For the first time in 100 years, tapirs (A terrestrial tapir) were caught in the wild in the state of Rio de Janeiro by the State Environmental Institute (Inea). The animal, which is the largest mammal in South America, until then considered extinct in the wild in Rio de Janeiro, was only found in wildlife protection institutions and at points of introduction into the wild with individuals born in assisted living facilities.
The incident was carried out using camera traps made available by Vale to Inea, through a partnership signed in 2020, in which actions are carried out in conjunction with conservation in the areas covered by the Cunhambebe State Park.
The 108 records, made by ten cameras installed in a conservation unit managed in Costa Verde, captured groups with up to three individuals in a single capture, in addition to a female with her cub — which suggests a well-established population of the species in the region. The rediscovery is the result of biodiversity conservation work, which offers a preserved habitat for the tapir and other key species, such as the puma (Puma concolor).
“This is the first time in ten decades that such animals have been spotted, registered and monitored in Rio de Janeiro in complete free life, that is, individuals that did not depend on direct human action or fauna reintroduction projects”, says Inea .
According to the Secretary of State for the Environment and Sustainability, Bernardo Rossi, state conservation units are responsible for the direct protection of almost half a million hectares of Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro. “In episodes like this, we make sure we are on the right track. This rediscovery is a milestone not only for Rio de Janeiro, but for science”, stated Rossi.
The Brazilian tapir is a terrestrial mammal, which can weigh up to 250 kilos and stands out for its adaptability and ecological importance, as it potentially acts as a disperser and predator of seeds, which contributes to the maintenance of its natural habitat and, consequently, plays a vital role in the ecosystem.
Its ability to move easily across different types of terrain, including flooded areas and steep slopes, combined with its swimming ability, makes it well adapted to avoiding predators.
The last record of the animal in the state of Rio had been made in 1914, in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, with the main causes for its disappearance being considered to be loss of habitat, unrestrained hunting and exploitation and urbanization. Currently, the species is included on the Red List of Threatened Species as vulnerable.
“Presenting these records of the tapir, after more than 100 years classified as extinct in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is a historic and significant moment. Using the material captured by camera traps, it is possible to promote effective conservation strategies and raise awareness in society about the importance of biodiversity and the strengthening of local ecosystems”, stated the president of Inea, Renato Jordão.
Cunhambebe Park
The second largest park in the state, Cunhambebe covers almost 40 thousand hectares of protected natural areas.
In addition to environmental protection actions, the park stands out for its consistent initiatives in environmental education, promoting effective rapprochement with surrounding communities and encouraging scientific research. These actions not only strengthen biodiversity conservation, but also engage society in valuing and preserving natural resources.
