystem resilience.
The Cunhambebe Park, the second largest in the state, spans nearly 40,000 hectares of protected natural areas and is recognized for its environmental education initiatives that engage local communities and promote scientific research, further enhancing biodiversity conservation efforts.