In a remarkable event for biodiversity in Brazil, the State Environmental Institute (INEA) of Rio de Janeiro has captured images and videos of South American tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) in their natural habitat, marking their return after more than a century of absence from the region.
This sighting occurred in the Cunhambebe State Park (PEC), which spans 38,000 hectares of the Atlantic Forest. The recordings feature three individuals, including a female with her calf, wandering through the lush forests of the park.
The last recorded sighting of wild tapirs in this area was in 1914 at Serra dos Órgãos National Park. Urbanization and intensive hunting led to their local extinction, classifying the species as endangered. This recent discovery has sparked excitement among conservationists, highlighting the importance of protected areas for the recovery of emblematic fauna.
The collaboration between INEA and Vale, the company responsible for installing the camera traps in the park, was crucial for documenting this milestone. "This finding reinforces the importance of protected areas and conservation efforts," stated an INEA spokesperson.
Known as the "gardener of the forest" for their seed-dispersing abilities, the return of the South American tapir to the Atlantic Forest symbolizes renewed hope for conservation efforts. The PEC serves as a sanctuary for endangered species, facilitating essential ecological interactions.
This reappearance underscores the need to strengthen environmental protection initiatives in Brazil, a country grappling with severe challenges related to Amazon preservation and ongoing forest fires. This event not only demonstrates the success of conservation efforts but also emphasizes the importance of public policies and collaboration to safeguard the nation's natural wealth.