Tapirs have unique nutritional needs,as well as anatomical,physiological,behavioral and ecological adapta-tions that must be considered when managing their health,both in the wild and in captivity.Information about ho...Tapirs have unique nutritional needs,as well as anatomical,physiological,behavioral and ecological adapta-tions that must be considered when managing their health,both in the wild and in captivity.Information about how tapirs live in their natural habitats can provide crucial knowledge to prevent many of the health problems found in captivity such as infectious and parasitic diseases,reproductive issues and nutritional and behavior-al disorders.Likewise,proper management in captivity can significantly contribute to in situ conservation pro-grams.Conservation medicine is a science created to address the global health crisis that jeopardizes biodiver-sity causing imbalances among ecosystem,human,animal and vegetal health.In this context,common threats to tapir health and conservation,such as isolated and small populations surrounded by human activity,chemical pollution,domestic animals and their pathogenic agents,need to be better understood.This manuscript provides information about the health of tapirs both in captivity and in the wild and aims to encourage tapir conservation-ists worldwide to gather information about pathogen and disease dynamics and manifestation,as well as impli-cations for tapir conservation.展开更多
In 2008,the IUCN threat status of the Asian tapir(Tapirus indicus)was reclasified from‘vulnerable'to‘en-dangered'.The latest distribution map from the IUCN Red List suggests that the tapirs'native range ...In 2008,the IUCN threat status of the Asian tapir(Tapirus indicus)was reclasified from‘vulnerable'to‘en-dangered'.The latest distribution map from the IUCN Red List suggests that the tapirs'native range is becom-ing increasingly fragmented in Peninsular Malaysia,but distribution data collected by local researchers sug-gest a more extensive geographical range.Here,we compile a database of 1261 tapir occurrence records within Peninsular Malaysia,and demonstrate that this species,indeed,has a much broader geographical range than the IUCN range map suggests.However,extreme spatial and temporal bias in these records limits their utility for conservation planning.Therefore,we used maximum entropy(MaxEnt)modeling to elucidate the potential ex-tent of the Asian tapir's occurrence in Peninsular Malaysia while accounting for bias in existing distribution data.Our MaxEnt model predicted that the Asian tapir has a wider geographic range than our fine-scale data and the IUCN range map both suggest.Approximately 37%of Peninsular Malaysia contains potentially suit-able tapir habitats.Our results justify a revision to the Asian tapir's extent of occurrence in the IUCN Red List.Furthermore,our modeling demonstrated that selectively logged forests encompass 45%of potentially suitable tapir habitats,underscoring the importance of these habitats for the conservation of this species in Peninsular Malaysia.展开更多
A population viability analysis(PVA)was conducted of the lowland tapir populations in the Atlantic Forest of the Pontal do Paranapanema region,Brazil,including Morro do Diabo State Park(MDSP)and surrounding forest fra...A population viability analysis(PVA)was conducted of the lowland tapir populations in the Atlantic Forest of the Pontal do Paranapanema region,Brazil,including Morro do Diabo State Park(MDSP)and surrounding forest fragments.Results from the model projected that the population of 126 tapirs in MDSP is likely to per-sist over the next 100 years;however,200 tapirs would be required to maintain a viable population.Sensitiv-ity analysis showed that sub-adult mortality and adult mortality have the strongest influence on the dynamics of lowland tapir populations.High road-kill has a major impact on the MDSP tapir population and can lead to population extinction.Metapopulation modeling showed that dispersal of tapirs from MDSP to the surrounding fragments can be detrimental to the overall metapopulation,as fragments act as sinks.Nevertheless,the model showed that under certain conditions the maintenance of the metapopulation dynamics might be determinant for the persistence of tapirs in the region,particularly in the smaller fragments.The establishment of corridors con-necting MDSP to the forest fragments models resulted in an increase in the stochastic growth rate,making ta-pirs more resilient to threats and catastrophes,but only if rates of mortality were not increased when using cor-ridors.The PVA showed that the conservation of tapirs in the Pontal region depends on:the effective protection of MDSP;maintenance and,whenever possible,enhancement of the functional connectivity of the landscape,reducing mortality during dispersal and threats in the unprotected forest fragments;and neutralization of all threats affecting tapirs in the smaller forest fragments.展开更多
During the International Tapir Symposium 16-21 Oct 2011,the conservation of Baird's tapir(Tapirus baindi)in Honduras received a boost with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Minister Direc-to...During the International Tapir Symposium 16-21 Oct 2011,the conservation of Baird's tapir(Tapirus baindi)in Honduras received a boost with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Minister Direc-tor of the Honduran Instute of Conservation and Forestry(CF)and the Tapir Specialist Group(TSG)Despite this agreement,accelerating levels of hunting and habitat loss contimue to pose a threat to Baird's tapir in Hon-duras.An ongoing study in Cusuco National Park in northwestern Honduras has been monitoring changes in population dynamics of Baird's tapir since 2006 through the collection of occupancy data.The study has iden-tified an increase in hunting pressure,coinciding with a drastic decline in the encounter rate with Baird's tapir spoor.Here,we examine the significance of a range of demographic variables on Baird's tapir occupancy in Cu-suco National Park using the software PRESENCE,and simulate the effects of different management strategies on the fiuture dynamics of the population using the stochastic simulation software VORTEX The predictions of the theoretical population models are compared to observed changes in occupancy levels.We found that non-intervention resulted in the local extinction of Baird's tapir within a very short time fiame,but that various in-tervention models enabled the population to recover to near carrying capacity.Occupancy and extinction prob-ability were shown to respond marlkedly to the increase in hunting pressure;and occupancy models supported the fiuture population predictions generated by VORTEX.Our study suggests that immediate intervention is re-quired to reduce hunting pressure to near historical levels to prevent the imminent 1ocal extinction of the species.展开更多
As well as being of global cultural importance(from local tribal folklore to being an iconic species for conservation),the tapir plays an important role in its ecosystem as a herbivore and seed disperser.However...As well as being of global cultural importance(from local tribal folklore to being an iconic species for conservation),the tapir plays an important role in its ecosystem as a herbivore and seed disperser.However,the ecology and ethnozoology of the endangered Baird’s tapir in the north of Oaxaca,Mexico is poorly understood.We used camera traps to estimate its relative abundance and density and to describe the activity patterns of the northernmost population of Baird’s tapir in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca.Local knowledge concerning the tapir was also documented,along with the conservation strategies undertaken by the 2 indigenous communities that own the land where the study site is located.Only adult tapirs were photographed,and these were active 14 h per day,but were mainly nocturnal and crepuscular.The estimated relative abundance(12.99±2.24 events/1000 camera days)and density values(0.07-0.24 individuals/km2)were both similar to those found in another site in Mexico located within a protected area.Semi-structured interviews revealed that people have a basic understanding of the eating habits,activity and main predators of the tapir.There were reports of hunting,although not among those respondents who regularly consume bush meat.Thus,the relative abundance and density estimates of tapir at the study site could be related to the favorable condition of the forest and the absence of hunting and consumption of tapir meat.Fortunately,the local people are conducting initiatives promoting the conservation of this ungulate and its habitat that combine to constitute a regional trend of habitat and wildlife protection.展开更多
Baird’s tapir(Tapirus bairdii)is currently endangered throughout its neotropical range with an expected popula--lished in Valle del Silencio within Parque Internacional La Amistad(PILA).Seventy-seven tapi...Baird’s tapir(Tapirus bairdii)is currently endangered throughout its neotropical range with an expected popula--lished in Valle del Silencio within Parque Internacional La Amistad(PILA).Seventy-seven tapir pictures of 15 individuals comprising 25 capture-recapture events were analyzed using mark-recapture techniques.The 100%minimum convex polygon of the sampled area was 5.7 km2 and the effective sampled area using half mean max-imum distances moved by tapirs was 7.16 km2.We estimated a tapir density of 2.93 individuals/km2 which rep-resents the highest density reported for this species.Intermountain valleys can represent unique and important habitats for large mammal species.However,the extent of isolation of this population,potentially constrained by steep slopes of the cordillera,remains unknown.Further genetic and movement studies are required to un-derstand meta-population dynamics and connectivity between lowland and highland areas for Baird’s tapir con-servation in Costa Rica.展开更多
Southeast Asia’s tropical forests suffer the highest rates of deforestation and disturbance of any on Earth,with poorly understood impacts on native fauna.Asian tapirs(Tapirus indicus)are among the least studied of t...Southeast Asia’s tropical forests suffer the highest rates of deforestation and disturbance of any on Earth,with poorly understood impacts on native fauna.Asian tapirs(Tapirus indicus)are among the least studied of the large mammals in these forests.Using records from 9 camera trap surveys in 7 of the largest(>1000 km2)pro-tected area complexes,we assessed the influence of environmental variation and human-induced disturbance on tapir occurrence.Tapirs were detected at 13%of locations sampled,significantly associated with evergreen for-est(P<0.001).A multiple logistic regression model predicted tapir presence 87%of the time.According to this model,tapir occurrence was positively influenced by annual rainfall and proximity to the forest edge.Howev-er,tapirs may not avoid edges but instead prefer wetter evergreen forest,a habitat type that tended to occur fur-ther from the forest edge at higher elevations in our particular study sites(P<0.001).By comparison,4 other wild ungulate species that share habitats with tapirs showed a range of differing responses.Tapirs are expect-ed to be less sensitive to disturbance because they are not targets for hunting and trade,and are almost entire-ly active at night,so avoid peak traffic periods in parks.Tapir populations in Thailand may be more stable than in other parts of their global range because rates of forest loss have decreased>40%over the past 20 years.We recommend surveys to fill gaps in the understanding of the status in lesser-known protected areas,research to better understand the fine-scale environmental influences on behavior and habitats of tapirs,and other forest un-gulates,and continued legal status for tapirs in the highest category of protection.展开更多
The Baird’s tapir(Tapirus bairdii)is a popular game species throughout Central America,particularly among in-digenous populations,and is currently endangered.Research on Miskitu hunting was conducted over 4 months in...The Baird’s tapir(Tapirus bairdii)is a popular game species throughout Central America,particularly among in-digenous populations,and is currently endangered.Research on Miskitu hunting was conducted over 4 months in a remote region in northeastern Honduras that overlaps with the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve.The hunting zone was mapped together with hunters and interviews were conducted with elders and other community mem-bers about tapir hunting.Results show that tapir harvesting is targeted toward specific habitats at specific times of year.Harvest rates for one year suggest that tapir hunting in the area exceeds estimates of maximum sustain-able production.Nevertheless,field surveys reveal the presence of tapir within 1 km of the community,and its harvest tends to be nearby,in both forested and agricultural landscapes,suggesting that the animal has not been depleted in the area.It appears that the existence of forest areas adjacent to the hunting zone that do not experi-ence hunting,together with the anthropogenic habitats created through shifting cultivation,are factors that help explain the presence of tapirs in the area.The article concludes with a discussion regarding the potential posi-tive role of indigenous hunters in tapir conservation throughout its distribution range.展开更多
文摘Tapirs have unique nutritional needs,as well as anatomical,physiological,behavioral and ecological adapta-tions that must be considered when managing their health,both in the wild and in captivity.Information about how tapirs live in their natural habitats can provide crucial knowledge to prevent many of the health problems found in captivity such as infectious and parasitic diseases,reproductive issues and nutritional and behavior-al disorders.Likewise,proper management in captivity can significantly contribute to in situ conservation pro-grams.Conservation medicine is a science created to address the global health crisis that jeopardizes biodiver-sity causing imbalances among ecosystem,human,animal and vegetal health.In this context,common threats to tapir health and conservation,such as isolated and small populations surrounded by human activity,chemical pollution,domestic animals and their pathogenic agents,need to be better understood.This manuscript provides information about the health of tapirs both in captivity and in the wild and aims to encourage tapir conservation-ists worldwide to gather information about pathogen and disease dynamics and manifestation,as well as impli-cations for tapir conservation.
文摘In 2008,the IUCN threat status of the Asian tapir(Tapirus indicus)was reclasified from‘vulnerable'to‘en-dangered'.The latest distribution map from the IUCN Red List suggests that the tapirs'native range is becom-ing increasingly fragmented in Peninsular Malaysia,but distribution data collected by local researchers sug-gest a more extensive geographical range.Here,we compile a database of 1261 tapir occurrence records within Peninsular Malaysia,and demonstrate that this species,indeed,has a much broader geographical range than the IUCN range map suggests.However,extreme spatial and temporal bias in these records limits their utility for conservation planning.Therefore,we used maximum entropy(MaxEnt)modeling to elucidate the potential ex-tent of the Asian tapir's occurrence in Peninsular Malaysia while accounting for bias in existing distribution data.Our MaxEnt model predicted that the Asian tapir has a wider geographic range than our fine-scale data and the IUCN range map both suggest.Approximately 37%of Peninsular Malaysia contains potentially suit-able tapir habitats.Our results justify a revision to the Asian tapir's extent of occurrence in the IUCN Red List.Furthermore,our modeling demonstrated that selectively logged forests encompass 45%of potentially suitable tapir habitats,underscoring the importance of these habitats for the conservation of this species in Peninsular Malaysia.
文摘A population viability analysis(PVA)was conducted of the lowland tapir populations in the Atlantic Forest of the Pontal do Paranapanema region,Brazil,including Morro do Diabo State Park(MDSP)and surrounding forest fragments.Results from the model projected that the population of 126 tapirs in MDSP is likely to per-sist over the next 100 years;however,200 tapirs would be required to maintain a viable population.Sensitiv-ity analysis showed that sub-adult mortality and adult mortality have the strongest influence on the dynamics of lowland tapir populations.High road-kill has a major impact on the MDSP tapir population and can lead to population extinction.Metapopulation modeling showed that dispersal of tapirs from MDSP to the surrounding fragments can be detrimental to the overall metapopulation,as fragments act as sinks.Nevertheless,the model showed that under certain conditions the maintenance of the metapopulation dynamics might be determinant for the persistence of tapirs in the region,particularly in the smaller fragments.The establishment of corridors con-necting MDSP to the forest fragments models resulted in an increase in the stochastic growth rate,making ta-pirs more resilient to threats and catastrophes,but only if rates of mortality were not increased when using cor-ridors.The PVA showed that the conservation of tapirs in the Pontal region depends on:the effective protection of MDSP;maintenance and,whenever possible,enhancement of the functional connectivity of the landscape,reducing mortality during dispersal and threats in the unprotected forest fragments;and neutralization of all threats affecting tapirs in the smaller forest fragments.
文摘During the International Tapir Symposium 16-21 Oct 2011,the conservation of Baird's tapir(Tapirus baindi)in Honduras received a boost with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Minister Direc-tor of the Honduran Instute of Conservation and Forestry(CF)and the Tapir Specialist Group(TSG)Despite this agreement,accelerating levels of hunting and habitat loss contimue to pose a threat to Baird's tapir in Hon-duras.An ongoing study in Cusuco National Park in northwestern Honduras has been monitoring changes in population dynamics of Baird's tapir since 2006 through the collection of occupancy data.The study has iden-tified an increase in hunting pressure,coinciding with a drastic decline in the encounter rate with Baird's tapir spoor.Here,we examine the significance of a range of demographic variables on Baird's tapir occupancy in Cu-suco National Park using the software PRESENCE,and simulate the effects of different management strategies on the fiuture dynamics of the population using the stochastic simulation software VORTEX The predictions of the theoretical population models are compared to observed changes in occupancy levels.We found that non-intervention resulted in the local extinction of Baird's tapir within a very short time fiame,but that various in-tervention models enabled the population to recover to near carrying capacity.Occupancy and extinction prob-ability were shown to respond marlkedly to the increase in hunting pressure;and occupancy models supported the fiuture population predictions generated by VORTEX.Our study suggests that immediate intervention is re-quired to reduce hunting pressure to near historical levels to prevent the imminent 1ocal extinction of the species.
文摘As well as being of global cultural importance(from local tribal folklore to being an iconic species for conservation),the tapir plays an important role in its ecosystem as a herbivore and seed disperser.However,the ecology and ethnozoology of the endangered Baird’s tapir in the north of Oaxaca,Mexico is poorly understood.We used camera traps to estimate its relative abundance and density and to describe the activity patterns of the northernmost population of Baird’s tapir in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca.Local knowledge concerning the tapir was also documented,along with the conservation strategies undertaken by the 2 indigenous communities that own the land where the study site is located.Only adult tapirs were photographed,and these were active 14 h per day,but were mainly nocturnal and crepuscular.The estimated relative abundance(12.99±2.24 events/1000 camera days)and density values(0.07-0.24 individuals/km2)were both similar to those found in another site in Mexico located within a protected area.Semi-structured interviews revealed that people have a basic understanding of the eating habits,activity and main predators of the tapir.There were reports of hunting,although not among those respondents who regularly consume bush meat.Thus,the relative abundance and density estimates of tapir at the study site could be related to the favorable condition of the forest and the absence of hunting and consumption of tapir meat.Fortunately,the local people are conducting initiatives promoting the conservation of this ungulate and its habitat that combine to constitute a regional trend of habitat and wildlife protection.
文摘Baird’s tapir(Tapirus bairdii)is currently endangered throughout its neotropical range with an expected popula--lished in Valle del Silencio within Parque Internacional La Amistad(PILA).Seventy-seven tapir pictures of 15 individuals comprising 25 capture-recapture events were analyzed using mark-recapture techniques.The 100%minimum convex polygon of the sampled area was 5.7 km2 and the effective sampled area using half mean max-imum distances moved by tapirs was 7.16 km2.We estimated a tapir density of 2.93 individuals/km2 which rep-resents the highest density reported for this species.Intermountain valleys can represent unique and important habitats for large mammal species.However,the extent of isolation of this population,potentially constrained by steep slopes of the cordillera,remains unknown.Further genetic and movement studies are required to un-derstand meta-population dynamics and connectivity between lowland and highland areas for Baird’s tapir con-servation in Costa Rica.
基金funded by the TRF/BIOTEC Special Program for Biodiversity Research and Training grant BRT-R353008 and BRT-R346001.
文摘Southeast Asia’s tropical forests suffer the highest rates of deforestation and disturbance of any on Earth,with poorly understood impacts on native fauna.Asian tapirs(Tapirus indicus)are among the least studied of the large mammals in these forests.Using records from 9 camera trap surveys in 7 of the largest(>1000 km2)pro-tected area complexes,we assessed the influence of environmental variation and human-induced disturbance on tapir occurrence.Tapirs were detected at 13%of locations sampled,significantly associated with evergreen for-est(P<0.001).A multiple logistic regression model predicted tapir presence 87%of the time.According to this model,tapir occurrence was positively influenced by annual rainfall and proximity to the forest edge.Howev-er,tapirs may not avoid edges but instead prefer wetter evergreen forest,a habitat type that tended to occur fur-ther from the forest edge at higher elevations in our particular study sites(P<0.001).By comparison,4 other wild ungulate species that share habitats with tapirs showed a range of differing responses.Tapirs are expect-ed to be less sensitive to disturbance because they are not targets for hunting and trade,and are almost entire-ly active at night,so avoid peak traffic periods in parks.Tapir populations in Thailand may be more stable than in other parts of their global range because rates of forest loss have decreased>40%over the past 20 years.We recommend surveys to fill gaps in the understanding of the status in lesser-known protected areas,research to better understand the fine-scale environmental influences on behavior and habitats of tapirs,and other forest un-gulates,and continued legal status for tapirs in the highest category of protection.
文摘The Baird’s tapir(Tapirus bairdii)is a popular game species throughout Central America,particularly among in-digenous populations,and is currently endangered.Research on Miskitu hunting was conducted over 4 months in a remote region in northeastern Honduras that overlaps with the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve.The hunting zone was mapped together with hunters and interviews were conducted with elders and other community mem-bers about tapir hunting.Results show that tapir harvesting is targeted toward specific habitats at specific times of year.Harvest rates for one year suggest that tapir hunting in the area exceeds estimates of maximum sustain-able production.Nevertheless,field surveys reveal the presence of tapir within 1 km of the community,and its harvest tends to be nearby,in both forested and agricultural landscapes,suggesting that the animal has not been depleted in the area.It appears that the existence of forest areas adjacent to the hunting zone that do not experi-ence hunting,together with the anthropogenic habitats created through shifting cultivation,are factors that help explain the presence of tapirs in the area.The article concludes with a discussion regarding the potential posi-tive role of indigenous hunters in tapir conservation throughout its distribution range.
