Historic Comeback for South American Tapir in Brazil

The South American tapir, once believed extinct in Brazil's coastal Atlantic Forest for over a century, has made a significant return, according to researchers at the State Institute of Environment in Rio de Janeiro. Hidden trail cameras captured footage of a female tapir and her calves in Cunhambebe State Park, a conservation area established in 2008.

The tapir, known for its vital role in seed dispersion and forest ecology, had not been seen in the Costa Verde region since 1914 due to habitat loss from hunting, urbanization, and deforestation. The presence of these animals is being hailed as evidence of the effectiveness of conservation efforts and protected areas, as they offer a sanctuary for endangered species.

A spokesperson from the State Institute noted that the Cunhambebe State Park facilitates essential ecological processes, including population control and genetic flow among species. This successful recolonization underscores the critical importance of biodiversity and conservation initiatives in maintaining healthy ecosystems, which directly benefit human communities through services such as food production and climate regulation.